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Luxury Cruise | The Kimberley with PONANT | 2025

Darwin - King George River - Vansittart Bay - Careening Bay - Swift Bay - Hunter River - Collier Bay - Lacepede Islands - Broome

10 Night PONANT luxury expedition cruise on 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER' or ''LE SOLÉAL  Enjoying All-inclusive Meals and Drinks

Explore wild mangrove forests on the lookout for saltwater crocodiles

Expeditions, tours & activities exploring the incredible Kimberley region

From $14,399 pp twin share

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Description


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Luxury Cruise | The Kimberley with PONANT | 2024


BEFORE BOOKING

Please refer to the listed dates in the bottom right hand column for Direction of Travel and your Dedicated PONANT Vessel.


 

Visiting The Kimberley with PONANT. The Kimberley region in Western Australia is known for its rugged landscapes, pristine coastline, and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Embark on an unforgettable voyage with PONANT, a distinguished leader in the realm of luxury cruising, and delve into the heart of untamed splendor within The Kimberley. Setting sail aboard their opulent expedition vessels, you'll be enveloped in a realm of unparalleled refinement from the instant you step aboard. Every detail meticulously curated, from the lavish accommodations to the flawless service, ensuring a journey that transcends mere travel and evolves into an exquisite odyssey of indulgence.

As you traverse the majestic Kimberley coast, a panorama of breathtaking landscapes unfolds before you. Towering cliffs stand sentinel over azure waters, while cascading waterfalls paint ephemeral strokes against the rugged terrain. Nature's masterpiece comes alive with the presence of an eclectic array of wildlife, from the ancient guardianship of crocodiles to the playful dance of dolphins, and the vibrant plumage of rare bird species. Each moment spent aboard resonates with the harmonious symphony of nature's grandeur.


Read our latest Travel Blogs at 'Wake Up Here'


Guiding your expedition are experts deeply entrenched in the lore of the land, their insights illuminating the rich tapestry of history and ecology that defines The Kimberley. Engaging lectures offer a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage, while excursions to hidden enclaves unveil secrets hidden within the labyrinthine landscape. Whether tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations or tracing the delicate balance of the ecosystem, each venture into the unknown promises discovery and enlightenment.

Amidst this tableau of wonder, PONANT crafts an experience tailored to your desires, whether you seek serenity amidst the vastness of the wilderness or thirst for the adrenaline of adventure. Relaxation beckons in the form of leisurely strolls along pristine beaches, while thrill-seekers find their calling in heart-pounding expeditions through untamed terrain. Whatever your inclination, The Kimberley with PONANT offers a promise fulfilled—a journey not just through space, but through time and emotion, leaving an indelible mark upon your soul and memories to be cherished for a lifetime.

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Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary


Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11

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Day 1

Your Home City Broome

On arrival into Broome, collect your bag and meet your transfer to the port.

Embarkation commences from 330PM to 430PM

Departure will be at 8PM.

Located in the northwest of the Kimberley region and in the far north of Western Australia, the town of Broome is reputed for its history and its glorious pearling era. The fascinating Chinatown district, which is the historic city centre, and the famous Japanese Cemetery, dates back to 1896, and has a past marked by the immigration of numerous Chinese and Japanese workers, attracted by the prosperous pearl industry at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Broome is also famous for the “Staircase to the Moon”, an optical illusion created by the Moon reflecting on the sand banks at low tide, like a staircase climbing up towards the sky, a unique spectacle provided by nature.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 2

  Lacapede Islands

The Lacepede Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The breeding colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 3

  Collier Bay

Lying to the east of the Buccaneer archipelago, the ancient landscapes of Collier Bay have been shaped by the massive tidal movements the region is renowned for, creating a photographer’s paradise. With a tidal range exceeding 14 metres, recorded near Yule entrance at the southern end of the bay, they are among the largest in the world. This massive daily movement of water creates unique phenomena that occur nowhere else in the world. Nestled in the centre of the Bay is Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. As the tide falls a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef, creating turbulent ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls. At the Southern end of the Bay, Talbot Bay is home to the world’s only ’Horizontal Falls’ described by Sir David Attenborough as “One of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Hidden in the many caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitude of ancient Rock Art galleries. Here you can find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.   

As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned above are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 4

  Collier Bay

Lying to the east of the Buccaneer archipelago, the ancient landscapes of Collier Bay have been shaped by the massive tidal movements the region is renowned for, creating a photographer’s paradise. With a tidal range exceeding 14 metres, recorded near Yule entrance at the southern end of the bay, they are among the largest in the world. This massive daily movement of water creates unique phenomena that occur nowhere else in the world. Nestled in the centre of the Bay is Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. As the tide falls a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef, creating turbulent ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls. At the Southern end of the Bay, Talbot Bay is home to the world’s only ’Horizontal Falls’ described by Sir David Attenborough as “One of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Hidden in the many caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitude of ancient Rock Art galleries. Here you can find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.   

