The Kimberly You Haven't Seen - Paspaley Pearl
Experience the diverse and pristine Kimberley coast, with ancient rainforests, aboriginal rock art, tidal phenomena like Horizontal Falls, and wildlife-rich mangroves.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.0*
ECO SCORE
30
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Australia: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Paspaley Pearl
It is the diversity and pristine nature of the destinations that make a Kimberley coastal expedition a truly memorable experience. Explore the Hunter-Roe river system, lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. Discover the aboriginal rock art heritage of the Kimberley, the greatest collection of outdoor galleries in the world. View the unique tidal phenomenon of the ‘Horizontal Falls’ in Talbot Bay, and Western Australia’s highest waterfall on the King George River. Experience the wonder of the power of the tides at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. From Ancient Landscapes, ancient cultures and ancient reptiles to spectacular scenery, unique tidal phenomena and amazing wildlife, a Kimberley coast expedition has something for even the most ardent traveler.
- • The Kimberley is a national biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
• From July to September witness the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet.
• The small size of this boutique yacht means you get to embark on an exclusive itinerary to see a corner of the world that’s inaccessible to most.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $12,402 per person
April to September is an ideal time to explore the Kimberley, as the dry season offers calm seas, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures. These months coincide with peak conditions for discovering the region's dramatic waterfalls, rugged red cliffs, and abundant marine life. Low humidity enhances hiking and exploration.
Inquire for specific dates.
April – September;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Optimizes the daily speed in order to reduce fuel consumption by 30%
Water
Ships equipped with freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water.
Waste
Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws
Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation | Wyndham, Western Australia
Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and in many ways is the gateway to the Kimberley. It is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landforms, rivers & wetlands in the Kimberley. Approximately 100 kilometers south is the town of Kununurra, established in 1961 to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. Located in the Heart of Miriwoong country the name Kununurra is based on the Miriwoong word “Goonoonoorrang”, which simply means big water.
Day 2-3: North Kimberley Coast
Renowned for its remarkable gorges and waterfalls that have carved their way into the sandstone escarpment over the past 20 million years the North Kimberley coast boasts scenery on an epic proportion. The weathering of the ancient sandstones has created a spectacular color palette that contrasts with the azure waters of the Timor Sea to create picture perfect vistas. The red and orange hues in the sandstones vary with the light throughout the day creating a continual changing wallpaper of passing scenery that is simply stunning. The region hides some remarkable survival stories and tales of epic treks across vast swathes of harsh country. Despite its seemingly inhospitable nature the Wunambal Gaambera and Balanggarra peoples have been occupying the region for thousands of years and their traditions are given form in the rock art that makes up the greatest collection of outdoor galleries in the world.
The region is best known for the iconic destinations of King George Falls (Oomari), Vansittart Bay (Banjal) and Jar Island (Ngula).
On the Paspaley Pearl, we also have access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels including Cape Voltaire, Freshwater Bay, Drysdale River, Glycosmis Bay and Falls, Cape Bernier, Seaplane Bay, Berkeley River, and Casuarina Falls.
Days 4-6: Bonaparte Archipelago & Kuri Bay Pearling Experience
The Bonaparte Archipelago is a maze of islands and islets stretching 150 kilometers offshore from Collier Bay to the Admiralty Gulf known for its rich collection of Rock Art galleries. These remarkable artworks, created by First Nations Peoples, provide an insight into the oldest continuing culture on earth. The mainland is home to some of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast. Prince Frederick Harbour and the Roe-Hunter River System are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The adjacent Prince Regent National Park is one of Australia’s most important conservation sites, regarded for its ‘outstanding scenic grandeur’ and containing half of the known bird and animal species in the Kimberley.
Located 370km north of Broome and 460km west of Kununurra, Kuri Bay lies at the heart of the Lalang – Garram/Camden Sound Marine Park. It was the location of Australia’s first cultured pearl farm and is named after the company’s first principal, Tokuichi Kuribayashi. Today the clear pristine waters are the home of Paspaley, the world’s most important producer of cultured pearls. Such is the superior and widely recognised quality of the gems they are in their own category and recognised simply as ‘Paspaley Pearls’.
Guests will experience a behind the scenes guided walking tour of the Paspaley facilities and discover the intricate processes required to produce the most beautiful pearls in the world.
