Overview
Often referred to as the "Antarctica of the tropics," the Kimberley is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is the pristine environment, wild, rugged and remote landscapes that gives rise to the comparison. The ancient landscape is the epitome of a sunburnt country, the vast plains and rugged red sandstone gorges are quintessentially Australian and like nowhere else. The Kimberley is one of the world's last great Wilderness areas, and one of Australia's greatest natural assets.
The 13,000km of remote isolated coastline boasts more than 2,600 islands and is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, the world's largest living reptile, the only two 'Horizontal Falls' on the planet, the world's largest inshore reef, extensive undisturbed mangrove forests, wild rivers, important seabird and marine turtle breeding colonies and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. It is a national biodiversity hotspot and listed in the top 4% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
Our Barefoot luxury sailing expeditions are fully flexible itineraries with no predetermined destinations. With a maximum of 32 guests, we are able to create bespoke itineraries showcasing the changing environment throughout the dry season from April to September. Each day's activities will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader, taking into account the season, prevailing weather, tide and sea conditions to deliver the best experience possible.
Cruise Itinerary
Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.
Top Things to Do in Darwin:
- cruise the Darwin Harbour
- explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
- visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
- visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens
Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.
Top Things to Do in Darwin:
- cruise the Darwin Harbour
- explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
- visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
- visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens
The Northern Kimberley Coast of Western Australia is a spectacular showcase of wilderness, characterized by its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and intricate river systems. This untouched region is dotted with islands and waterfalls, including the iconic King George Falls, which drop dramatically over 80 meters straight into the ocean.
Exploring this part of the Kimberley offers visitors a chance to engage with ancient landscapes that are both timeless and majestic. The area is also known for its rich Aboriginal heritage, with numerous sites displaying ancient rock art that tells the stories of the land’s traditional custodians. Accessible primarily by sea, it's a true adventurer’s retreat.
Life Onboard Le Ponant
This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. Read more
Le Ponant embodies a simple philosophy - the freedom to do or not to do. Onboard Le Ponant, everyone is free to set their own pace. Read more
With an emphasis on space and freedom, Le Ponant gives guests a sense of being on their own private yacht. Read more
Locally sourced, gourmet and refined gastronomy celebrates the delights of fine food and the riches of nature. Read more
Book a spa treatment, endulge in fine gastronomic cuisine or relax in the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel. Read more
Join Ponant's world-renowned expedition team and naturalist experts in a breathtaking sailing environment. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
