boat cruises kimberley coast

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Forged by nature and spanning more than 400,000 square kilometres, Australia's world-famous Kimberley Coast features a treasure trove of towering, fractured iron-tinged red cliffs, torrential waterfalls, azure waters, hidden coves and caves, secluded white sand beaches perfect for expedition cruising. Explore magnificent reefs and encounter rare and endangered wildlife; experience indigenous customs, rock art and connections to ancient lands; and discover the area's rich history on a Kimberley cruise with Heritage Expeditions.

Best explored by expedition vessel, Kimberley cruises aboard the luxurious Heritage Adventurer allow an up close and intimate exploration and immersion of this rugged wilderness where guests are dwarfed by nature on an unfathomable scale.

Led by a team of on board experts and local guides, our authentic expedition cruises along the Kimberley coast have been carefully curated to showcase the Kimberley's finest including ancient Aboriginal rock art; natural wonders Horizontal Falls, Montgomery and Ashmore Reef and King George Falls; World War II history at Vansittart Bay; early explorer history at Colonial Bay; the Lacepede and Bigge Islands and more. Travel is aboard our luxurious 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer which gives guests the option to experience this incredible landscape ship cruising poolside, on one of the many outdoor decks and in the Observation Lounge, by fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensuring no guest is left on board, and by foot on special landings. We hope you will join us aboard Heritage Adventurer on an in-depth expedition cruise of Australia's Kimberley coastline and islands as we discover its unspoiled nature, primeval wilderness and cultural treasures.

Discover an ancient landscape like no other on a bucket list, intimate expedition cruise of the untouched beauty of Australia's iconic Kimberley coast.

Plan your Kimberley tour today. Questions or ready to book your Kimberley voyage? Please contact us today or call toll free and speak with a Kimberley Travel Specialist.

Further reading

Australia expeditions, kimberley explorer: expedition cruising australia's iconic kimberley coast 20% off selected cabins.

Join pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions on a thrilling in-depth exploration of Australia's world-famous Kimberley Coast, one of the world's most pristine and untouched wildernesses, aboard our luxurious, 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer.

21 Aug 2024 27 Jun 2025, 12 Aug 2025, 22 Aug 2025

Seabirds & Cetaceans of Australasia: An Epic East Coast Pelagic

Sail remote, uncharted Australian waters in the search for rare and elusive pelagic seabirds and cetaceans on this 9-day birding cruise passing Chesterfield Reefs, through the deep waters of the Coral Sea south to the edge of the Southern Ocean, all locations of an astounding diversity of seabirds.

15 Nov 2024

Our ship: Heritage Adventurer

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• DESTINATIONS

• NEW ZEALAND
• SOUTH PACIFIC
• SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS
• Capain’s Log

• APT LE LAPEROUSE CRUISE
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• DIVERSITY II
• DIVERSITY III
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• LE LAPEROUSE
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• PASPALEY PEARL COMING SOON!!!
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• GREAT SOUTHERN
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• BROOME COASTAL & CULTURAL TOUR
• BUNGLE BUNGLE COMPLETE
• ESSENCE OF THE KIMBERLEY
• KIMBERLEY COMPLETE TOUR
• KIMBERLEY COMPLETE & LAKE ARGYLE
• KIMBERLEY & TOP END TOURS
• AYERS ROCK TO ALICE SPRINGS TRANSFER
• ALICE SPRINGS TO AYERS ROCK TRANSFER
• AYERS ROCK TO KINGS CANYON TRANSFER
• KINGS CANYON TO AYERS ROCK TRANSFER
• KINGS CANYON RESORT TO ALICE TRANSFER
• BEST OF ALICE SPRINGS
• KINGS CANYON & OUTBACK PANORAMAS
• ULURU SUNRISE & KATA TJUTA
• BROOME TOWN SCENIC TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY COMPLETE TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY AND TOP END TOUR
• APT ESSENCE OF THE KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• BROOME TO DARWIN LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• BROOME ABORIGINAL TOUR
• BROOME TOWN TOURS
• BROOME – FOOD & DRINKS TOURS
• BROOME – 3 in 1 TOURS
• BROOME WHALE WATCHING
• CROCODILE PARK
• DAY CRUISE ex BROOME
• FLAVOURS OF BROOME
• HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE ADVENTURES
• MATSOS BREWERY
• KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOURS NEW!!!
• MITCHELL FALLS EXPLORER TOUR
• ROEBUCK BAY TOURS
• ROMANTIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
• ROWLEY SHOALS FISHING
• SEAFOOD TOUR
• ORCAELLA BROOME SNUBFIN DOLPHIN TOUR
• BROOME SNUBFIN DOLPHIN TOUR ON CONTESSA C
• WILLIE CREEK PEARL FARM
• APT -BUNGLE BUNGLES
• AVIAIR ADVENTURER
• BROOME TO BUNGLES 4WD TOUR
• BUNGLE BUNGLE DAY TOUR
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AIR ADVENTURE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE STAYOVER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE & LAKE ARGYLE – SEAPLANE
• BLUE TEAM CAMELS
• RED SUN CAMELS
• YELLOW TEAM CAMELS
• GIANT TIDES
• GORGEOUS GORGES
• INCREDIBLE ISLANDS
• HORIZONTAL FALLS AND CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT PACKAGE
• CYGNET BAY EXPLORER FLIGHT
• CYGNET BAY – DAY CRUISE NEW
• CYGNET BAY SAFARI
• CYGNET BAY PEARL FARM TOUR
• CYGNET BAY ADVENTURE SAFARI
• CYGNET BAY TO HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE
• CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT HORIZONTAL FALLS CRUISE
• CYGNET BAY FLIGHT & BOAT
• DAMPIER PENINSULA & ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES
• DARWIN TO BROOME LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• DARWIN DINNER CRUISE
• DARWIN – FISHING
• DARWIN SHORT BREAKS
• GAZE AND GRAZE SUNSET CRUISE
• DARWIN – SHORT BREAKS
• GOURMET WALKING FOOD TOURS
• HISTORY WARTIME TOURS
• TIWI ISLAND ABORIGINAL TOUR
• DINOSAUR ADVENTURE CRUISE
• PREHISTORIC CRUISE
• GREAT ESCAPE 5 DAYS FISHING TOUR
• BROOME DAY FISHING
• BROOME HALF DAY
• DARWIN – FISHING CHARTERS
• HELIFISHING
• MUD CRABBING

ROWLEY SHOALS

• HORIZONTAL FALLS AND CYGNET BAY OVERNIGHT PACKAGE NEW
• BUCCANEER EXPLORER
• WILDERNESS SAFARI
• DAY CRUISES – HORIZONTAL FALLS
• FLY BROOME HORIZONTAL
• HORIZONTAL DISCOVERER
• HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• HELICOPTER SCENIC FLIGHT
• SUNDAY ISLANDS TOUR
• KAKADU TOURS
• KIMBERLEY DAY CRUISE New!
• 2 NIGHT GETAWAY
• 4 NIGHT GETAWAY
• APT BUNGLE BUNGLE EXPLORER TOUR
• APT BUNGLE BUNGLE COMPLETE TOUR
• APT KIMBERLEY EXPRESS TOUR
• GREAT ESCAPE FISHING TOUR
• KIMBERLEY QUEST SHORT KIMBERLEY CRUISE
• DIVERSITY II KIMBERLEY SHORT CRUISE
• APT – BUNGLE BUNGLES
• ORD RIVER LUNCH CRUISE (J2)
• ORD RIVER SUNSET CRUISE (J3)
• BEST OF LAKE ARGYLE – ex KUNUNURRA
• BEST OF LAKE ARGYLE – ex LAKE ARGYLE
• LAKE ARGYLE SEAPLANE SUNSET DRINKS TOUR
• LAKE ARGYLE SUNSET CRUISE – Ex KUNUNURRA
• LAKE ARGYLE SUNSET CRUISE – Ex LAKE ARGYLE
• LAKE ARGYLE MORNING CRUISE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE & LAKE ARGYLE ISLAND TOUR
• LITCHFIELD PARK WATERFALL TOUR
• CUNARD LUXURY KIMBERLEY
• HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS KIMBERLEY CRUISES
• PONANT NORTHERN KIMBERLEY
• PONANT SOLAR ECLIPSE 2023
• PONANT SOUTHERN KIMBERLEY
• PONANT BROOME TO DARWIN LUXURY KIMBERLEY CRUISE
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• SCENIC DARWIN TO BROOME KIMBERLEY
• SEABOURN KIMBERLEY BROOME TO DARWIN
• SEABOURN KIMBERLEY CRUISE DARWIN TO BROOME
• SILVERSEA DARWIN TO BROOME
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• MITCHELL FALLS COASTAL ADVENTURE
• MITCHELL FALLS DISCOVERER
• MITCHELL FALLS HIKE ADVENTURE
• MITCHELL FALLS SCENIC ex BROOME
• MITCHELL FALLS ULTIMATE
• MONTGOMERY REEF & HORIZONTALFALLS
• MUD-CRABBING
• ORD RIVER WITH LUNCH (J2)
• ORD RIVER DISCOVERER – SUNSET (J3)
• ORD RIVER EXPLORER – SUNSET (J4)
• OUTBACK SPIRIT TOURS
• PASPALEY PEARL FARM TOUR
• WILLIE CREEK PARL FARM
• BROOME ECO CRUISE
• ROEBUCK BAY CRUISE
• SCENIC AND PREHISTORIC CRUISE
• WWII PLANE WRECK TOUR
• CYGNET BAY TO HORIZONTAL FALLS SEAPLANE TOUR
• HALF DAY – EX BROOME
• FULL DAY TOUR – Ex BROOME
• HALF DAY – Ex DERBY
• LUXURY 24 HOUR STAY – EX DERBY
• OVERNIGHT TOUR – EX DERBY
• 1000 ISLANDS TOUR – EX BROOME
• APT – BUNGLE BUNGLE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AEROPLANE & HELICOPTER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE EXPLORER TOUR
• BUNGLE ADVENTURER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE ADVENTURER TOUR + HELICOPTER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE (2HR)
• BUNGLE BUNGLE & LAKE ARGYLE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE SAFARI ADVENTURE OVERNIGHT TOUR
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• BUNGLE BUNGLE AND LAKE ARGYLE
• BUNGLE BUNGLE AND ORD RIVER
• BUNGLE BUNGLE ADVENTURE SAFARI TOUR
• MITCHELL FALLS SCENIC FLIGHT
• MITCHELL FALLS FLIGHT ex BROOME
• BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
• DAY CRUISE – HORIZONTAL FALLS
• DAY BOAT TOUR – ex CYGNET BAY New!
• FLY HORIZONTAL
• INCREDIBLE ISLAND FLIGHT
• HORIZONTAL FALLS DISCOVERER
• HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS
• KIMBERLEY DAY CRUISE
• SEAPLANE ADVENTURE (FULL & HALF DAY)
• SUNDAY ISLAND TOUR
• HELICOPTER HORIZONTAL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
• HELICOPTER HORIZONTAL FALLS DISCOVERER TOUR
• HELICOPTER PEARL FARM TOUR
• MITCHELL FALLS HIKE & HELI ADVENTURE
• MONTGOMERY REEF TOURS
• ROMANTIC HELICOPTER PICNIC
• KING GEORGE FALLS ADVENTURE
• STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
• BALLENA – SUNSET SAIL CRUISE
• DINNER CRUISE – BROOME SUNSET
• ORCAELLA – SUNSET CRUISE
• PEARL LUGGER CRUISE
• WHALE WATCHING SUNSET
• TOP END TOURS
• KATA TIJUTA SUNSET
• KINGS CANYON & PANORAMAS
• ULURU SUNSET & SITES
• ULURU SUNSET BBQ TOUR
• ULURU SUNRISE & FIELD OF LIGHTS
• BALLENA SUNSET SAIL
• MORNING WHALE WATCH TOUR
• AFTERNOON WHALE WATCH TOUR
• BROOME TO BUNGLES TOUR
• KIMBERLEY FAMILY SAFARI
• SAL SALIS DELUXE CAMPING
• WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
• CORAL EXPEDITIONS DEALS
• DIVERSITY CHARTERS DEALS
• KIMBERLEY SPECIAL OFFERS NEW!
• PONANT CRUISE DEALS
• SEABOURN CRUISE DEALS
• SCENIC KIMBERLEY CRUISES
• SOLO TRAVELLER DEALS
• 15 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• 12 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• 8 DAY KIMBERLEY CAMPING TOUR
• GIFT VOUCHERS
• PHOTO GALLERY

KIMBERLEY BOAT CRUISES

The kimberley cruise experts, kimberley boat cruises is a kimberley cruise booking specialist that is owned by bluesun travel. we are the number one boat booking agency in wa and the only company to be afta/atas accredited by the australian federation of travel agents. we are proud to offer the best choice of kimberley cruises anywhere., 1300 799 758, exclusive bonuses when booking your
 kimberley cruise, available exclusively for our clients receive a total of 2 x nights free accommodation* per luxury cruise booking with kimberley boat cruises, * accommodation vouchers are valued at up to $250 per night for hotel accommodation booked through bluesun travel only. simply book a cruise itinerary of 7 nights or more on one of our kimberley vessels to be eligible. not valid in conjunction with other special bonuses and special offers. call or email our friendly reservation team for full details. call 1300 799 758.  all offers are subject to availability and minimum stay requirements and may be withdrawn without notice., check out our latest cruise deals.