Days 7-9: Collier Bay and Camden Sound
Located in one of the remotest regions of Australia, with no road access and the nearest town over 250 kilometers away, the stunningly rugged Collier Bay and Camden Sound are home to the second largest tides in the world. This ebb and flow of the tide has shaped the ancient landscape into a breathtaking vista and created unique tidal phenomena such as Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim). The region is of cultural significance to the Dambeemangarddee, a saltwater people who have been living along the coast for many thousands of years. (Their culture and connection to the environment has evolved with an inherent association to these tidal movements). The rich marine environment is also home to the world’s largest inshore reef system, Montgomery Reef (Yowjab) and each year the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales visit the region.
The region is best known for the iconic destinations of Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim), Montgomery Reef (Yowjab), Raft Point (Ngumbree) and Freshwater Cove (Wijingarra Bard Bard).
On the Paspaley Pearl, we also have access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels including Sampson Inlet, Hall Point, Red Cone Creek, Sapphire Falls, Ruby Falls, Sale River, Walcott Inlet, Prior Point and Langgi.
Day 10: Buccaneer Archipelago
Extending from the Dampier Peninsula to the Southern edge of Collier Bay the 800 islands of the Dampier archipelago and adjacent mainland offer a veritable playground of unique experiences, ideal for exploration by boutique expedition motor yacht. Named after the English buccaneer and privateer William Dampier, the archipelago is regarded as one of the most spectacular island groups in Australia. There are islands listed as Important Bird Areas by Birdlife International, whilst others are home to Western Australia’s largest population of breeding Green Sea turtles. The pristine coastline contains secluded white sandy beaches, mangrove estuaries and spectacular tortured landscapes providing a geological insight into the formation of this remarkable land.
The region is best known for the iconic destinations of The Lacepede Islands, Yampi Sound, Adele Island and Cape Leveque.
On the Paspaley Pearl, we also have access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels including Hidden Island, Whirlpool Pass, Sunday Island, Strickland Bay, Tallon Island, Hell’s gate, Edeline and Cascade Bay.
Day 11: Disembarkation | Broome, Western Australia
Often referred to as the pearl of North West Australia, Broome is Western Australia’s coastal gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. It’s also home to the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach, making it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations. Situated 2,240 km (1,390 mi) north of Perth with a permanent population estimated at 14,436, growing to over 45,000 per month during the tourist season.
Please note: Some dates travel in the opposite direction.
Paspaley Pearl
Marrying Paspaley's heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with this operator’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, Paspaley Pearl emerges as the embodiment of comfort and adventure.
Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, Paspaley Pearl emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies.
Nestled on the Ocean Deck is our main dining area, lounge, and bar. As our skilled chefs craft your locally-inspired dinner, take a moment for a pre-dinner drink before being spoiled with the finest produce Australia has to offer.
When journeying through the tropics, immersing yourself in the outdoors becomes essential. Indulge in breakfast and lunch daily within a relaxed yet refined setting. With two expansive dining tables and abundant lounges, relish the idea of dining amidst the natural surroundings you explore. Craving a refreshing drink after a day of exploration? Our friendly staff at the Outdoor Bar have you covered. The Outdoor Lounge doubles as the perfect space for afternoon briefings with your expedition team, ensuring you receive all the information needed for the following day’s adventure.
Capacity: 30 guests
Cabins: 15
Specialists: Expert crew & 4 seasoned naturalist guides
ACHIEVEMENTS
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2022
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2023
Condé Nast #1 Best Expedition Ship Line 2022
"The Paspaley Pearl delivers a relaxed, boutique cruise experience with modern, spacious cabins—some offering private balconies for stunning sea views. Communal areas are inviting, with a warm, breezy aesthetic, and the observation deck is great for unwinding and taking in the scenery. The crew provides attentive and friendly service, for a smooth, enjoyable journey. Perfect for those seeking to sail in comfort and style, the Paspaley Pearl blends luxury with a laid-back cruising vibe."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
Explore these breathtaking, rugged coastlines in style on the Paspaley Pearl where fabulous cuisine and expert guiding enhance your voyage. The Kimberley is home to rugged gorges, stunning waterfalls, and vast landscapes, plus holds deep cultural significance for the Aboriginal communities that have lived there for tens of thousands of years. This is an unforgettable destination, definitely bucket list-worthy!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy: