The Kimberley Cruise

No two Kimberley cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather, tidal and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

The Lacepedes

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles. If weather and tide conditions are suitable, explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

Horizontal Falls (Garaangaddim) & Buccaneer Archipelago

The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 36-foot (11m) tides the Kimberley is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’ This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on your Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of a Kimberley expedition cruise.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

Doubtful Bay

Red Cone Creek flows gently downstream until it meets the small but impressive Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Trucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek is carved through rock formations stacked atop each other like building blocks. These rock walls are great for climbing and clambering over before reaching a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The falls may be a gurgling torrent or a gentle trickle, depending on the time of the year. Other sites you’ll aim to visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek.

Montgomery Reef (Yoiwjab)

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 115 square miles (300 sq km) and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 36-foot (11m) tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, get up close in the Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as your expedition team share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish too are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes. The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

Prince Regent River & Careening Bay (Wunbung-Gu)

King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 165 feet (50m) across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden Reach King Cascade after cruising in the Xplorer tender vessels down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.

Lt. Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days, the ship’s carpenter carved “HMC Mermaid 1820” into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. Some 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of roughly 40 feet (12m). Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.

Prince Frederick Harbor & Bigge Island (Wuuyuru)

Prince Frederick Harbor is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations. The harbor is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Take the Xplorer tender vessels on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations. Bigge Island’s Indigenous name is Wuuyuru, and the Indigenous Group of the area is the Wunambal people.

Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan & Swift Bay

Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where emerald-hued rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water. Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and bird species which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savor the serenity of this ancient landscape.

An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek. This mass of weathered tunnels, arches and columns form a labyrinth-like maze and was once an Aboriginal midden. Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to a series Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries at Swift Bay. In the evening, enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.

Vansittart Bay (Banjal)

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Jar Island is so-named after the pot shards found here, brought to the island by Makassan fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers (also known as trepang). Nearby, on the Anjo Peninsula lays the well-preserved wreckage of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper aircraft, the result of a pilot losing his bearings flying from Perth to Broome in 1942 and putting down on a salt pan near present-day Truscott Airbase.

King George River & Falls (Oomari Falls)

Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, over-260-foot-tall Oomari – King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Before reaching the mist-like spray rising from the base of King George Falls, cruise through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago. Early in the waterfall season, you may cruise around the base of impressive King George Falls while in later months you’ll take the opportunity to view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.

As the incredible Kimberley adventure draws to a close, on the last evening aboard, enjoy the captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends.

This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Darwin this morning after an early breakfast. Disembark at 8:30am and take an included transfer to Darwin’s central business district hotels or the airport.

No two Kimberley cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather, tidal and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

The Lacepedes

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles. If weather and tide conditions are suitable, explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim) & Buccaneer Archipelago

The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 36-foot tides the Kimberley is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.” This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of Kimberley expedition cruises.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

Montgomery Reef (Yowjab)

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 115  square miles and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 36-foot tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, get up close in the Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as the expedition team members share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish too are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes.

The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

Prince Regent River & Careening Bay (Wunbung-Gu)

King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 165 feet across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden. Reach King Cascade after cruising in the Xplorer tender vessels down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.

Lt. Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days, the ship’s carpenter carved HMC Mermaid 1820 into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 40 feet. Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.

Prince Frederick Harbor & Bigge Island (Wuuyuru)

Prince Frederick Harbor is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations. The harbor is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations. Bigge Island’s Indigenous name is Wuuyuru, and the Indigenous Group of the area is the Wunambal people.

Mitchell Falls & Winyalkan

Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where emerald-hued rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water.

Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and bird species which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savor the serenity of this ancient landscape.

An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek. This mass of weathered tunnels, arches and columns form a labyrinth-like maze and was once an Aboriginal midden. In the evening enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.

Vansittart Bay (Banjal)

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Ngula – Jar Island Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Ngula is the Wunambal Gaambera name for Jar Island. Nearby on the Anjo Peninsula, explore the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.

King George River & Falls (Oomari Falls)

Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, over-260-foot-tall Oomari – King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Cruise through steep-sided gorges carved many millions of years ago to reach the base of the falls. In waterfall season, cruise under the mist of the falls by Zodiac, while in later months view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close. The Falls is named Oomari by the Balangarra people.

