4 of The Best Expedition Cruises to the Kimberley, Australia

How You'll Explore in the Kimberley Australia

The exact way you explore the Kimberley on a cruise will depend on your operator and the equipment available on board, but all expedition itineraries are designed to maximise your opportunities for unforgettable moments.

Days are typically structured around Zodiac tours and shore landings, with early starts to ensure everyone has ample time ashore. After returning to the ship for lunch, activities continue into the afternoon, with schedules varying depending on the size of the vessel and the time needed to disembark guests. There may also be longer excursions followed by time to rest and relax. Time at sea is often filled with lectures from expert guides who accompany every sailing.

Zodiac landings and scenic cruising in the Kimberley

All expedition cruise operators use smaller adventure boats, usually Zodiacs - sturdy rubber boats specifically designed for this type of adventure - to take groups on scenic cruises, spot wildlife in the water, or travel upriver between towering cliffs.

In some areas, guests disembark directly onto beaches. Landing sites vary, with some offering hikes to viewpoints. Expert guides accompany all excursions to answer questions, ensure you don't miss a thing, and keep you safe.

Helicopters

Newer expedition vessels increasingly offer high-spec adventure options, with helicopters being a standout addition. Usually at an extra cost, helicopter excursions provide once-in-a-lifetime views of iconic Kimberley sights like the King George River and Horizontal Falls from the air, or access to the best fishing spots for heli-fishing. Helicopter operations depend on factors including weather, sea conditions, and local regulations.

Submarines

Some newer vessels feature submersibles capable of diving to great depths, typically carrying four-eight guests plus a pilot. These ultra-clear acrylic spheres offer uninhibited views of the underwater world, allowing guests to explore marine life in a unique way.

Hiking in the Kimberley

For the active traveller, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, with the steep rock escarpments providing rewarding views from the top for those energetic enough to reach it! Cultural enrichment Visits to culturally significant Aboriginal sites are often led by First Nations guides, providing valuable context and deepening your understanding of the area's heritage.

Kayaking, SUP, snorkelling and diving

Spotting crocodiles is a highlight of the Kimberley, which means kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and diving are avoided here! There may be opportunities to swim in safe waterholes while hiking, but it's best to avoid open water. However, itineraries that include the Rowley Shoals, Abrolhos Islands, or Indonesia's Raja Ampat offer chances to explore some of the world's best coral reefs.

Expedition cruise lines typically provide a range of water-based activities such as kayaking and SUP, often accompanied by a Zodiac for safety to let you explore away from the ship. Snorkelling and diving excursions may also be available, with diving usually limited to experienced divers. Some operators recommend bringing your own dive gear - including regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits - though equipment is also available on board. It's best to speak with us if this interests you.

Onboard facilities

As well as the numerous ways of exploring off the ship, there are also a host of onboard facilities that will enhance your experience of the Kimberley. Facilities vary from vessel to vessel and include discovery centres with interactive displays, outdoor areas designed for wildlife viewing, photo studios and more.

Operators in the Kimberley

There are a number of expedition operators that explore the Kimberley, with the style and quality varying greatly. The facilities on board, quality of the expedition team, equipment and activities available, along with the inclusions in your fare, all have a significant impact on the experience, so we only work with trusted partners that we know can deliver an exceptional adventure.

The size of the vessel and the speed at which landing craft can be deployed are one of the most important factors. Larger ships offer more stability and tend to have a faster cruising speed - preferable on itineraries that include longer sea transits. However, smaller vessels can navigate the inland waterways themselves, making the exploration a little more comfortable. All operators include landings ashore and scenic Zodiac/small boat cruising in their fares.

Supplementary charges can apply for activities such as kayaking, although taster sessions may be available free of charge depending on the operator. Helicopter flights and submarine excursions come with an additional charge. Diving is only available at select sites outside the Kimberley region and is another chargeable activity for which we recommend you speak to us about the availability of equipment and requirements needed.

When on board, you can expect all meals to be included, along with soft drinks, and some operators additionally include alcoholic drinks, including premium wines and spirits. As the inclusions differ between vessels, it's best to discuss this thoroughly with an expedition expert at Mundy Adventures.

Read below for the best cruises to the Kimberley Australia.

1. Ponant

Ponant's stylish Sisterships and their smaller Explorers are perfect for warm water cruising, with their light-filled lounges and indoor/outdoor style. Restaurants provide a distinctively French flavour, and drinks are included across the fleet. On board Le Soléal, one of the 264-guest Sisterships, there is a marina platform designed for the ease of Zodiac embarkation and a large sundeck and swimming pool. Guest rooms are stylish and contemporary, with most enjoying a private balcony.

