Kimberley Cruise with Ponant – Save up to 30%*

DAY 1 – 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.

Embarkation: from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

DAY 2 – LACEPEDE 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.

DAYS 3 & 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.

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!

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.

Your 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAY 11 – DARWIN

Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle.

Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.

Le Soléal

Le Soléal is a modern expedition yacht that combines contemporary design with French elegance, creating an intimate and refined atmosphere at sea. The ship’s staterooms and suites are designed to provide comfort and sophistication, with stylish interiors and private balconies that allow guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.

On board, gastronomy is an essential part of the experience, with restaurants offering refined cuisine inspired by French culinary traditions. Guests can relax in elegant lounges and bars, socialise in welcoming public spaces, or enjoy the panoramic pool deck while taking in the scenery. The ship also features a theatre for lectures and entertainment, a boutique, and a wellness area including a spa and fitness facilities, ensuring that every voyage combines luxury, comfort, and the spirit of exploration.

STATEROOMS & SUITES

Included in all staterooms:

• Minibar
• Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Individually-controlled air conditioning
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Direct line telephone
• Three ADA staterooms
• 24-hour room service
• Electronic safe
• Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
• Inclusive Wifi internet

Window or Porthole Stateroom

• One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
• 21 m² / up to 3 Guests
• Bathroom with shower
• Window (except cabin 300 : porthole)

Upper Deck Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

• A private 43 ft² balcony
• 18 m² / up to 2 Guests
• A sliding panoramic window
• Bathroom with shower
• One king-size bed(180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm) and TV

Prestige Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

• Priority boarding, depending on port of embarkation (Suite Prestige deck 6)
• 37 m² / up to 4 guests
• Butler service (Prestige Suite deck 6)
• Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival and a fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)
• A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
• A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchairs, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
• Two bathrooms with shower
• A private 8 m² balcony
• Two panoramic sliding bay windows

GASTRONOMY
An essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.

Gourmet restaurant – L’Éclipse

At the back of deck 2, our gourmet restaurant, complete with wine cellar, offers French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Grill restaurant – Le Pythéas

In a relaxed atmosphere, our grill restaurant located on deck 6 welcomes you for breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

The main lounge room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

The observatory lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

The outdoor bar

Enjoy a drink in the 50-capacity outdoor lounge area, with a view of the sea and the pool bridge.

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Other Features

Dedicated to self-care and well-being, the spa—created in partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®—offers a range of treatments, massages and hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and fitness room.

In the theatre, comfortably seated guests can attend conferences led by guest speakers and teams of naturalists, or enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

Extending the journey, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with ready-to-wear, equipment, jewellery, accessories and unique souvenirs, with all purchases on board tax-free