Tiwi Islands

Experience a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper and billy tea). On a guided tour, learn of the culture and history of the Tiwis while exploring the museum and the old mission precinct. Visit Tiwi Design, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centers in Australia, which produces ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze/glass sculptures and limited edition prints. Under the guidance of a local artist, enjoy an afternoon art session to create your own artwork to take home.

On Melville Island, learn about both traditional and contemporary art on a visit to wholly Indigenous owned Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi. Have the opportunity to purchase traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices.

As the incredible Kimberley adventure draws to a close, on the last evening aboard, enjoy the captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends.

This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Darwin this morning after an early breakfast. Disembark at 8:30am and take an included transfer to Darwin’s central business district hotels or the airport.

No two Kimberley cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather, tidal and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Tiwi Islands

Experience a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper and billy tea). On a guided tour, learn of the culture and history of the Tiwis while exploring the museum and the old mission precinct. Visit Tiwi Design, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centers in Australia, which produces ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze/glass sculptures and limited edition prints. Under the guidance of a local artist, enjoy an afternoon art session to create your own artwork to take home.

On Melville Island, learn about both traditional and contemporary art on a visit to wholly Indigenous owned Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi. Have the opportunity to purchase traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices.

King George River & Falls (Oomari Falls)

Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, over-260-foot-tall Oomari – King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Cruise through steep-sided gorges carved many millions of years ago to reach the base of the falls. In waterfall season, cruise under the mist of the falls by Zodiac, while in later months view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close. The Falls is named Oomari by the Balangarra people.

Vansittart Bay (Banjal)

Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Ngula – Jar Island Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Ngula is the Wunambal Gaambera name for Jar Island. Nearby on the Anjo Peninsula, explore the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.

Mitchell Falls & Winyalkan

Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where emerald-hued rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water.

Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and bird species which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savor the serenity of this ancient landscape.

An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek. This mass of weathered tunnels, arches and columns form a labyrinth-like maze and was once an Aboriginal midden. In the evening enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.

Prince Frederick Harbor & Bigge Island (Wuuyuru)

Prince Frederick Harbor is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations. The harbor is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations. Bigge Island’s Indigenous name is Wuuyuru, and the Indigenous Group of the area is the Wunambal people.

Prince Regent River & Careening Bay (Wunbung-Gu)

King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 165 feet across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden. Reach King Cascade after cruising in the Xplorer tender vessels down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.

Lt. Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days, the ship’s carpenter carved HMC Mermaid 1820 into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 40 feet. Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.

Montgomery Reef (Yowjab)

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 115  square miles and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 36-foot tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets.

As the reef emerges, get up close in the Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as the expedition team members share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish too are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes.

The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.

Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim) & Buccaneer Archipelago

The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 36-foot tides the Kimberley is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.” This natural phenomenon has been created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of Kimberley expedition cruises.

Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

The Lacepedes

The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles. If weather and tide conditions are suitable, explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

As the incredible Kimberley adventure draws to a close, on the last evening aboard, enjoy the captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends.

This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Broome this morning after an early breakfast. Disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am and take an included transfer to Broome’s central business district or the airport.

No two Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather, tidal and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

King George River

Cruise down the scenic King George River, through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago. Take the opportunity to get up close and view the honeycomb erosion patterns of the over-260-foot-tall sandstone cliffs.

Swift Bay

This T-shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion-style rock art. Spend time observing these ancient rock art sites with expert interpretation by the expedition team.

Ashmore Reef

Spend 2 days exploring Ashmore Reef, a very special stop on the voyage. The rich marine environment is revealed with snorkeling and diving expeditions to discover vibrant populations of sea snakes, turtles and complex coral reefs. Cruise the lagoons by tender to spot the colonies of seabirds.

Scott Reef

Located roughly 185 miles off the coast of the Kimberley, Scott Reef has been treacherous to shipping. Visit the wreck of the Yarra where an iron barque was driven onto the reef in 1884, as well as go on a snorkeling or diving expedition to discover the breathtaking outer walls of the reef.