Welcome to Kimberley Boat Cruises , a divison of BlueSun Travel and Australia's number one charter boat booking agency. 

As the name implies, we are a Kimberley cruise and marine tourism specialist. We work with every charter boat vessel and cruise ship that operates on the Kimberley Coast and we have done this this for nearly twenty years.

Since 2004, we have helped book over 300,000 passengers on boats. More importantly, our experience actually comes from first-hand knowledge working with Kimberley cruise vessels, talking to passengers, listening to crew and assisting skippers. We are not a computerised booking engine that is based offshore. Nor do we just read off brochures. To the contrary, we are the best agency and proud to call Australia home.

Kimberley Boat Cruises is famous for having the most exciting, exclusive and luxurious Kimberley cruises in Western Australia. Our mission is to give you a trip of a lifetime by being with you every step of the way from the moment you make that first call, until you are safely back home. On top of this, we make every effort to give you the best Kimberley cruise prices. 

As you can see, we have the largest selection of Kimberley cruise vessels in Australia.  

KIMBERLEY BOAT CRUISE DEALS

All the best  Kimberley Cruise Deals  are here because BlueSun Travel is Australia’s premier expedition cruise company. As such, you can enjoy comfort and luxury on all our Cruises.  

Kimberley Boat Cruises has something for everyone. That is because our range of boats extends from luxury Kimberley cruise ships, to expedition vessels and sailing boats. 

Click here for the latest and best Kimberley Cruise Deals .

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Kimberley cruise experts.

When it comes to West Australian cruising, BlueSun Travel are  Kimberley Cruise Experts . Additionally, we lead the way with  Kimberley Cruises because we have influence:

• BlueSun Travel  has  access to over 650 cruise ships worldwide, including ocean cruises, river cruises, tall ships, canal barges and specialty cruises.
• BlueSun Travel  provides holiday deals to multiple destinations like Bali, Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia.
• Galapagos Boat Cruises  is Australia’s preferred choice for booking Galapagos Islands cruises.
• Best Honeymoon Packages  – the best resource for planning honeymoon holidays and romantic getaways. 
• Bluesun is the only fully accredited charter boat and cruise specialist with the  Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) , the  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
• BlueSun2  was one of the five finalists for the prestigious 2012  Telstra Business Awards  (selected out of 5,000 companies in Australia).

Finally, at Kimberley Boat Cruises, we care about the little details. We have literally helped thousands of cruise customers. 

Call  1300 799 758  and start planning the Kimberley cruise holiday you deserve. 

We are available to chat seven days a week!

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15 Kimberley cruises to experience for the adventure of a lifetime

Leah McLennan

Travel Journalist

18 October 2023

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Cruising in the Kimberley serves up eye-popping beauty at every turn.

A rarely visited, ancient and pristine coastline, this slice of Western Australia is often referred to as one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. It’s a wonderland of secret waterfalls, rare birds and confetti-like islands.

Accessible by boat from Broome, Wyndham (via Kununurra) Darwin and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula, the epic journey is worth the effort . Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated atmosphere with butler service or an action-packed activity focused itinerary , there are a bunch of excellent Kimberley cruises out there.

1. The Great Escape Charter Company

Family-owned and run,  The Great Escape Charter Company  has a custom-built 26-metre luxury catamaran, MV Great Escape , which caters to just 14 lucky guests across seven stylish staterooms.

Sail by the majestic falls of the Kimberley with The Great Escape Charter Company.

Each suite has a queen bed, real-time TV, personal fridges and private bathroom. Importantly, a helicopter sits on the deck, providing access to those hard-to-reach places. On board you’ll find fine dining, a spa on the front deck, wi-fi and seven friendly crew members.

Settle into one of the cosy cabins.

2. True North

Highly regarded True North crafts itineraries with the goal of being “life changing” for guests. The family-owned company has two vessels that are purpose-built for the Kimberley and can journey to the upper reaches of shallow river systems.

Cruise the Kimberley with the highly regarded True North.

True North hosts 36 guests, while True North II whisks away 22 folks. Multiple adventure boats take guests in small groups to experience wilderness up close, and a helicopter helps explorers investigate hard-to-reach corners.

Get whisked off to the remote coastal wonders of the Kimberley like King George Falls. (Image: True North/ Tourism Australia)

Rooms feature king-sized, queen or twin single beds, original artwork, small fridges, private bathrooms with twin basins and TVs. Choose from shorter, seven-day cruises, longer 13-day events or specialist expeditions focusing on coast and coral.

True North Cabins can fit solo, duo or group cruisers.

3. Silversea Cruises

Embarking from either Broome or Darwin, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud delivers the ultimate big boat luxury experience over 10 days. For the 200 passengers on board, all suites have butler service and ocean views. Twenty zodiac boats ferry guests to fishing spots and narrow waterways. Helicopter excursions to the four-tiered Mitchell Falls can be arranged, and historians, naturalists and geologists travel on board.

Make yourself at home in the luxurious cabins.

In between adventures, dine at one of the four restaurants or head to the fitness centre, beauty spa, photo studio or the lounge dedicated to cognac and cigars.

Scenic’s luxurious Scenic Eclipse II hosts 228 guests and offers 10 dining experiences, a beauty spa, state-of-the-art theatre, a large oval-shaped pool (swim jets allow you to swim “laps”) and butler service (relax, they’ll guide you through the pillow menu). Choose from eight cabin types, including the opulent spa suites with four-poster king beds, jacuzzi overlooking the private verandah, and oversized steam shower. If you need more space, snap up the 247-square metre two-bedroom penthouse suite.

Take advantage of the vitality pool onboard Scenic Eclipse II.

Helicopters and zodiac rides are at your fingertips, as is French champagne, on this 11-day itinerary from Darwin to Broome (or vice versa) that includes stops at the remote Buccaneer Archipelago and the Lacepede Islands.

5. Kimberley Expeditions

Step on board the 36-guest Reef Prince and find yourself cruising through towering gorges, zipping ‘down river’ in the excursion tenders and sneaking into secluded bays.

With a focus on affordability for guests, Kimberley Expeditions offers action-packed 11-day cruises from Broome to Darwin (and vice versa). All cabins have ensuites and either queen-sized, double, or twin single beds. With plenty of fishing equipment on board, guests often are treated to fresh Spanish mackerel, golden snapper and mudcrab for dinner.

6. Coral Expeditions

From humble beginnings on the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago, Coral Expeditions has taken its unique style of Australian expedition cruising to the far-flung lands of the Kimberley, Tasmania , Papua New Guinea and more.

Venture across the majestic Hunter River onboard Coral Expeditions.

Join a 10-night cruise from Darwin or Broome and jump on board either the 72-guest Coral Discoverer  or the larger vessels, Coral Adventurer and  Coral Geographer , which both welcome 120 guests.

Take in incredible sunset views en route to the Kimberley.

Discover the reefs, coastline and remote gorges by zodiac or glass-bottom boat, plus step ashore to explore remote locations. For down time, enjoy the spacious suites, restaurants, bars, library and daily lecture program.

Montgomery Reef is a popular cruise destination in the Kimberley.

Indulge your Gallic side in the Kimberley with French cruise operator Ponant , which has over 35 years of experience in luxury small ship cruising. Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse or Le Jacques Cartier, each with 92 chic staterooms and suites, a pool, several bar areas, plus The Blue Eye, a lounge located below the waterline offering undersea views.

Luxurious Hermes bath products, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and macaroons are some of the unique offerings provided to guests on board Ponant. Spend your days exploring ancient walking trails and watching the region’s most incredible wildlife before returning to the ship for massage treatments, lectures by naturalists and to relax in the library. Cruises can be booked via Aptouring.

Set sail aboard Le Lapérouse. (Image: Studio Ponant Laure Patricot)

8. Seabourn

Those looking for a cruise line that sails to all seven continents will find that with Seabourn . The suites aboard Seabourn ships feature queen-size beds, an extra-large walk-in closet, an ocean view, and a dining area.   

Seabourn offers 10-day sailings between Broome and Darwin on the luxe Seabourn Pursuit . You’ll be joined by a team of world-renowned scientists, historians and naturalists and the expedition team will whisk you away on zodiac trips to wonders like the Horizontal Falls and Turtle Reef, home to dugongs, crocs and other sea creatures.

9. Heritage Expeditions

Join New Zealand’s family-owned and operated cruise company, Heritage Expeditions , for a Kimberley cruise aboard the luxury 140-guest Heritage Adventurer . Purpose-built for adventure, the ship is perfect for navigating the Kimberley’s intricate coast, islands and harbours and has a full fleet of zodiacs for excursions to secluded white sand beaches and remote bays.

Indulge in an awe-inducing Observation Lounge with a library and bar, or relax in the saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Savour gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants and settle into your spacious suite each night.

10. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures

If you don’t have a week or two to spare, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures  may be your best bet for an overnight adventure. Depart from Broome or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula on a seaplane and take a thrilling low-level flight over the heart of Horizontal Falls, before landing on the water where you’ll then transfer to a power boat.

Have barramundi for dinner, snorkel in the marine viewing platform, and stay overnight on the 10-room Jetwave Pearl . Each room has its own private bathroom, air-con and a comfortable bed.

Go sailing across the spectacular Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

11. Kimberley Quest

Offering intimate small ship cruises, Kimberley Quest operates four-day all the way up to 21-day extended wilderness expeditions along the Kimberley coast, cruising between Broome and Wyndham.

Sail across Montgomery Reef with Kimberley Quest.

Their 25-metre Kimberley Quest II features indoor and outdoor alfresco areas, a spa and gourmet cuisine prepared by an on-board chef. Cruising with just 18 guests translates into a high level of personalised service and attention.

Pass through the wondrous Horizontal Falls.

12. Yotspace

For something even more exclusive, cruise the Kimberley onboard one of Yotspace’s superyacht charters. The 34-metre Akiko hosts just 10 guests across five luxury staterooms each with private ensuites, while the 35-metre Paradise also accommodates 10 lucky adventurers.

Week-long itineraries can be customized, allowing guests to immerse themselves in this remarkable region in peace. In between exploring, you can enjoy the yacht’s outdoor spa, sunset cocktails and the onboard chef’s gourmet creations.

Embark on a luxury Kimberley sailing experience with Yotspace.

13. Discovery One

Discovery One will take you on 10-to-14-night adventures along the pristine Kimberley coast. With just 22 passengers and a crew of six onboard Discovery One , there’s plenty of room for everyone on the 25-metre, four-level steel catamaran.

As for the off-board experiences the activity list is endless, with two tenders taking guests on excursions two to three times a day.

Go rock scrambling to level up your adventure in the Kimberley.

14. Kimberley Pearl Charters

Kimberley Pearl Charters offers seven, 10 and 13-night itineraries that are the perfect mix of adventure, exploration and indulgence.

Immerse yourself in Australia’s last frontier onboard Kimberley Pearl.

