Southern Kimberley and Solar Eclipse Sailing Expedition
11 Days - Le Ponant
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. Complete your voyage by witnessing the total solar eclipse on the 20th April 2023 in the Timor Sea.
from USD $12117pp


Itinerary Highlights
- Sail through spectacular ancient landscapes aboard the luxurious and intimate three masted yacht, Le Ponant.
- Discover the pinnacle Kimberley sailing experience, with fully flexible itineraries and no predetermined destinations.
- Experience an aerial view of the remarkable Kimberley landscape aboard the unique Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft.
- Discover the pristine beaches and remarkable scenery of the Buccaneer archipelago.
- Gain an insight into the ancient culture and heritage of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
- Watch in awe as the tidal waters flow off Montgomery reef.
- Witness the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay.
- Explore pristine mangrove systems by zodiac.
- Search for iconic bird species such as White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy kites and Ospreys.
- Gain an insight into the geology, history, culture, flora and fauna of this fascinating region from your expert expedition team.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Kununurra
- Day 2: Private flight to join ship in Kuri Bay
- Day 3-7: Exploring the Kimberley Coast
- Day 8: Solar Eclipse Viewing
- Day 9-10: Disembark in Broome and two hotel nights
- Day 11: Depart Broome
Day 1: Kununurra
Transfer from Kununurra airport to the hotel. Time at Leisure and dinner on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Embarkation Day – Kununurra to Kuri Bay
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Transfer to Kununurra airport. Board a unique Paspaley Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft for your scenic flight Kununurra/Kuri Bay. Approximate flight duration: 1 hour, 30 min. Embarkation - 4pm. Departure - 6pm.
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 it is 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.
Kuri Bay is the ideal location for starting or ending your Kimberley sailing expedition combining a spectacular scenic flight over the Kimberley landscape aboard a Paspaley Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft between Kuri Bay and Kununurra.
Day 3 - 7: Kimberley Explorations
Whilst there is no standard itinerary, our sailing expedition will feature the iconic destinations of Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Falls, described by Sir David Attenborough as “One of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Additional destinations that maybe visited include:
The Lacepede Islands, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Brown Boobies and Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles.
The iconic Cape Leveque, at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, best known for its pristine white sand beaches and golden red sandstone cliffs. The 800 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago provide an ideal sailing ground to explore. Scattered amongst the islands are secluded white sandy beaches including Silica Bay, historical pearling locations such as Strickland Bay and The Edeline Islands and the remarkable geological scenery of Whirlpool Pass and Nares Point.
Further North Collier Bay showcases the massive tides that the region is renowned for at the Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef. Here the many outdoor rock art galleries including Wijingarra Bard Bard provide an insight into the remarkable history and culture of Australia’s First Nations People. To the East lies Doubtful Bay providing access to multiple river systems, including the Sale River and Red Cone Creek, lined with mangroves, creating the ideal environment to spot crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. High above the saltwater influence freshwater waterholes provide the ideal locations for cooling off after a day of exploration.
Day 8: Solar Eclipse Viewing
Your extraordinary voyage ends with an open water viewing of the solar eclipse. The ship will be positioned to ensure the optimal viewing experience. The intended viewpoint will experience 1 minute and 12 seconds of totality. Enjoy this incredible natural phenomenon without any crowds from the top deck of Le Ponant, with drinks and refreshments available to mark the occasion.
Day 9-10: Disembark in Broome
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…
Transfer from Broome Wharf to the hotel. Lunch and dinner on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon. You will have two nights in Broome, giving you plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.
Day 11: Departure
Depart for your onward journey after breakfast.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
13 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023 | USD $12117pp | ||
Mistral Stateroom | USD $12117pp | Contact us | |
Mistral Prestige Stateroom | USD $12899pp | Contact us | |
Mistral Junior Suite | USD $15319pp | Contact us | |
Alizé Stateroom with balcony | USD $15319pp | Contact us | |
Prestige Alizé stateroom with balcony | USD $15789pp | Contact us | |
Mistral Prestige Suite | USD $16739pp | Contact us | |
Alizé Privilège Suite with balcony | USD $19020pp | Contact us | |
Grand Privilège Alizé Suite with balcony | USD $23200pp | Contact us | |
Owner's Suite with Balcony | USD $29989pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Owner's Suite with Balcony
47 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Alizé Stateroom with balcony
10 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Alizé Privilège Suite with balcony
30 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Mistral Stateroom
14 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Mistral Prestige Stateroom
16 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Mistral Junior Suite
21 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Mistral Prestige Suite
27 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Grand Privilège Alizé Suite with balcony
49 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Prestige Alizé stateroom with balcony
16 m²
Individually controlled air conditioning
Double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) or twin single beds (90 cm x 200 cm), depending on the cabin; adjoining cabins available (for child-friendly cruises)
Mini bar
Flat screen TV, satellite channels
Bose™ Bluetooth Speaker
Desk with writing supplies
Electronic safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris bath products
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct phone line via satellite
110/220 volt outlets
24-hour room service
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Le Ponant Deckplan
Specifications
Passengers: 32
Crew: 33
Cabins: 16 staterooms
1 restaurant
Length: 88m
Height: 56m
Whats included?
- 1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night before embarkation.
- Scenic flight Kununurra/Kuri Bay onboard a Paspaley Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft.
- 2-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night of disembarkation
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
What’s not included?
- Inward flights to Kununurra
- Onward flights from Broome.
- Additional expenses associated with early check in and/or late check out.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Notes
Barefoot luxury sailing expeditions are fully flexible itineraries with no predetermined destinations. With a maximum of 32 guests, the crew 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.