The smaller 184-guest Le Jacques Cartier is one of the Explorers, and the only other Ponant ship that operates in the Kimberley. With each Explorer vessel carrying just 184 guests, it's the ideal base for Ponant's exciting 10-night Kimberley cruises in Australia. The same chic styling is found on board, combined with technological advancements, of which the innovative Blue Eye Lounge is the spectacular centrepiece: an underwater lounge with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass, looking out into the deep blue sea. Keep your eyes peeled for passing fish and sea creatures. The eye-catching interiors are fresh and contemporary, with a bright, nautical colour palette, and all staterooms and suites open onto a private balcony. An infinity-style pool sits at the rear of the vessel overlooking the aft marina platform used for guests to embark on the fleet of Zodiacs.

2. Silversea

Pioneers of the luxury expedition concept, Silversea delivers its all-inclusive cruises with the very best in food, service, and comfort while visiting the most remote and exciting places on Earth. Silver Cloud is the only vessel that operates in the Kimberley and offers an abundance of space on board, including sizeable guest suites, accommodating up to 254 guests. It has a variety of restaurants, and the onboard facilities include a photo editing studio, lecture space, swimming pool and whirlpools, fitness centre, and several bars and lounges. Silversea Expeditions' cruises to the Kimberley begin or end in Darwin, Cairns, Fremantle or Broome, with some mixing in stops to remote Indonesian islands, giving you an even further breadth of destinations to explore.

On board, with just 254 guests, 18 Zodiacs allowing for multiple landings and scenic cruising, and Silversea's typical high level of service, this is truly one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea. Think butler-served suites, exquisite dining - from fine French fare to authentic Italian - and an enormous array of incredible, included excursions that showcase the region at its best. A hugely experienced and highly qualified expedition team of expert guides, naturalists and scientists helps you gain a greater understanding of the destination on carefully designed itineraries.

3. Seabourn

Seabourn was one of the pioneers of small ship luxury cruising and has been operating expedition itineraries since 2013, building a wealth of knowledge of polar and warm water regions, with shore experiences and learning led by a highly qualified, world-class expedition team. Seabourn Venture was the line's first dedicated expedition vessel, launched in 2022. The sister ship Seabourn Pursuit followed in 2023, and when launched, Seabourn made the Kimberley's Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners godparents, with local guides coming on board to provide a more in-depth understanding of the land and its importance.

Seabourn's 10-day Waterfalls & Windjinas itineraries are the perfect showcase of the Kimberley region. The ships combine Seabourn's popular yachting style, all-inclusive offering, and sumptuous balcony accommodation, with expedition touches including high-tech toys like a pair of six-seater submarines. The Discovery Centre hosts daily briefings and lectures, with 10-metre-wide high-definition screens to bring topics to life. The Landing Zone offers changing facilities and storage, with direct access to the fleet of Zodiacs (all activities are subject to weather conditions). A range of dining options includes the more formal main dining room and several more relaxed venues, and amenities include an infinity pool and whirlpool, spa, sauna, and gym. An experienced expedition team guides you through each adventurous day with onboard lecture programmes and Zodiac trips, while the refined restaurants and open-bar policy ensure a sophisticated feel.

4. True North

Pioneering luxury expedition travel along Australia's dramatic Kimberley coast, True North has been offering exceptional small-ship adventures for almost 40 years for an authentic Australia experience. Australian-owned and based in Broome, the company specialises in in-depth cruises across Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. With just two intimate expedition yachts, 36-guest True North I and 22-guest True North II, purpose-built to sail among the heart of the Kimberley's wilderness, guests enjoy unmatched opportunities to get off the beaten track and discover some of the most remote and breathtaking parts of the world. These are yachts in the truest sense - laid-back yet refined, with a distinctively Aussie style best embodied by the barefoot, no-shoes-on-board policy.

Hosted by a warm and welcoming Australian crew whose numbers nearly match those of the guests, there's no more authentic way to travel and explore Australia's stunning coastline. Purpose-built for shallow coastal waters and intricate river systems, the ships are perfectly suited to their environment. Each vessel is equipped with its own onboard helicopter and a fleet of small expedition boats for in-depth exploration, and on board guests can enjoy several elegant vantage points including a sundeck, observation lounge, ship's lounge, al fresco bar, and sports deck. Dining is a highlight, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients served in an inviting, upscale setting after days spent on scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing and snorkelling, with excursions centred around indigenous art, huge waterfalls and the incredible tidal changes at Montgomery Reef.