The newly renovated Kimberley Pearl boasts six cabins, one on the upper deck, two on the main and three below, all with private bathrooms.

Get ready for the ultimate cruise of a lifetime with Kimberley Pearl Charters.

15. Cygnet Bay

Take a Kimberley one-day cruise from Cygnet Bay , 200 kilometres north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula. Cruise to Talbot Bay and get up close to the Horizontal Falls aboard the luxury purpose-built vessel Ohana.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast and seven-course degustation lunch and of course, a cocktail or two. If you want to stay longer, opt for the “soar, cruise and overnight stay” package.

Take a dreamy day trip cruise from Cygnet Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

For more ways to explore the Kimberley, read our guide to El Questro , choose between these unforgettable Horizontal Falls tours , and tick off these incredible wonders in Purnululu National Park.

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.

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The ultimate guide to visiting Horizontal Falls

A unique natural phenomenon in the striking Kimberleys, Horizontal Falls is an underrated Australian wonder. No photos can do justice to Horizontal F...

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14 Day Kimberley Cruise

The Ultimate wilderness cruise

This is the ultimate wilderness cruise along the whole Kimberley coast.  Cruising between Broome and Wyndham, this adventure really does have it all:

Witness amazing Kimberley icons such as the King George Falls, Berkeley River, Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Falls to name a few.  Enjoy refreshing swims in fresh water holes, explore historical Aboriginal art sites, fish for the elusive Barramundi plus many other fish species and view the majestic gorges.

This cruise operates just after the wet season when the waterfalls are spectacular!

Keepsakes or memories?

What could be better to take home than the memories of an unforgettable experience? When you explore the Kimberley region with Kimberley Quest, that’s exactly what you’ll get. This landscape is truly unique and will take your breath away. Our 14 Day Ultimate Quest visits the highlights and icons of both the northern and southern Kimberley – it’s the complete package! Join us as we visit the most remarkable and beautiful of these locations, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will make memories to last you a lifetime.

Considering a shorter cruise?

If you are looking for something shorter, why not check out our  10 Day Kimberley cruise ?

Beyond Adventure

Ultimate Quest

Adventure Quest

Southern Quest

Northern Quest

Taste of the Kimberley

Fishing Expeditions

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True North / True North II , Luxury Kimberley Cruise

13 Night Kimberley Ultimate Wyndham to Broome

Wyndham – Broome Itinerary

For 30 years the TRUE NORTH’s flagship adventure has been the Kimberley Ultimate!

The Ultimate is simply two weeks of lavish indulgence.

All of the Kimberley coast’s iconic attractions are included plus much, much, more and, all is enjoyed at a leisurely pace that ends with guests frequently remarking “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!” If you want not one heli-picnic but two – if you want more time for exploring, more time for fishing and, twice as many mouth-watering dining experiences – then the Kimberley Ultimate is the right TRUE NORTH adventure for you!

Please note: This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually.

Night One – Welcome Aboard

Join our coach transfer in Kununurra – your “welcome aboard” the magnificent TRUE NORTH will be in the frontier town of Wyndham. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1830. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight cruise to the King George River.

Day One The King George Falls

As soon as the tide is high enough, we’ll cross the sand bar at the mouth of the mighty King George to reveal a breathtaking river vista. Our journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’ – The King George Falls. Here we anchor at the base of the Twin Falls and you will find endless places to explore. Take the helicopter to the top of the falls for a Kimberley highlight. In the afternoon learn about the history of the wreck of the Koolama and take a stroll at Tranquil Bay.

Day Two – The Drysdale

Explore the Drysdale and catch one of our favourite fish, the impressive mangrove jack! The adventure boats will then head “up-river” for scones and billy tea – a signature TRUE NORTH experience! There will also be an opportunity to indulge in some beachcombing and, in the afternoon the ship’s helicopter will visit the remote community of Kalumburu.

Day Three – Eagle Falls

Today you will see the “Bradshaws” – ancient rock art that pre-dates other examples of Aboriginal culture. In fact, they are possibly the oldest ‘paintings’ known to man. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’ – a breathtaking helicopter flight and, the TRUE NORTH’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall! Vansittart Bay also has a reputation for producing monster mackerel and the adventure boats will also be busy exploring the local beaches and creeks.

Day Four The Mitchel River

The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs! The adventure boats will head up river to scenic Surveyors Creek – a great place for a swim (no crocs here!) The fishermen will again join the hunt for the elusive barramundi and there will be more opportunities for helicopter flights over ancient land including the spectacular Mitchell Falls!

Then join us for our pearl and diamond party! Enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst trying on exquisite pieces created by the artistes at Allure, Jewels of the Kimberley and Kimberley Fine Diamonds.

Day Five – Swift Bay

Wake up in the stunning turquoise waters of Swift Bay. No time to dally – after an early morning breakfast it’s time to join the ‘hunt for the black-lip oyster’. In fact – their much-talked about proportions render them not hard to find at all! Savour their unique taste direct from the rock – aside from some freshly squeezed lemon, you can’t get much more a la naturale than that! There are also some excellent examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art nearby and the waters are alive with light game species such as queenfish, giant trevally and mackerel. Join the crew for a walk through a rock art gallery, followed by sunset drinks on the picturesque Winyalkin Island. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres from our chefs and watch the sun descend on another action packed day in the Kimberley!

Day Six – The Roe River

The Roe River – another great opportunity to catch a barra as we explore a river that boasts one of the highest crocodile counts in the Kimberley! The Roe was named after the first Surveyor-General of Western Australia – John Septimus Roe conducted numerous expeditions along the Kimberley coast between 1829 and 1849 and the ship’s helicopter will dramatically demonstrate the maze of creeks and endless coast that the early explorers encountered! In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick Harbour to visit a Wandjina art site on the aptly named Art Island! And the heli will be available to perch on one of the Kimberley’s highest peaks – sunset over Prince Frederick Harbour (accompanied by cheese and bubbles no doubt!)

Day Seven – The Hunter River

Wake this morning in the magnificent Hunter River. The Hunter is about as far away as you can get in Australia – a stunning river system that is lined with dense mangrove forests and surrounded by rainforest encrusted mountains. And, the Hunter has it all – fishing, mud-crabbing, bird-watching and simply exploring “where few have been before!” Join one of our adventure boats for a closer look, it’s only a short hike, enjoy a challenging hike to Jackson Falls and, there’s even more splendour from the helicopter! In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick harbour and enjoy sunset drinks on picturesque Crystal Beach, enjoy some delicious hors d’oeuvres and watch the sun descend on another action packed day in the Kimberley!

Day Eight – The Prince Regent

In the heart of the Kimberley lies the mighty Prince Regent! The scenery will astound and there will be some ‘not to be missed’ fishing action as the TRUE NORTH graces this majestic river!

At King Cascade we will manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget – our chefs will prepare more of their destination-inspired dishes alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth! The helicopter will also be popular when the first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park! Then we’ll re-join the TRUE NORTH for an overnight anchorage off Camp Creek.

Day Nine – Champagne Sunrise

The early-risers will be treated to a heli-flight with a difference – a champagne sunrise on the top of a mountain! The sightseeing tenders will explore Camp Creek before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget – our chefs will prepare more of their destination-inspired dishes alongside a crystal-clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth! The helicopter will take to the skies once again, this time to land at several remote rock art sites. Accessible only by helicopter, these ancient art galleries will simply leave you in awe.

Day Ten – Montgomery Reef

Start the day with some more hot fishing action – this time at “Three Ways”. Join crew and guests alike for a moderate walk to Ruby Falls and be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the large natural rock pool. Enjoy lunch as we weigh anchor and set sail for another Kimberley icon – Montgomery Reef! Montgomery is a unique ecosystem that must be seen to be believed – and see it you will – as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right before your very eyes! Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, crocodiles and every imaginable sea creature abound and the helicopter puts all in perspective!

Day Eleven – Kingfisher Islands

The adventure boats will be away early for another ‘crack at the fish!’ Trolling around the Kingfisher Islands reliably produces hefty pelagics such as armwrenching trevally and lure smashing mackerel. A couple of good-sized ‘goldies’ and some leaping queenfish will add to the sashimi menu! The keen anglers will take-off on a heli fishing adventure to a secret-spot where the fresh meets the salt and as the day comes to an end, make your way to the bar lounge for cocktail hour before another unique dining experience.

Day Twelve – Horizontal Falls

It’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to another Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience! Take a refreshing swim and then walk on the squeaky white sands of Silica Beach. Or join one of the adventure boats on a sightseeing expedition to Whirlpool Pass, another demonstration of the Kimberley’s powerful tides.

All too soon your adventure on the TRUE NORTH is coming to an end – enjoy a farewell dinner to remember as the TRUE NORTH glides past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands, Cape Leveque and down the Dampier Peninsula to Broome!

Day Thirteen – Transfer to Broome

Our arrival in Broome is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting flights and the crew will already be looking forward to their next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!

The  itinerary provided is an indication of what destinations are usually visited and activities are usually on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

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Kimberley Coast Cruises

Cruising the Kimberley coast is the ultimate bucket list experience and can be personalised to complement every other element of your holiday. A Kimberley coastal cruise delivers a dreamlike experience that will see you charting one of the world’s most remote and dramatic coastlines.

Kimberley Coastal Cruises

You’ll visit pristine beaches, explore hidden bays, swim beneath cascading falls, and relax on pristine white-sand beaches. With many vessels carrying their own helicopter, fishing equipment, qualified chef, and luxuriously-appointed cabins; and cruises lasting from several nights to several weeks, you only need to decide how long you want to live the dream.

Contact us now to personalise your itinerary and get your Kimberley adventure started!

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Freshwater Apartments

Kununurra's newest and only 4.5 Star accommodation

The Ultimate Kimberley Heli Pub Experience

Visit some of the most iconic places in the East Kimberley on a heli pub experience from Kununurra.

RedSands Campers

Our mission is to provide Australia’s premium quality 4WD campers, allowing our clients to experience their ultimate self-drive adventure

True North - Kimberley Snapshot Cruise (7-nights)

7-night flagship Kimberley Ultimate itinerary with True North

True North - Kimberley Waterfalls Cruise (10 Nights)

Experience the emotive beauty that accompanies the end of the wet season.

Mitchell Falls Discoverer

Day tour to the remote Mitchell Falls from Kununurra, enjoy a scenic flight over the Kimberley coast, guided walk to the Mitchell Falls and helicopter transfers.

Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Walk through a landscape 350million years old, then refresh in our pool, replenish with delicious meals and sleep in comfort in a private cabin with ensuite bathroom

Bungle Bungle Adventurer

From an aircraft, Purnululu National Park is an imposing sight. This 2 hour scenic flight takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and Ord River Irrigation Area.

El Questro Homestead

Nestled within the Kimberley’s vast and ancient landscape and hidden amongst burnt-orange cliffs and lush, green lawns sits El Questro Homestead, a pocket of luxurious exclusivity where you’re encouraged to make yourself at home.

Bungle Bungle Flight + Cathedral Gorge & Domes Guided Walk

Bungle Bungle Guided Tours offer a unique experience, providing guided walking tours with an Aboriginal perspective of the world heritage listed Purnululu National Park.

Emma Gorge Resort

Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape of the rocky, red Cockburn Ranges at Emma Gorge and sleep under canvas with the soothing sounds of the local wildlife surrounding you.

El Questro Station

Discovery resorts - lake argyle.

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle made famous for its incredible infinity pool, overlooking Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake. Just a short drive south of Lake Kununurra, accommodation options range from camping sites and powered caravan sites to cabins and villas with breathtaking views!

Bungle Bungle Adventurer and Helicopter

Experience the Bungle Bungle by plane and helicopter, two different perspectives in one day.

Kimberley Coastal Camp

Kimberley Coastal Camp is not your average fishing camp. We like to think of ourselves more as a, “barefoot resort” offering something for everyone.

Bungle Bungle Stayover

Treat yourself and stay the night at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge after a day of touring the magnificent Cathedral Gorge and beehive domes.

Bungle Bungle Flight + Cathedral Gorge, Domes & Echidna Chasm Guided Walk

Experience the best of the Bungle Bungle in one day. Visit Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm, the two most popular highlights of Purnululu National Park.

Bungle Bungle Flight + Cathedral Gorge, Domes & Echidna Chasm Guided Walk + Overnight Stay

Enjoy a full day exploring both ends of Purnululu National Park with an overnight stay at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge.

Bungle Bungle Overnight Explorer

Get the full Bungles experience with 2 days of touring and 1 night at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge.

Bungle Bungle 2 Night Stayover

Enjoy this 3 day adventure with 2 full days of touring and 2 nights staying at the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge

Piccaninny Gorge Heli-hike

Not for the faint hearted, explore this unique Gorge in the heart of the Bungle Bungles

Cathedral Gorge and Domes Guided Walk

Be guided through the beehive domes on the Domes walk and then into Cathedral Gorge with its awe inspiring natural acoustics.

Cathedral Gorge, Domes & Echidna Chasm Guided Walk

Be guided through the beehive domes on the Domes walk, Cathedral Gorge with its awe inspiring natural acoustics and to Echidna Chasm with its towering red walls.

Lake Argyle Sunset Cruise

Sunset cruise on Lake Argyle

Bungle Bungle Domes Special

Get a birds eye view of the famous Beehive Domes by helicopter

Bungle Bungle Domes + Red Rock Gorges

Fly with HeliSpirit on the Original 30 minute Bungle Bungle Helicopter flight.

The Ultimate Bungle Bungle Flight

42 minute helicopter flight over the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungle

Mitchell Falls Helicopter Transfer

View the falls from the air with this 6 minute transfer helicopter flight departing Mitchell Falls

Mitchell Plateau Triple Waterfalls Flight

View the mighty Mitchell Falls, Lower Mitchell Falls and JCR Falls in this amazing 18 minute helicopter flight.

Mitchell Falls Coastal Helicopter Flight

View the beautiful Kimberley Coast on this amazing 48 minute helicopter flight from the Mitchell Falls

Kununurra Snapshot

Discover tropical Kununurra from an eagle's view with a thrilling helicopter flight.

Croc Spotting Helicopter Flight

Fly by helicopter over a region famed for its huge saltwater crocodiles

Ord River Valley + Lake Argyle Helicopter Flight

45 minute helicopter flight following the Ord River up stream to the Ord Top Dam viewing Elephant Rock, Carlton Gorge and the farms of Packsaddle Plains.

Waterfall Scenic Flight

A sensational flight after the rain, see the Carr Boyd Ranges come to life

Waterfall Heli Adventure + Swim

Experience a remote waterfall all to yourself on this heli adventure from Kununurra, land and have a swim.

Discover the Ord Irrigation Scheme

This flight showcases Ord Stage I and II all the way from the Ord Top Dam at Lake Argyle to the expanse of the farms bordering the NT

Private Bungle Bungle + Secret Springs Helicopter Flight

View Lake Argyle and the Bungles by helicopter with a luxury landing at a waterfall for a swim and picnic.

Private Bungle Bungle Helicopter Flight + Cathedral Gorge Guided Walk

Fly by private helicopter to the Bungles and land for a guided walk into Cathedral Gorge and the famous beehive domes.

Private Bungle Bungle Flight + Cathedral Gorge & Echidna Chasm Guided Walk + Overnight

Enjoy a private helicopter flight and guided tour to Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm then relax for the evening around the fire at Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge with fellow travellers.

Kimberley Coast Luxury Helicopter Safari

A 6 day/ 6 night Helicopter Safari. Explore the north intimately, by private helicopter, from Purnululu to Mitchell Falls and the Kimberley coast. Stay at remote luxury lodges, fish in wild rivers, marvel at galleries of ancient rock art. Experience the extraordinary.

Outback Luxury Helicopter Safari

A 6 day, 6 night, unforgettable private helicopter safari exploring the stunning outback, in true style. Enjoy extraordinary views, land on mountain pinnacles to watch the sunset over your favourite cold drink, soar through gorges and touch down to swim in secret springs and waterfalls. Your accommodation is in the region’s best luxury lodges.

Kimberley Coast & NT Luxury Helicopter Safari

A 8 day, 8 night, unforgettable private helicopter safari exploring the stunning Kimberley wilderness and Bullo River Station, in true style. Enjoy extraordinary views, land on mountain pinnacles to watch the sunset over your favourite cold drink, fish in wild rivers, view galleries of the oldest rock art on earth, soar through gorges and touch down to swim in secret springs and waterfalls.

Broome Western Australia - Travel Guide

Broome is a beach resort town in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Along its Indian Ocean coastline, the white sands of 22km-long Cable Beach offer a dramatic backdrop for sunset camel rides.

Mitchell Falls Western Australia - Travel Guide

Mitchell River National Park lies in a remote part of the Kimberley and contains majestic waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art and sites of cultural significance to the Wunambal people.

Kimberley Coast Western Australia - Travel Guide

The Kimberley is Western Australia’s sparsely settled northern region. It’s known for large swaths of wilderness defined by rugged ranges, dramatic gorges, semi-arid savannah and a largely isolated coastline.

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Australia's "REAL KIMBERLEY EXPLORATION"  An   Opal Shell Kimberley Cruise   is all about you and your special holiday. Tell us where and when you want to discover the magic and mysteries of the Kimberley by choosing from our selection of Kimberley cruises and we will endeavour to meet your requirements.   Opal Shell is the perfect ship for your own private charter for 4 to 8 friends scheduled to your interests.  

NEWS FLASH UPDATE 2017

Ron and Barbara and Opal Shell have retired from Kimberley Coast Explorations for the time being after more than 30 years of cruising our Magnificent Kimberley!

Our attentions have turned to our New acquisition, Bluefin of Hamble, a 60 foot Moody Grenadier 183, currently located in Lymington, UK.  We will complete a large refit and plan to discover some remote waters during the 2017 Northern summer: Scotland, Ireland, Greenland and the Baltic are all in our sights. A new page is on its way!

Opal Shell is a Fully Licenced Fishing and Eco Tour Operator

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This is a territory that is two-thirds the size of France and has 38,000 people living in it. Half are aborigines descended from Australia's first inhabitants. These distant ancestors have bestowed a culture and  cave art  with an ongoing sense of mystery. This is a region that you fly over or approach by sea because it is  unspoilt and wild . Red soil, ochre cliffs, feisty inlets, roaring waterfalls, saltwater crocodiles... Welcome to the  Kimberley . 

In the spirit of reconciliation, PONANT acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today

All about cruises The Kimberley Our other destinations

Australia's Iconic Kimberley

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When is the best time to visit the Kimberley?

The Kimberley season runs from April - September, but even within that, there are prime times for certain wildlife, natural phenomena and experiences. Let us help you pick the best time to visit according to your interests...

Highlights - Kimberley

What should you see in the Kimberley? Visit the north-west of Australia to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of this isolated region from the water or air and discover its wild flora & fauna .

Essential - Kimberley

Travel to the Kimberley region and you will experience an unusual adventure in the heart of an unspoilt land. Wild animals, Aboriginal culture, breathtaking landscapes... Below is our useful guide to read before you visit the Kimberley .

Explore Kimberley

Take a closer look at… the Kimberley, the untamed Australian treasure

What should you see in the Kimberley? Visit the north-west of Australia to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of this isolated region from the water or air and discover its wild fauna .

Fly over the Bungle Bungle Range

Wyndham , the northernmost town in the Kimberley region, is a special gateway. This area with fewer than 800 inhabitants makes the ideal starting point for exploring Purnululu National Park . Having been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, it is famous for the Bungle Bungle Range and its ochre and grey striped sandstone domes. There is nothing better than a panoramic flight to admire the beauty of this landscape created by erosion over a period of 20 million years.

Fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago

In the west of the Kimberley, the land seems to break into pieces and slide into the sea. The result is a jagged coastline and no fewer than 800 islands forming the Buccaneer Archipelago , leading to finely cut panoramas. The best way to take in this unique geography is to take to the air. Soaring in a period Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft , the views over this two-billion-year-old terrain are truly amazing. The undulating desert coast gives way to dots of land with red cliffs plunging into sapphire waters. Being so hard to access, this area has found itself protected... The nearest town is half an hour away by plane.

Sail along the King George River

One of the Kimberley's marvels, the King George River is particularly stunning. Travellers turn into real explorers here. Guided by naturalists who are experts in the region, Zodiac® boats sail along the ochre, red, purple, pink and orange rock faces in the heart of 80-metre gorges. In the distance, the twin King George Falls rumble away. They are so vertical it gives you vertigo. The water hurtles down the cliffs. Watching is a hypnotic experience. Time seems to stand still, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the moment.

Discover cave art

With 10% of the Kimberley having been systematically explored by archaeologists, hundreds of thousands of painted motifs in tunnels and on rocky walls have been found and listed. It is believed that some were done 20,000 years ago and are examples of Gwion Gwion cave art . This is characterised by its fine brushstrokes and rare aesthetics which tell us more about how these old civilisations lived. Clothes, food, arms, tools, ceremonies, trade... These precise paintings are a mine of information for researchers. One of the highlights of a trip to the Kimberley is enjoying this art, which is some of the world's oldest.

Enjoy seeing unique tidal phenomena

Water is king at Collier Bay . Gigantic tidal surges have created these unique landscapes, to photographers' delight. These surges can reach over 14 metres in width and are some of the world's biggest. They cause special phenomena, like at Montgomery Reef : the biggest coastal reef on the planet. When the water pulls back, this creates strong currents and little waterfalls. In Talbot Bay , when the tide comes in or goes out, the waves rush into a bottleneck. This water then flows away, creating "horizontal waterfalls" .

Travel to the Kimberley region and you will experience an unusual adventure in the heart of an unspoilt land. Wild animals, aborigine culture, breathtaking landscapes... Below is our useful guide to read before you visit the Kimberley .

Unique features

The saltwater crocodile or estuarine crocodile is the world's biggest reptile. Males can grow to over five metres long and weigh several hundred kilos. These animals mainly live in Oceania, northern Australia and South East Asia.

Australia's aborigine cuisine revolves around bush tucker . This means all the animals and plants in the Australian bush that allow humans to survive in this difficult environment. Kangaroos, emus, seafood, honey, berries, worms, lizards and snakes are foods sought by hunter-gatherers.

Myths and legends

North-west Kimberley is home to magnificent decorated caves representing Wandjina, the powerful rain spirit . Poignantly moving ochre figures and silhouettes enhanced with touches of black, red, yellow and white leap out from the walls, alone or in groups, standing or lying. No need for mouths on their round, large-eyed and fine-nosed faces, encircled with headdress-evoking halos, for the extraordinary power of these supernatural entities to express itself. Both Aboriginal people and visitors are required to observe a strict protocol in order to approach them, and only the initiated are allowed to maintain these frescoes and create new representations of the spirit in order to continue the tradition of this ancestral sacred art , which is considered to be the most ancient in the world.

On en parle

Book . Leafing through Australie aborigène (Aborigine Australia) will make you want to visit the country. This stunning photo book's subtitle, Walkabout , is a reference to the rite-of-passage journey taken by aborigines across Australia, following in the footsteps of their mythological ancestors. The Kimberley and other areas are beautifully represented in the book in photos taken by Sandrine and Frédéric Mouchet, who spent two years immersed in these isolated lands.

Music . The first rock group, in the 1980s, to combine aboriginal sounds with contemporary music, Yothu Yindi (which means “mother and child” in Yongli), define themselves as artisans of cultural reconciliation. Prior to becoming a pop star, the group's singer, Yunupingu, was the first Aboriginal person ever to be a head teacher. He developed innovative teaching methods designed to suit the distinctive characteristics of Aboriginal people.

Film . In Undermined, Tales from the Kimberley , director Nicholas D. Wrathall examines what will become of the Kimberley and the 200 aborigine tribes who live there. A range of farming and industrial projects in the region are challenging their traditional lifestyles.

Facts and figures

Some experts estimate that early aborigine cave art dates back 20,000 or 30,000 years . The term "aborigine art" includes these primitive cave works as well as creations by contemporary artists influenced by this age-old culture. It is therefore the oldest ongoing artistic tradition in the world.

The Kimberley season runs from April - September, but even within that period, there are prime times for certain wildlife, natural phenomena, experiences and temperatures. Let us help you pick the best time to visit according to your interests with this helpful chart.