As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned above are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 5

  Careening Bay

Careening Bay was named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after his ship, HMC Mermaid, was careened there during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. King surveyed the western coast to complete the map initiated by Flinders 20 years earlier. The Mermaid had been leaking badly and King needed to find a shallow sandy bay where he could careen his boat to undertake repairs. At a high tide, on a warm September afternoon, he ran the Mermaid onto the sands. For ten days the Mermaid crew worked hard before refloating the vessel. The ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The famous boab tree is now 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed. A reminder of a by gone era of exploration!

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 6

 Hunter River

Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. They are considered to be some of the most pristine mangrove forests in the world, containing up to 18 different species, supporting a rich and diverse fauna. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests home to numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. Our expert Expedition Team will share their knowledge with you as you explore this pristine mangrove environment by zodiac keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to reach the Mitchell Falls by helicopter from Naturalist Island beach. 

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 7

  Swift Bay

The Bonaparte Archipelago, is a stunningly rugged maze of islands stretching almost 150 km along Western Australia's remote Kimberley coast. Its colour and scale conspire to take ones’ breath away. Its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. Phillip Parker King named “Swift's bay" after Jonathon Swift (1667-1745) the author of Gulliver’s travels. The ‘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. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 8

  Vansittart Bay

Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 9

  King George River

The journey up the King George River is nothing short of breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls; the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80 m or 260 ft). Fed by wet season run-off the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. Your Expedition Team will escort you in either the zodiacs or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls, and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 10

 At Sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Meals: All Inclusive onboard

Accommodation: 'Le Jacques-Cartier' or 'Le Soléal'

Day 11

Darwin Your Home City

Arrival will be early this morning.

Disembarkation will commence at 7AM.  The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city and its surrounds until your departure flight.

For recommendations on tours and activities, please ask our friendly customer service team.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions & Exclusions


Inclusions

 Your Cruise

  • 10 night cruise on Le Jacques-Cartier* or 'Le Soléal' in a gorgeous Deluxe Stateroom, complete with free mini-bar, in-room movies and more. Room upgrades are available, simply ask our Friendly Customer Service team for availability and a quote.
  • Includes all (amazing) dining, unlimited drinks* and daily shore excursions
  • Plus an array of amazing on-board entertainment and activities: daily expert-led lectures, performances, trivia and more

*Drinks: All drinks (spirits, cocktails, beer, wine etc) are included, however, there is an option to purchase a 'top shelf' drinks package. 

About your ship Le Jacques-Cartier:

In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit. 

Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together. 

About your ship Le Soléal:

 Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.

An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.  

About your Cabin: The cabin onboard is a Deluxe Stateroom (Deck 3). Upgrade to a Prestige Stateroom (Deck 4) and higher through enquiring with our Customer Service Team.

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Transfers
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary 
  • Personal expenses 
  • Travel Insurance

Itinerary: This journey also runs in reverse, from Darwin to Broome. Please refer to the below dates for the direction of travel and your dedicated ship.

ID: A Passport with 6 months validity is required to be taken with you to board the cruise ship. 

Currency: on board is Euros

Insurance: All guests must have travel insurance to participate on this tour and will be required to show this prior to departure.  (including Remote Area Evacuation). We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.

Level of fitness: All participants should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. All guests must be able to make their own way up and down stairs in case of emergency.

Departure Dates, Direction of Travel and  Dedicated Ship:

  • 24th May - Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 3rd June - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 13th June - Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 23rd June - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 2nd July - Darwin to Broome - 'LE SOLÉAL
  • 3rd July - Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 12th July - Broome to Darwin - 'LE SOLÉAL
  • 13th July - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 23rd July -  Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 1st August - Darwin to Broome - 'LE SOLÉAL
  • 2nd August - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 22nd August - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 22nd August - Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 31st August - Broome to Darwin - 'LE SOLÉAL
  • 1st September - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 11th September - Darwin to Broome - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER
  • 21st September - Broome to Darwin - 'LE JACQUES-CARTIER

 

Images courtesy of PONANT.

Departure Dates


MAY 2025
24 th
Saturday 24 May 2025  ‐  Tuesday 03 Jun 2025
Surcharge
+ $200 p.p
JUN 2025
03 rd
Tuesday 03 Jun 2025  ‐  Friday 13 Jun 2025
Surcharge
+ $1,800 p.p
JUN 2025
13 th
Friday 13 Jun 2025  ‐  Monday 23 Jun 2025
Surcharge
+ $1,000 p.p
JUN 2025
23 rd
Monday 23 Jun 2025  ‐  Thursday 03 Jul 2025
Surcharge
+ $1,000 p.p
JUL 2025
02 nd
Wednesday 02 Jul 2025  ‐  Saturday 12 Jul 2025

More Departure Dates  

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