Adele Island

Roughly 93 miles off Cape Leveque, Adele Island is a Class A reserve and Important Bird Area due to innumerable birds that breed here. The turquoise waters surrounding the island are also home to fish, sharks, turtles and stingrays.

Montgomery Reef

Montgomery Reef covers over 115 square miles. As the sea recedes in mammoth tides, the reef rises from the ocean in a cascade of rushing water. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the marine life left exposed in rock pools, while turtles and larger marine life may also be spotted. Witness the spectacle up close, as the expedition team share their knowledge on the reef and surrounding wildlife.

Doubtful Bay

Raft Point guards the entrance to sheltered Doubtful Bay, which harbors significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Visit Red Cone Creek and beautiful Ruby Falls and climb up the rock formations to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Possibly also visit Steep Island.

Horizontal Falls

Due to the mammoth tides for which the Kimberley is renowned, the Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Experience a heart-pumping ride through the rapids aboard a Zodiac.

The Lacepede Islands

Subject to weather and tides, visit the Lacepede Islands. The low islands are a nature reserve and Important Bird Area, supporting up to 18,000 breeding pairs of brown boobies and roseate terns, as well as a significant breeding area for the green sea turtle. Explore the island’s lagoon by Zodiac and Xplorer tender vessel to spot many species of birds and marine wildlife.

Rowley Shoals

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals—a chain of three coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals offer some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. Water clarity here is unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities. Conditions permitting, spend 1-2 days here for snorkeling and diving opportunities. Guided by the onboard marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beach comb on Bedwell Island.

This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Broome this morning after an early breakfast. Disembark at 8:00am and take an included transfer to a Broome central business district hotel or the airport.

No two Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather, tidal and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Rowley Shoals

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals—a chain of three coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals offer some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. Water clarity here is unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities. Conditions permitting, spend 1-2 days here for snorkeling and diving opportunities. Guided by the onboard marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beach comb on Bedwell Island.

The Lacepede Islands

Subject to weather and tides, visit the Lacepede Islands. The low islands are a nature reserve and Important Bird Area, supporting up to 18,000 breeding pairs of brown boobies and roseate terns, as well as a significant breeding area for the green sea turtle. Explore the island’s lagoon by Zodiac and Xplorer tender vessel to spot many species of birds and marine wildlife.

Horizontal Falls

Due to the mammoth tides for which the Kimberley is renowned, the Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Experience a heart-pumping ride through the rapids aboard a Zodiac.

Doubtful Bay

Raft Point guards the entrance to sheltered Doubtful Bay, which harbors significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Visit Red Cone Creek and beautiful Ruby Falls and climb up the rock formations to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Possibly also visit Steep Island.

Montgomery Reef

Montgomery Reef covers over 115 square miles. As the sea recedes in mammoth tides, the reef rises from the ocean in a cascade of rushing water. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the marine life left exposed in rock pools, while turtles and larger marine life may also be spotted. Witness the spectacle up close, as the expedition team share their knowledge on the reef and surrounding wildlife.

Adele Island

Roughly 93 miles off Cape Leveque, Adele Island is a Class A reserve and Important Bird Area due to innumerable birds that breed here. The turquoise waters surrounding the island are also home to fish, sharks, turtles and stingrays.

Scott Reef

Located roughly 185 miles off the coast of the Kimberley, Scott Reef has been treacherous to shipping. Visit the wreck of the Yarra where an iron barque was driven onto the reef in 1884, as well as go on a snorkeling or diving expedition to discover the breathtaking outer walls of the reef.

Ashmore Reef

Spend 2 days exploring Ashmore Reef, a very special stop on the voyage. The rich marine environment is revealed with snorkeling and diving expeditions to discover vibrant populations of sea snakes, turtles and complex coral reefs. Cruise the lagoons by tender to spot the colonies of seabirds.

Swift Bay

This T-shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion-style rock art. Spend time observing these ancient rock art sites with expert interpretation by the expedition team.

King George River

Cruise down the scenic King George River, through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago. Take the opportunity to get up close and view the honeycomb erosion patterns of the over-260-foot-tall sandstone cliffs.

This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Darwin this morning after an early breakfast. Disembark at 8:30am and take an included transfer to a Darwin central business district hotel or the airport.