From June to October each year, the world’s largest pod of humpback whales, up to 40,000 , give birth in the pristine waters of the Kimberley Coast. These majestic mammals make the 13,000km round-trip from Antarctica each year to the warmer waters of the Kimberley to birth calves before gradually making their way home to cooler waters.

More destinations in Oceania & Pacific Islands

Papua new guinea, vanuatu & solomon islands, french polynesia, easter island, new zealand, new caledonia.

• Ashmore Reef (technical stop) (Australia)
• Banda Neira, Maluku Islands (Indonesia)
• Broome (Australia)
• Careening Bay (Australia)
• Collier Bay (Australia)
• Darwin (Australia)
• Hunter River (Australia)
• Kei Islands, Maluku Islands (Indonesia)
• King George River (Australia)
• Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon (Indonesia)
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KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION CRUISES

Welcome to the otherworldly Kimberley. Tucked along the northwestern corner of Australia, the Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, from rugged sandstone peaks and gushing waterfalls, to desert expanses, sunken mangrove forests, and everything in between. Cruise through Montgomery Reef as the tides rush out, leaving sea turtles dotting their heads in its midst. Search for a lustrous, masterfully cultivated pearl on a local pearl farm. Splash through the spray of King George Falls, or take to the skies in an amphibious Mallard aircraft to watch tawny sharks swim below. Better yet, engage with the original land-owning communities and their cultural rites, including guided showings of the unique Gwion Gwion artwork they have curated for centuries.

Crystal-clear waters and gleaming pearls aside, our Kimberely expeditions stand out to guests who want to travel Australia, but also desire to expedition off the beaten path. Whether you are a well-seasoned traveler, wildlife enthusiast, natural history buff, or are simply seeking a new adventure in one of the most pristine places on Earth, experience this unique corner of the world with Seabourn.

Seabourn announce Traditional Owners, Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

We are thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that we visit, as well as our commitment to sustainable tourism. 

The Kimberley Expedition Port Highlights

Included Expedition Experience

King George Falls

Prepare for the highlight of your trip, cruising with our Expedition Team on a Zodiac® to explore the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia. They will skillfully maneuver the canyon that the river carved nearly 2 billion years ago, flanked by mesmerizing sandstone cliffs, to the thundering 250-foot falls that will plunge into the waters in front of you. 

This stop is full of beautiful, secluded beaches and tiny islands to explore. The real draw, though, is seeing the Gwion Gwion or Bradshaw rock art galleries that cover walls and caves in the area. Take a Zodiac® ride to Jar Island to see some of the oldest art in the world. Your Expedition Team will give you an interpretation of the drawings and a look at the fascinating history that accompanies them.

Montgomery Reef

Contemplate the raw transformation of the world’s largest inshore reef as you witness it appear and dip beneath the surface in some of the biggest tidal changes on Earth. As you explore one of the ‘greatest natural wonders of the world’, you’ll search for incredible marine wildlife in their natural habitat from your Zodiac® – dolphins, octopuses, fish, reef sharks, turtles, sea snakes and more. 

Talbot Bay Horizontal Waterfalls

Expect the unexpected amongst the spectacular rock formations and lush mangroves. Most waterfalls cascade vertically, but here tides push intense currents between narrow gorges to create a horizontal effect.

Featured Included Shore Excursions

Kuri bay pearl farm, traditional face painting ceremony, seabourn's kimberley expeditions.

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Award winning family business, kimberley locals since 1996.

The Kimberley Cruise Centre was born in Broome in the late 90’s. After cruising the Kimberley Coast and experiencing spectacular land and seascapes like nowhere else on earth, I realised that this was a truly special place and I wanted others to share this same experience. I was struck by Psalm 24.1-2

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.” 

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What It's Like to Cruise Through One of Australia's Most Remote Regions — With Deadly Crocs and Ancient Landscapes

The Kimberley in Western Australia is now an expedition hotspot, with luxury ships taking intrepid guests deep into one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

Matt Dutile

Pinch me: I’m sailing through a prehistoric paradise of towering sandstone cliffs in rich hues from orange to burgundy, an aqua ocean, and beckoning white-sand beaches, and it simply doesn't feel real. A setting this spectacular typically teems with tourists and posh resorts, yet we zoom along in Zodiacs for miles and see nary a soul or animal. Life here is primarily invisible — lurking underwater, hidden in trees, camouflaged on ancient rocks. Some of it is dangerous, even lethal.

Welcome to northwestern Australia’s Kimberley, a region about the size of Sweden and one so remote that even most Aussies never visit. It’s one of the world’s last great wildernesses, with a sparse population, of which nearly half is Aboriginal. Here I am, a wuss who naturally leans to catastrophic thoughts, on an expedition outing for the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit during its June 2024 inaugural sailing. With the Kimberley now an expedition hotspot, I had to get on board this 10-day Broome-to-Darwin voyage, even though I was hesitantly onboard.

On our first outing, idling in a Zodiac near the mothership, we get a lecture on the ferocious saltwater crocodiles, which may swim beneath and around our rubber boats. Greg Fitzgerald, one of 24 expedition team members and our guide for the day, sounds almost gleeful as he rapid-fires off lots of croc info: Salties are stealth predators, making no wake or bubbles in the water. You will not see them approach. They can sense a Zodiac a kilometer away. They swim fast and even run fast, in case you’re wondering about going ashore. They will eat us. They even eat each other.

“Saltwater crocodiles are the oldest reptiles on earth, the apex of predators. They can reach 19 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds or more," he explains in a broad Aussie accent. " Never put your hands or legs in the water. Do not stand up unless I OK it," Fitzgerald adds, as if I was considering it.

“Can a croc jump onto a Zodiac or bump it from underneath?” I ask, my voice quivering. “I’ll never say never, but I’ve never heard of it,” shrugs Fitzgerald.  With those words of comfort, we are off full throttle, all leaning a bit forward in our Zodiac as instructed, me probably the most. Although we’re wearing lifejackets, I’d rather fall into the boat than out.

We see no crocodiles this day, but we learn so much about this primordial region that I can barely absorb it all. Take the underwater mangrove forests lining our ocean route. Fitzgerald points out their yellow leaves floating in the water. “They’re sacrificial leaves,” he says with reverence. “For the mangroves to survive in saltwater, these leaves give their lives, secreting all the salt to keep the trees alive.”

The sandstone cliffs bordering our waterways are a whopping 350 million years old and topped by flat plateaus dotted with acacia trees. Their layered, compressed, and craggy shapes, weathered by sun, water, and time, evoke faces and sandwiches — one is accurately nicknamed ‘lasagna.’ I must snap 1,000 pictures, as no two are alike.

It's hot here, even though it’s winter, the only time expedition ships visit, as the rainy summer brings typhoons and unbearable heat. The temperature feels warmer than the reported high 80s, and the sun pounds through my protective hat and clothing. “Drink a liter of water an hour,” advises Fitzgerald. He’s right. If we don’t, dehydration and fatigue sets in. Seabourn Pursuit grows quiet when cruisers are not exploring — naps are definitely a thing.

Yet, despite the clime, I am mesmerized. Each day is a jaw-dropper. Imagine the extreme contrast of cruising on an ultra-luxury expedition ship, where all accommodations are sumptuous suites with marble baths, and complimentary caviar and alcohol flows freely. Yet the second we climb into a Zodiac, we time-travel to ancient times marked by fossilized dinosaur footprints and often dangerous undetectable life. I admit, I keep expecting a T. Rex to appear on one of these clifftop plateaus, a next-gen Godzilla, or King Kong beating his chest.  It all looks like a movie set waiting for its dinosaur-driven cast.

As a rather Nervous Nelly, I find the expedition team — mostly unflappable Aussies eager for adventure and responsible for our safety every time we leave the ship — absolute heroes. They scout for crocs before and during our journeys ashore or snorkeling excursions, ensuring we all return safely to the boat, and I’m also impressed with how they guide the older passengers.

Our expedition team is downright gleeful here, as if crocs, venomous spiders, and poisonous snakes add to the allure. Fitzgerald kindly shares there’s a rare one-fanged snake here whose bite can kill you in 30 minutes.  I’m in awe of team member Sue Crafer, who also races yachts around the world.  Before we head to the Horizontal Falls, Crafer says, “Take in where you are. Feel the place.” She urges us to smell the iron from the sandstone and inhales deeply, her face awash with bliss.

We reach the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay — the only ones in the world — where extreme tides forcibly push water between narrow gorges, creating the illusion of gushing horizontal waterfalls. Crafer explains that water travels up to 10 knots, about our ship's speed, as she guides our Zodiac to the Falls’ edge. We skid and swirl a little like the Mad Tea Party ride at Disney World.  Then Crafer gets a radio call and grimly informs us about a situation with another Zodiac. She says aloud, “I hope no one is hurt.”  Our group's awe morphs to anxiety until we arrive at the boat with the “situation” and discover a smiling Seabourn crew greeting us with glasses of Champagne and passionfruit popsicles.

Next, we travel to Paspaley, a pearl farm in Kuri Bay, a special stop — Seabourn is one of just two cruise lines permitted to visit. We get a compressed course in how each South Sea pearl forms over a two-year process and even taste oyster pearl meat — delicious, like scallops — which our chef brings back on board for a sunset caviar bash.

One unforgettable morning, we rise at 5:30 a.m. for a Zodiac ride to Montgomery Reef, perhaps 1.8 billion years old. Sunrise lights the inky sky in blazing orange hues, making the early rise a thrill.  We zoom past green sea turtles, whose heads pop out of the water and then vanish. This coral reef is the world’s largest inshore reef, appearing and disappearing during the Kimberley’s giant tidal changes, which can vary a whopping 30 feet in one day. In low tide, the reef seems to rise from the ocean, and suddenly, lagoons, inlets, waterfalls, and mangroves materialize.  In high tide, the reef is swallowed by the sea once again.

We also gawk at cave art in two locations; they’re thousands of years old — some may be up to 65,000, as no one truly knows. At Freshwater Cove, indigenous Worrorra tribe members invite us to walk through a cleansing smoke ceremony and paint our cheeks with ochre.  This experience feels joyful and surreal, and I grin from ear to ear. Before we view the sacred art, a Worrorra guide says a prayer in his native tongue. We relish such delicate drawings - a cyclone resembling a spider web, a hand, a turtle, and a fish — and leave with more questions than answers, wondering who drew them and what their lives were like so long ago.

Finally, we see crocs on the Hunter River’s sandy shores. We cut our motor and drift close. One is estimated to be about 1,200 pounds, probably male. I see his eyes, so reptilian, so primordial, and it was full-body goosebump time.

Near the cruise end, it’s Seabourn Pursuit ’s inaugural day, and all cruisers gather for a shoreside ceremony on Ngula (Jar Island). Seabourn spent years developing relationships with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners to get to today. (Traditional Owners denotes Indigenous people possessing a traditional connection to an area of land designated their country from where their ancestors were forcibly removed.) These Traditional Owners, flown in by helicopters, are Seabourn Pursuit’ s godparents, marking the first time Kimberley’s Indigenous people are godparents of any expedition ship, despite some vessels having sailed here for decades.

Seabourn also contributes to tourism initiatives so Traditional Owners can return to their country during the dry season and sell their beautiful arts and crafts to all expedition ships, not just Seabourn’s. Pride and joy fill their faces, and tears moisten ours. Instead of the traditional Champagne bottle used for ship christening, this one is custom-made of sugar and filled with Kimberley sand — a poignant, decisive nod to sustainable tourism for which I’m fully onboard.

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Home » News » PONANT launches Fly, Stay & Cruise Packages for their 2025 Kimberley season

PONANT launches Fly, Stay & Cruise Packages for their 2025 Kimberley season

PONANT, world leader in luxury expeditions, has unveiled a brand-new ‘ Fly, Stay & Cruise’ package available across 18 departures from May to September 2025 onboard PONANT Explorer Le Jacques-Cartier and Sistership Le Soléal including two new round-trip itineraries from Darwin.  

The new package is available to book now and includes return flights from all major Australian and New Zealand cities, airport and hotel transfers*, one-night pre-cruise accommodation and a 10-night luxury expedition including all zodiac outings, shore excursions, all meals at the two onboard restaurants, beverages including open bar, insightful onboard lectures and educative talks from PONANT’s expedition leaders.   

“We are incredibly excited to introduce our Fly, Stay & Cruise package for our guests,” said Deb Corbett, PONANT CEO Asia Pacific. “Not only will this eliminate the complexities of planning, but it is very cost-effective, making clients’ experiences in the region more accessible than ever”.

Starting in May 2025, PONANT’s Kimberley season will allow guests to discover iconic sites such as King George Falls, the tidal phenomenon in the formation of Horizontal Falls , the sacred First Nation Wandjina rock art site on Jar Island, and much more, through expert-led daily shore excursions, revealing hidden gems inaccessible to land visitors. PONANT’s luxury small ships, with capacity of up to 184 guests (Le Jacques-Cartier) and 264 guests ( Le Soléal), navigate shallow waters, offering a bespoke voyage for each guest and providing close access to the Kimberley’s stunning landscapes for a truly memorable journey.  

PONANT is also offering guests a free solo supplement* designed for solo travellers or individuals travelling as a group. “ Our free solo supplement has become extremely popular amongst Australian and New Zealand travellers looking at travelling with a group of friends, without sacrificing the comfort and privacy of their own cabins!”, says Deb Corbett. “We encourage travellers to jump on these as soon as possible as they don’t last long!”

PONANT’s ‘ Fly, Stay & Cruise Package’ is available on all the departures listed below:

Australia’s Iconic Kimberley – Northbound Broome – Darwin (10 nights) 8 departures in 2025 aboard Le Soléal or Le Jacques-Cartier Departs 3 June, 23 June, 12 July, 13 July, 2 August, 31 August, 1 September, 21 September 2025  

Australia’s Iconic Kimberley – Southbound Darwin – Broome (10 nights) 8 departures in 2025 aboard Le Soléal or Le Jacques-Cartier Departs 24 May, 13 June, 2 July, 3 July, 23 July, 1 August, 22 August, 11 September 2025  

New in 2025 – Australia’s Iconic Kimberley – roundtrip from Darwin. Darwin – Darwin (10 nights) 2 departures available in 2025 aboard Le Soléal or Le Jacques-Cartier Departs 22 July, 12 August 2025 with FREE solo supplement available^  

More information on https://au.ponant.com/kimberley2025

*Terms and conditions: Offer valid on new bookings only for 2025 Kimberley Luxury Expeditions itineraries. Advertised price is in Australian dollars (AUD), per person in a Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3. More conditions apply. Visit au.ponant.com/kimberley25 for complete terms and conditions. ABN:25 166 676517.

^Terms & conditions: The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories. More conditions apply. Visit au.ponant.com or contact your preferred travel agent.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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Warm-weather expedition cruises offer adventures that feel 'more like vacation'

At first, all I could see was what looked like a light gray stick.

But as our Zodiac boat slowly approached a mud bank in Western Australia 's Kimberley region, a thick, scaly tail and a mouth that appeared to be curled in a jagged smirk came into view. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a crocodile,” said Robin West, general manager and vice president of Expedition Operations and Planning for Seabourn, who was driving.

The reptile was the first of six or seven saltwater crocodiles we saw during a tour of Hunter River and Porosus Creek in late June (there was some debate about the final tally among my companions). The area, also home to mangroves, mudskippers and other wildlife was one of the stops on our 10-day trip through the Kimberley aboard Seabourn Pursuit, the cruise line’s newest expedition vessel.

After about two hours in the roughly 90-degree heat, I was beat by the time we got back to the ship. I took a cue from some of the crocodiles we’d seen lounging in the sun and spent much of the rest of the day reading and admiring the view from the vessel’s shaded open decks.

Cold-weather destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic get a lot of love among expedition cruises, but there are perks to exploring a warmer locale.

Expedition plus pleasure cruise

My Kimberley itinerary combined the kinds of educational and immersive activities nature lovers expect from an expedition with elements that felt like a pleasure cruise.

“It can definitely be very relaxing,” said Claire Maguire, a travel agent and franchise owner at Cruise Planners.

The temperatures hovered between 80 and 90 degrees during my trip, with sunshine nearly every day. As a result, when I wasn’t in a Zodiac or exploring various ports on foot, I often sat on my suite balcony or ate meals at outdoor tables by the ship’s infinity pool, surrounded by sandstone peaks and turquoise water.

By contrast, when I took an Antarctica cruise in December, the temperatures were milder than I expected but still too chilly to comfortably spend much time on the outer decks.

“It does feel more like a vacation, I think,” Maguire said. “Sometimes the cold weather can seem a little bit more like work. This one is a little bit more laid back, it's slow-paced, it's relaxed.” On my cruise, we only disembarked once a day most of the time, giving guests time to attend lectures about the region from expedition team members, visit the spa or gym, or just laze around.

The luxury line also pampered guests in a way that made the adventure more cushy.

One afternoon, after venturing to see the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay – a sideways waterfall effect caused by water squeezing through cliff passages – we cruised toward another Zodiac that our guide said may have broken down. But as we approached the boat, occupied by other members of the expedition team and crew, they presented us with Champagne and popsicles (that wouldn’t be the last time either).

What are the other benefits of warm-weather expeditions?

Different destinations mean different gear, and with warm weather, you can leave long underwear and parkas at home.

“You obviously have to pack a lot less specific clothing,” said Maguire. “That’s another advantage. You don’t have to take a lot of heavy layers or anything like that, which is nice.”

Getting in and out of Zodiacs felt less of a production than in Antarctica, for instance, where I had to dress in base layers, waterproof pants, boots, a hat, and more every time I disembarked.

There are some essentials travelers should have, though, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. I forgot that last one and would have likely burned were it not for the kindness of other folks onboard with extras. Seabourn and many other operators have packing lists for reference, as well.

Maguire also recommended wearing long sleeves, particularly if you plan to swim. Warm-weather destinations generally make getting in the water easier and more pleasant (no disrespect to the polar plunge ). We even did so in the Kimberley, where swimming is only possible in select places due to crocodiles.

One morning, we went snorkeling at Ashmore Reef in water that had been hovering around the high 70s. Roughly 45 minutes of swimming among coral, fish and blue sea stars passed in what felt like 10.

And if penguins and polar bears are the faces of Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, respectively, crocodiles may hold that distinction in the Kimberley. But there’s plenty more for wildlife enthusiasts to watch for, from brahminy kites to nurse sharks.

How much does an expedition in Kimberley cost?

Prices vary by operator, sailing date, room category and other factors, but a 10-day Kimberley expedition with Seabourn departing on June 27, 2025, starts at $10,999 per person based on double occupancy. The fare includes meals, wines and spirits, Wi-Fi and more.

Nature can make you feel small: You should seek that feeling when traveling

Where else can I take a warm-weather expedition?

The Kimberley’s not the only option if the cold isn’t your thing. Cruise operators offer itineraries in the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, and Indonesian islands like Bali and the Raja Ampat archipelago, which Maguire noted “is an amazing location for snorkeling and diving.”

She also recommended destinations like Africa, where she said guests could combine a cruise with a safari on land, and the Mediterranean, where she went hunting for truffles and visited a horse farm on a recent expedition.

“You definitely do more off-the-beaten-path activities (than a regular cruise),” she said.

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Seabourn. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

7 amazing cruise itineraries to book in 2024

I don't know about you, but each year, as the weather turns cold, I start daydreaming about getting out of Dodge — or, in my case, Pennsylvania. My mind wanders to cruises that will take me to places where the temperature is warmer, but I also take a hard look at the (exceptionally lengthy) list of places I'm longing to visit.

After digging through what's new for 2024, I've come up with a shortlist of sailings that I think are noteworthy. They range from a standard Bahamas voyage with a new twist and an extended Alaska sailing that includes a foray across the Arctic Circle to more far-flung destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dream on, dear reader, and add these to your list of 2024 cruise itineraries.

Note: All prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Fares do not include taxes and fees.

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Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary

Last year, the Australia and New Zealand cruise region gained momentum following the pandemic shutdown. In 2024, the hardly populated Australia region of The Kimberley is gaining popularity. Luxury cruise brand Seabourn will be offering a series of six 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin on expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit during what will be early winter in the southern hemisphere.

The line's " Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas " will take passengers to places along the coast few passengers are able to visit to see the stunning teal waters and horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay, sample wines in the Hunter River Region and check out nature preserves in Wyndham.

Details: The first sailing, from Darwin to Broome, embarks on June 12. The final voyage, from Broome to Darwin, departs on Aug. 1. Prices start from $6,134 per person ($613 per person, per night), double occupancy, for the July 2 cruise. All accommodations are suites with balconies.

Celebrity's 'Best of Japan' and 'Vietnam and Thailand' cruises

The number of voyages in Asia was trending upward notably prior to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought cruising in the region to an extended halt. And it's once again on the rise. Following that curve, Celebrity Cruises will be running new 11- to 13-night Asia sailings in 2024 on two ships — Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice — that bring stops in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

What's notable about the offerings is that they will aim to immerse passengers further into the destinations by including overnights in a total of 11 ports across all itineraries. That means more time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter as the sun sets, indulge in nighttime gastronomy in Hong Kong, visit one of Bangkok's many markets, or learn why Osaka is known for street food.

Details: Celebrity Millennium's " Best of Japan " cruises run from early mid-March to early October. At press time, the least expensive fares — for a 12-night sailing — start from $1,330 per person ($111 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. It travels round-trip from Yokohama and visits Hiroshima, Pusan and other ports, including Osaka, where the ship will overnight.

Celerbrity Solstice's Vietnam and Thailand cruises kick off in mid-January and run through March. The ship will resume them again in the fall of 2024 and run through the winter season. Prices start from $1,255 per person ($105 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. The voyage sails from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Da Nang and Koh Samui, plus overnights in Hanoi and Bangkok.

SeaDream's 'Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles' sailing

Here's one to put on your radar if you're looking to book — but not necessarily sail — in 2024. It's a new Mediterranean itinerary that doesn't start up for nearly three more years, in 2026. The SeaDream routing brings stops at seven ports that are rarely visited by cruise passengers. During the seven-night voyages, there will be calls at Primosten, Croatia; Cesme, Turkey; Cetubal, Portugal; and Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota and Tinos, Greece — making these sailings unique and well-suited to anyone who loves the region but who's looking for new places to experience.

SeaDream's small ships, each of which carries just 112 people, are able to reach locales about which passengers on megaships can only fantasize. Couple that with excellent service, and you'll be visiting the Our Lady of Loretto statue in Primosten, touring the Cesme Castle and lounging on stunning Greek beaches from a home base that puts you squarely in the lap of luxury.

Details: An itinerary that includes three of the seven new ports is the 11-night " Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles " itinerary from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, departing on Aug. 8, 2026, on SeaDream I. Prices start from $10,399 per person ($946 per person, per night) for a room with a porthole view.

Holland America's 'Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice' Legendary Voyage

Alaska is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the vastness of untouched wilderness, the wildlife it houses and adventurous pursuits it provides. (Think whale-watching, hiking on glaciers and salmon fishing.) However, Holland America 's Westerdam is hosting a 28-day sailing that's anything but your standard cruise to the Last Frontier .

Passengers will visit the usual Alaska ports, such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, with scenic sailing through the Inside Passage, past Hubbard Glacier and to Glacier Bay. But they can also expect less-common stops at places like Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage (with an overnight) and Homer. Plus, about halfway through, this cruise crosses the Arctic Circle — a rite of passage for many travelers.

Details: Holland America's 28-day " Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice " cruise — one of the line's Legendary Voyages, known for longer durations and a unique mix of port calls — sails June 9-July 7, round-trip from Seattle. Inside cabins start from $5,299 per person (about $189 per person, per night).

Silversea's summertime French Polynesia cruises

Another consideration for future travel is Silversea Cruises , which is featuring its first full-summer season in French Polynesia in 2026. Silver Whisper will offer two immersive itineraries, including overnights, across 17 voyages between April and September.

Passengers can choose seven-night sailings that visit idyllic favorites like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine and which also include overnights in Bora Bora. Or, they can cruise for twice as long by selecting a 14-night voyage that calls on the same ports as the seven-night option but with Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona and Tahuata added.

Details: Silversea's seven-night voyages begin April 6, 2026, and start from $5,650 per person ($808 per person, per night) for an ocean-view cabin.

The line's 14-night sailings start on April 20, 2026. Fares start from $10,450 per person ($747 per person, per night) for ocean-view accommodations.

New Bermuda voyages on Carnival Venezia

Beginning in May of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Venezia will sail a series of eight four- and five-night cruises to Bermuda from New York. These itineraries are notable because the line is aiming to increase its presence there but also because the style of the ship is new to even most of the brand's most dedicated passengers.

In 2022, Carnival announced its Costa by Carnival concept after revealing it would be transferring ships from its Costa sister brand to the Carnival fleet. Now, when travelers visit the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse or check out the island's renowned pink-sand beaches during a sailing on Carnival Venezia, they can enjoy both the Italian style of the ship and Carnival's fun atmosphere and high service standards.

Details: Voyages kick off on May 22, 2025. Prices start from $429 per person ($108 per person, per night) for an inside cabin on a four-night cruise departing Sept. 18, 2025.

Disney Cruise Line's Lighthouse Point itineraries

Disney Cruise Line 's new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , a private destination on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, is set to open in June with a three-night preview sailing on June 6 aboard Disney Magic. Following the initial voyage, the line will run regular three- to seven-night voyages to Lighthouse Point on Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

The island will feature a dedicated family beach and water play area, an arts and culture pavilion focused on Bahamian culture, 20 family cabanas, an adults-only beach and a selection of shore excursion options.

Details: Prices for itineraries that include Lighthouse Point start from $624 per person ($208 per person, per night) for a three-night cruise on Disney Magic. The cruise departs Nov. 5 and sails from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

12 DAY KIMBERLEY CRUISE (DARWIN TO BROOME) WITH KIMBERLEY EXPEDITIONS

Join us for an amazing 12 day Kimberley Cruise from Darwin to Broome !

An adventure of a lifetime  Kimberley Cruise from Darwin . Join us aboard Reef Prince to experience the best the Kimberley has to offer.  Our Kimberley Cruise from Darwin to Broome includes:

• King George River and the incredible King George Falls.
• Koolama Bay numerous bays and beaches to explore. WW2 History
• Glycosmis Bay  large curtain waterfall and The Lost City rock art site
• Woku Woku Island  large Boab groves and rich in Macassan history
• Vansittart Bay  numerous indigenous art sites including Jar Island and Rocky Cove, WW2 DC-3 aircraft crash and fabulous fishing
• Swifts Bay  three Aboriginal art sites with scores of detailed panels
• Prudhoe Island  petroglyphs, amazing views, crystal coves, reef fishing and turtles in season
• York Sound  sea caves, stunning beaches, incredible rock formations and Rainforest Ravine
• Hunter River & Porossis Creek  scenic overload and a wildlife haven
• Careening Bay the site of the famous Mermaid Boab Tree
• Prince Regent River including the beautiful  King Cascades & Cathedral Falls.  Swim above the cascades
• Rothsay Waters scenic palm valley and rock art
• Hanover Bay  beaches, scenery, birds and indigenous rock art
• Kuri Bay & Camden Harbour  rich pearling history and the Kimberley’s first settlement.
• Sampson Inlet & Deception Bay  fishing, scenic opportunities, Aboriginal rock art and whales in season.
• Red Cone Creek and the wonderful  Ruby Falls & Sapphire Falls.  Swim above the falls
• Raft Point  rich with indigenous history, towering rock formations and rocky islands to explore
• Montgomery Reef  featuring the marine life of  Turtle Gully
• Talbot Bay  ancient uplifted geology, mangrove creeks and the spectacular Horizontal Water Falls
• Crocodile Creek  swim in a beautiful waterhole above a waterfall.
• Silica Beach  the finest sand beach nestled within the 800 islands of the  Buccaneer Archipelago
• Countless perfect beaches, inlets and Kimberley coastal scenery

BOOK THIS CRUISE ONLINE

OUR VESSEL Reef Prince is a custom-built 38m-expedition vessel, ideally suited for a Kimberley Cruise from Darwin. The advanced catamaran design ensures very quiet operation, spacious interior with phenomenal stability. Perfect for sneaking into secluded shallow bays, she draws only 1.8 meters and is powered by two quiet Mercedes diesel engines.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A KIMBERLEY CRUISE FROM DARWIN? Most attractions are at their best during April – September, waterfalls are flowing, gorges are full, flora and fauna are at their abundant best. Ideal conditions apply for walking, exploring and experiencing one of the worlds most remote and tranquil destinations .

YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US…

Our crew are  experienced guides  and will share with you their knowledge of the Kimberley and guide you safely on all excursions.

The dining area can seat all passengers comfortably for meals or presentations. Outside on the upper deck all guests can be seated under shade for  alfresco meals  and presentations.

Reef Prince has three other  comfortable outdoor viewing decks .

The front deck at the Bow has a shade sail covering the entire area and is a very popular place to enjoy the scenery when transiting.

On board is a laundry with full washing facilities to help make your packing lighter along with irons available and hairdryers in every ensuite.

Reef Prince allows for comfort for all guests with a choice of accommodation types to suit all budgets.

Our Kimberley Cruise from Darwin to Broome  is very popular so be sure to book early!

2024 bookings now open!

12 day kimberley cruise from darwin to broome from $13,595 pp.

6th April to 17th April 2024

2nd May to 13th May 2024

29th May to 9th June 2024

25th June to 6th July 2024

22nd July to 2nd August 2024

20th August to 31st August 2024

16th September to 27th September 2024

14th October to 25th October 2024

2024 PRICING

STATE CLASS – $17,495 PP (Port Side Cabins 15 & 17) (Starboard 16 & 18)

CLASS 1 – $15,995 PP (Port Side Cabins 9 & 10) (Starboard 11 & 12)

CLASS 2 – $15,595 PP (Port Side Cabins 2 & 4) (Starboard 6 & 8)

CLASS 3 – $14,595 PP (Internal Cabins 1, 3, 5, 7)

CLASS 4 – $13.595 PP (Internal Cabins 13 & 14)

Based on Twin Share – SOLO Travellers Welcome (Cruise Fare + 20% SOLO Sup)

12 DAY KIMBERLEY CRUISE FROM DARWIN TO BROOME 

See the sights.

• Breathtaking Scenery
• Kimberley Cruise departing Broome
• Swim in freshwater swimming holes above waterfalls
• Fast Boat ride through the Horizontal waterfalls
• Optional scenic Helicopter flights (subject to availability)
• Photograph the amazing Kimberley scenery
• Fresh fish sizzling in the galley and much more!
• Explore the rugged landscapes of northwestern Australia and the traditional cultures
• Spectacular wildlife from saltwater crocodiles, dolphins, dozens of species of birds, migrating humpback whales (in season) and many different reptiles.

Excursions  

Most excursions are via our three expedition tenders.

The main excursion tender is the Regent which is a purpose built 7m Alloy tender designed for Kimberley Expeditions in 2019. It has twin 140hp outboard motors and seats 13 guests and two crew in forward facing padded seats with back rests. It is perfectly suited for extended sightseeing, shore transfers and speeding through the Horizontal Falls.

Additionally there are 2 x 6m alloy tenders with 140hp outboard motors that seat up to 10 guests each. These are multi-purpose tenders and can be used for sightseeing, excursions, shore transfers, fishing and crabbing.

All three tenders are used at almost every location ensuring every guest onboard can be accommodated all at once. It also allows for diversity by giving guests a choice of activities such sightseeing, hiking or fishing.

Disembarking  

In Darwin a bus will pick you up from your accommodation. The Cruise Director will be onboard the bus to greet you and assist in departure. Hotel pick-ups usually start at 8am of the morning of departure and conclude at 9am. Departure of the vessel is usually around 10am from Fishermans Wharf.

In Broome disembarking is usually around 9-10am but is subject to change depending on tides, weather and other activities at the commercial wharf. Because of this, we recommend you don’t fly until the following day to avoid missing flights and avoid fatigue. Please ensure we have all your accommodation details prior to departure as hotel transfers by bus are included. As it is a commercial wharf, there are entry restrictions and friends or family are not permitted onto the wharf to pick you up.

Reservations

If you require more information or wish to make a reservation please either booking online or send a quick inquiry, we also have a free call number for further information 1300 874 707

To confirm your reservation we require a 20% non refundable deposit to secure your booking, a signed booking form and final payment is due 60 days prior to your cruise .

We accept cheques; cash, Master and Visa Card or you can direct debit the deposit into our account.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Reef Prince.

ITINERARY – Darwin to Broome

Day 1: we welcome you aboard the mv reef prince in darwin.

Your Kimberley cruise begins today from the beautiful capital of the NT, the city of Darwin. We will arrange a charter bus to pick you up between 8am & 9am and transport you to board the vessel at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Our crew will welcome you aboard and after a crew introduction we will depart. On our way out of the harbour there will be a safety briefing, morning tea and a vessel induction. After lunch your trip director will also have discussion with you about the trip’s itinerary. For the afternoon and overnight we’ll cruise across the Joseph Boneparte Gulf and into the Kimberley.

Day 2: The Berkeley River

We have breakfast while still crossing the last few miles of the Boneparte Gulf. It’s a higher tide only access over the bar at the Berkeley River and then into the 10-mile long river system. We transit the full length in the Reef Prince marveling at the narrow sweeping bends with the high sandstone walls on both sides. It’s breathtaking! Once at the end there are so many options with scenic tours: the Malcolm Douglas Pools, a visit to the Amphitheatre and the Berkeley Eye. We generally cruise back down in the tenders to explore the smaller side tributaries whilst the Reef Prince heads back to the half way point where we meet again for lunch. After lunch we can explore the Casuarina Creek area, Casuarina Falls and even go for a fish. Generally, we stay in the river system overnight and with its millpond flat conditions and a sunset overlooking Mount Casuarina, it can be a sensational evening onboard the MV Reef Prince with sunset drinks and a cheeseboard on the top deck followed by a special evening meal.

Day 3: The mighty King George River, Pangali Gove and Glycosmis Bay

In the very early hours of the morning, the captain will depart from the Berkeley River and transit up along the coastline to Koolama Bay, arriving around breakfast time. If we are waiting for the high tide to cross into the King George River, we can do a walk and explore of Cape Rouliare, Tranquil Bay, Pangali Cove or a combination there of. Then we will cross the shallow sand bar into the mighty King George River system. The advantage of the Reef Prince’s shallow draft and jet engines is that we are able to cross the bar into the river system and transit the entire way to the twin falls – a treat that many of the other cruise boats are not able to do. Feel the spray mist produced from billions of litres of water falling almost a hundred meters as Reef Prince is steered expertly to the base of the majestic falls. We then enter the tenders and go back into the falls and down the river which enables us to get right up to the falls, into the smaller side tributaries and stop to admire the wildlife both above and below the water. There is also a third waterfall in a smaller offshoot called the Fountain of Youth that is accessible at high tide and usually has a couple of crocs floating around. Other options in the area include the Glycosmis Bay waterfalls (early in the season).

Day 4: Vansittart Bay

By the time you wake up, we’ll have rounded Cape Londonderry overnight (the northernmost tip of WA) and will be anchored in Vansittart Bay. The bay is a popular area filled with many things to do. The fishing is superb, particularly for spanish mackerel which cruise around the edges of the many pearl leases in the area. We will take you on an easy walk across a mud/salt flat to witness the site of a crashed WW2 DC-3 airplane. Well preserved in the Kimberley bush, your guide will recall the fateful day in early 1942. It is only a short cruise across the bay to Rocky Cove, where can go ashore to a rock art site that has some fabulous examples of mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) Paintings and a special cave full of the more modern Wandjina rock art. The Bradshaw rock art is thought to be some of the world’s oldest indigenous art, dating back over 20,000 years. The cove is home to many large resident tawny nurse sharks. With time and tide/weather permitting in the late afternoon, we might stop for a walk at Woku Woku Island. This area has a massive Boab Tree on the mainland and a large Boab Grove on the opposite shore. The area is rich in Macassan history as it was a popular area for Macassan fisherman to harvest and process Sea Cucumbers. The remains of many hearths can be still seen today. Other alternate options in the area include Jar Island with its 2 art sites & rocky headlands, the Anjo Peninsula and the Drysdale River.

Day 5: Swifts Bay and Prudhoe Island

Once again, when you wake up it will be in a different location. For the morning we explore a series of art sites in Swifts Bay. The entire bay is filled with many art sites and we visit 2-3 over a 3-hour tour which gives a very good cross-section of the types of rock art in the area, particularly the older Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) art and the more recent Wandjina art. During lunch we transit 2 hours out off the coast to a continental island called Prudhoe Island. The island has a multitude of things to do with some of the highlights being a walk to the peak at Petroglyph Point and marvel at the ancient stone engraved petroglyphs. Around the corner is a beach that is full of turtle tracks and turtle nests during the laying season. Inside the bay is a wonderful beach that is great for a walk and a shallow swim and further around into the bay is a crystal creek that is filled with large clumps of quartz crystals. This site is super popular with the ladies. The area is a fantastic spot for reef fishing with species like snapper, coral trout, emperors and sweetlips. At around 5pm and after a jam-packed day, we steam south to the areas around Prince Frederick Harbour.

Day 6: The Andadan Island, The Hunter River and Porossis Creek

We wake up at the Andadan Islands where we can explore the area for the morning. This is a new site for the Reef Prince crew and has been 4 years in the process of detailed mapping and exploring of the area. We have finally put together a 5-mile one-way scenic tender tour that incorporates the best of the region. Highlights include amazing rock formations, multiple sea caves to explore, many options for beach and sand spit swims, small and detailed waterways to explore, large overhangs, rock art and even a crystal island! The 3+ hour tour was a favourite with the guests during the 2023 season. In the afternoon we explore the famous Porossis Creek and Hunter River systems. This ecosystem is a favourite for bird watchers. We have a chance to spot a Great Billed Heron, or a Chestnut Rail. There are Kingfishers galore! On the turn of the tide fishermen can try their luck on a multitude of species that are regularly caught in the Hunter River. The area is visually stunning with its jagged mountain ranges and high rocky escarpments. It’s also popular with our crew as a sunset drinks cruise location. Sharks and crocodiles are in abundance too. Other alternate options in the area are numerous and include Dolphin Island with its swim beach and Wandjina art site, Naturalist Beach and surrounding waterways, the Roe River and the famous Careening Bay with its historical Mermaid boab tree.

Day 6: Optional Helicopter Flight to the Mitchell Plateau.

There may also be an option to do a 25 minute (each way) helicopter flight from Naturalist Beach (which is at the mouth of the Hunter River and only 15 minutes steam from Porossis Creek). This flight with Helispirit Tours takes in the Hunter River, the Mitchell River, the Mitchell Plateau and finally the Mitchell Falls before landing and enjoying 90 minutes at the plateau (with Reef Prince’s Cruise Director) to walk to the falls before returning via helicopter, passing another set of falls and Porossis Creek before returning to Naturalist Beach. Expressions of interest can be made at the time of your booking and the Kimberley Expeditions team will contact you again 60 days prior to departure to confirm availability for those guests that are interested. There are minimum numbers required and the price depends on the number of guests flying on the day. The price for the 2023 season was $750 per person and may rise for the 2024 season.

Day 7: St. Georges Basin and the Prince Regent River.

We take a sunrise tour to view the morning rays shining onto the Islands within the St. Georges Basin. Famed explorer Phillip Parker King exclaimed that the area boasted “The most impressive scenery anywhere along the WA coastline.” Then it’s out onto the foredeck as we cruise through the scenic St Georges Basin and past the iconic flat-topped mesas of Mt. Trafalgar and Mt. Waterloo. Mid-morning we cross into mighty Prince Regent River system. Whilst there is so much to do and see in this river system, the highlight is the amazing Kings Cascades Waterfalls. For the adventurous, there is a walk to the top of the falls and a fabulous swimming area at the top fringed with blue gums and pandanus. On the other side of the swimming hole is a multi-layered rocky area offset with mini waterfalls (some of which you can sit under or behind) and smaller splash pools to enjoy a dip. Kings Cascades is one of the tour highlights and a favourite amongst the guests. As the river system must be transited during the high tide, this day’s itinerary often varies in time and order. Within the Prince Regent River system are scenic locations such as Camp Creek, Cathedral Falls (the highest in the region at 50m high), 2 rock art sites and fabulous bottom fishing for species like fingermark, golden snapper and mangrove jack. Other alternate options in the area include Hanover Bay with its beautiful scenery, many beaches, brolga rock art & bower bird nests and Rothsay Waters with its amazing fishing locations, Valley of the Palms and rock art sites.

Day 8: Sampson Inlet, The Slate Islands and Deception Bay.

We wake up in the tranquil Sampson Inlet. This area was one of the Kimberley’s first pearling leases. After a healthy breakfast we explore the inlet and search for the local short-eared rock wallabies along the steep and rocky foreshores. The oysters in the area are superb and fishing can also be fun with mackerel and long-tail tuna often found in the mouth of the inlet. We then head out to rocky islands of Bumpas Island (a bird rookery) and the Slate Islands which have some incredible rock formations (including the gravity defying Colosseum). The area has multiple beaches suitable for a swim and an explore. For the fisherman, the area is popular for trolling for pelagic and reef species. Deception Bay is only a 1-hour transit and is a favourite excursion of the Reef Prince crew. It is a 3-hour tour which involves a scenic tour of the 3-mile long creek system in the corner of the bay. This area is diverse with lots of varied flora and fauna, mangroves to high sided gorges (and everything in between) and finally, Butterfly Gorge. Butterfly Gorge is within a small creek system with a rock bar at the end. It involves a stunning 300m rocky walk to a very secluded freshwater swimming hole that has a ledge filled with indigenous rock art beside it.

Day 9: Raft Point, Montgomery Reef and Ruby Falls – 3 Bucket lists!

Day 9 is an early start and up at dawn to watch the colours of the Kimberley come alive with sunrise over the iconic Raft Point. Then after breakfast it’s into the tenders for the first of 3 excursions for the day with a 75-minute tour of Bird Rock, Steep Island and Raft Point. These areas are bird rookeries and are culturally significant areas to the local indigenous people. Then we head off to see Montgomery Reef ‘rise’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs. Jump in the tenders for an extended reef cruise to study the marine life of Turtle Gully before transiting for miles up into the Montgomery Reef system. Many of our guests describe this as their most memorable moment onboard. We then transit for 2 hours back past Raft Point and into Doubtful Bay to the incredible Red Cone Creek and Ruby Falls. This 2.5-hour excursion involves a tender tour to the end of the creek system to view the picturesque keyhole and Ruby Falls followed by a rope-assisted climb up the side of the rock face and a 300m rocky walk into the freshwater swimming hole. It is long and thin with a rock race at the end which is fun to wallow in and view the local wildlife and fauna. With a low tide required for Montgomery Reef and a high tide for Ruby Falls the itinerary may be reversed. Other alternate options in the area include the Kingfisher Islands, the 3-Ways (for excellent fishing and crabbing) or the scenic Sale River.

Day 10: Talbot Bay, the Horizontal Falls and Yampi Sound – more bucket lists!

Wake up opposite the iconic Horizontal Falls! After breakfast your cruise director will give you a geology talk on the area, then we go and experience the awesome power of the Horizontal Falls. Your attention will be taken by the incredible geology that abounds this area. David Attenborough called it the 8th wonder of the natural world! The adventurous can cling on to the rails of our tender “Regent” during the fast boat ride through the falls. Nearby cyclone creek is a fantastic scenic tour in the tenders that showcases the best of the geological formations in the region. The S-bend within the creek system is another tidal pinch phenomenon similar to the horizontal falls. As we depart, most guests stay outside and take in the amazing vista as we transit out of Talbot Bay. We have lunch on the way and after lunch we transit through the gutter and past the Koolan Island mine site and into Yampi Sound. In afternoon we can visit Croc Creek where we take the tenders up to a waterfall system and hike to the top of the waterfalls and swim in a crystal clear freshwater pool. Retiles and birds are also found in the area. For sunset and the evening we head to Myridi Cove where we can have a sunset drinks followed by a very special alfresco dining experience. Weather permitting we leave around midnight for a 9 hour transit to the Lacepede Islands.

Day 11: The Lacepede Islands.

We arrive at the Lacepede Islands after breakfast. Then its into the tenders to explore the 4 islands in the region. The area is rich in history and is an A-class nature reserve. It is the most important breeding ground in WA for the Green Turtles. The area is a very important sea bird nesting/breeding area with 1% of the world’s total population of Roseate Terns and Brown Boobies (which is possibly the largest colony of them in the world). Other bird species on the islands include Masked Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds, Egrets, Gulls, Crested and Bridled Terns, Noddies, Oystercatchers. Wading birds include Tattlers, Knots, Sand Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones. The inner lagoon area is wonderful to explore on a higher tide and is a wildlife spotters paradise. The shallow lagoon hosts not only turtles but large amounts of small sharks, rays and many schools of fish. The edges are fantastic for a swim and explore. During mating season, thousands of Green Turtles line the sandy islands long outer beaches and the shallow water just off the beach. It’s scenic overload watching them swim, mate and hauled out on the beaches. We stay until midnight enjoying our last dinner before travelling the last 70 mile down the coast the Broome. Please note the Lacepede Islands are very exposed with no protected anchorages. It can be visited with the best weather conditions only of small seas and low winds. With inclement weather, other options are to stay overnight in Myridi Cove on Day 10 and explore other areas around Yampi Sound like Nares Point, Silver Gull Creek and the famous Silica Beach before leaving at 2pm and steaming overnight to Broome.

Day 12: Arriving in Broome

This morning we head past Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point before transiting into Roebuck Bay and trying up alongside the large commercial wharf. Farewell your fellow travelers and swap details. Sadly, it’s the end of your Kimberley Cruise from Darwin. We disembark Broome at around 10am and say goodbye to the crew. Guests will be transferred by bus to their hotel of choice in the Broome district.

Please note:

This itinerary is subject to change. The Captain and Tour Director will customize your cruise depending on weather, tidal conditions and your feedback from the tour itinerary talk with your Tour Director on the first day.

We promote an active cruise and to undertake some of the shore based excursions you will need to have a moderate level of fitness. You are however, quite welcome to enjoy the views from the vessel without going ashore. It’s your cruise so you can do as little or as much as you would like.

PACKING LIST

When packing for your Kimberley cruise we recommend that all passengers pack lightly. Laundry facilities are available on-board free of charge. You do have room to store suitcases either under your beds or in the cupboards provided in each cabin.

The Pilbara will enjoy plenty of sunny days and pleasant  starry nights during our cruise season.

You can find a comprehensive guide of what to bring on your cruise HERE

Included in your cruise fare are:

• Accommodations as booked on board
• Cruise transportation to your Hotel in Broome
• Cruise transportation to  Central Business District Hotels in Darwin  only
• All meals on board
• Boat ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls,
• Facilities, port & handling charges,
• Excursions and tender transfers.
• Govt. Fees & Taxes.

Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to:

• Travel and medical insurance
• Traditional Landowners Visitor Passes are an additional extra & will be invoiced 30-days prior to departure.
• Emergency evacuation
• Shopping on board
• Bar expenses
• Trransfers from Hotels in Darwin outside of the CBD and airport
• Optional shore experiences – heli flights and adventure high speed boat rides
• Medical treatment
• Telephone and internet charges.

Are you ready for an amazing, 11 day adventure?

Kimberley Expeditions can offer you a Kimberley expedition cruise of a lifetime!

Join us aboard MV Reef Prince in our air conditioned, catamaran with a choice of en-suited cabins. Our vessel Reef Prince is  designed specifically for the Northern Australian and Kimberley coast!

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Email Address

FREE CALL : 1300 874 707

EMAIL : [email protected]

ADDRESS : 7 Farrell Street, Broome, WA

POSTAL ADDRESS : PO BOX 4006 Mataranka, NT, 0852

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Thanks. We look forward to sharing the best of the Kimberley with you!

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