Kimberley Cruises & Expeditions

Day to Day Experience

An expedition cruise is never predictable. Every voyage – and every day – is different, guided by the ever-changing weather, tides, ice conditions and our team’s deep local knowledge. This is part of the thrill that brings passengers and staff alike back, season after season, for more adventures.

So what will you be doing day to day?

ASHORE

Included Activities

Zodiac cruises

Explore shallow coastlines, discover secluded bays and search for wildlife in hard to reach places in our Zodiacs; sturdy, inflatable rubber speed boats.

Wildlife encounters

Join our onboard naturalists as we visit some of the most extraordinary biodiversity hotspots around the globe.

Guided hikes

Adventurous hikes for all abilities. Explore historic ruins, admire local flora and fauna and hike up remote ridges to spectacular viewpoints.

Photography

Whether you use a digital SLR or an iPhone, our photography guides are ready with handy hints to help you get the most out of your camera.

Historic sites

Join onboard historians and discover abandoned whaling villages, compelling archaeological sites and fascinating remnants of bygone eras.

Bird watching

Join your onboard naturalists and fellow birdwatching enthusiasts to watch for seabirds following the ship as they make their long journey across the ocean.

ONBOARD / AT SEA

Our ships are designed to put people in connection with the environment. With expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the world outside, inviting communal areas, a comfortable lecture room and complimentary access to the gym, sauna and spa, the exploration and discovery continue whether you’re ashore or on board.

Ship cruising

Find a spot on deck or in the observation lounge as the captain skillfully navigates sea ice, sails the spectacular, narrow Lemaire Channel or crosses the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal.

Enthralling, informative lectures

Join our expedition specialists and learn about the captivating wildlife and natural wonders as you see them. Be swept away in tales of terror and triumph as our historians share some of the fascinating stories of human endeavor in these remote corners of the world.

Wildlife watching

It’s not uncommon to spot dolphins frolicking off the bow, humpback or fin whales surfacing at sea, or majestic albatrosses and petrels soaring overhead. Get out where the action is and make sure you don’t miss a thing! Binoculars and wildlife guides are available for your use on board.

Onboard Dining

You will be fuelled-up for your expedition with delicious morning and afternoon teas, and hearty meals cooked by our onboard chefs. Meal-times are a great opportunity to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open-seating dining area. We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.

About the Kimberley Coast

A coastline of rugged ochre rocks and dense bushlands hides a land of ancient cultures and natural treasures.

Stretching to the northwest, an intricate maze of coral reefs, rocky islands and mangrove-fringed rivers forms one of Australia’s most exotic wilderness areas – the Kimberley Coast.

A maritime frontier explored by Maccassan fisherman, Arab, Chinese and Dutch traders and European explorers, the Kimberley’s ancient coastline is a dynamic world of 11-metre tides that create standing waves and giant whirlpools or expose kilometres of mudflats. The massive tide’s ebb and flow dictates our movements; our inquisitiveness may lead us in unexpected directions.

The Kimberley Coast is home to primitive plants and the ancient and most feared predator, the saltwater crocodile. It also boasts dancing jabirus, stoic boab trees and the beautiful Kimberley rose. Protected by vast tracts of bull spinifex and broken ‘hard rock’ country, the coast can be a harsh place, slow to reveal its hidden treasures.

Read on to discover more about the breathtaking Kimberley:

• Kimberley’s tides
• The Kimberley’s wildlife
• Kimberley Coast flora
• Kimberley Coast climate
• Kimberley birdlife

Planning your trip to the Kimberley Coast

The Kimberley’s harsh environment and remote access mean that you need to ensure you’re well prepared for your trip. From what to take and how to get there, our team have sorted out all the information you ought to know before you go.

This information is designed to answer your questions about travelling to the Kimberley and prepare you for your adventure. Please read through this information carefully and contact our Expedition Experts if you have any questions.

• Travel insurance
• What to wear in the Kimberley
• Health, fitness and age limits
• Getting to Broome or Darwin

What clothes do I take to wear on the ship?

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual. Shorts, shirts and sandals are perfect for on board in the Kimberly. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen to wear on the deck. Some people like to take a nice outfit or something a bit special for the Captain’s welcome and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is not necessary.

What kind of footwear do I need for our shore visits?

It is important that you bring a good, sturdy pair of walking shoes because we’ll be encountering slippery rock and mud ashore. You will also need a pair of wet landing shoes for some landings; Velcro sandals, Crocs, or an old pair of joggers are all ideal. Thongs and some sandals can actually be quite dangerous ashore but can be worn on the ship.

How hot will it be in the Kimberley?

During May to July the temperature ranges from about 25°C to 32°C, so please make sure you bring a good hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

How often do we get off the ship?

Our plan is to get off the ship as much as possible, usually twice per day. Our schedule and landings are all at the mercy of the Kimberley’s weather and extreme tides.

Will there be swimming opportunities?

We often have an opportunity to take a tip in some of the rock pools that lay high above the shore line. Don’t forget we’ll be in crocodile territory – our Captain and expedition are familiar with locations that are safe for swimming and we’ll plan to stop if time permits.

Should I bring along my own walking poles?

Yes, it’s a good idea, especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks, and we may go for extended walks to see different parts of our landing point. We recommend the telescopic poles, which you can purchase these poles in most outdoor stores.

What if I need to go to the toilet when ashore?

Our expedition team will instruct you with these types of rules on board. In the Kimberley, we are often in remote bush and forests, and you will need to find a discreet location to do your business.

How fit do I need to be?

To make the most of our voyages, you should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. However, if you have problems walking on rough ground, you can enjoy the scenery closer to shore. Should you have any physical limitations please notify us well in advance of your departure, but this should not discourage you from participating.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover, is mandatory for all Aurora Expeditions’ voyages. We advise you to have insurance for voyage cancellation to ensure you will be covered financially if you are forced to cancel your voyage due to circumstances beyond your control. It is in your best interest to carefully read the General Terms & Conditions on your booking form or on our website.

Where do passengers come from?

The majority of our clients come from Australia, however we do often have a mix of other nationalities on board.

Do you cater for special meal requests?

Yes. Our talented chefs will take your requirements into their meal planning and ensure you receive tasty, healthy meals. Please ensure you list any dietary requirements on your personal details form.

What is not included in the price of the voyage?

In general, items that are not included in the cost of your voyage are: flights to and from your voyage, pre and post accommodation, transfers, optional activities, drinks from the bar (alcohol and soft drinks), gratuities, ship-shop items, laundry costs and other items of a personal nature.

How much should I tip?

People often ask us what they should do about tipping. Tipping is a very personal matter, however if pressed we recommend $AU10 per passenger, per day that you are on the ship.

Will I get seasick?

Many people ask us if they will get seasick. It is a very difficult question to answer because it depends so much on the individual. Our experience is that a small percentage of people are seasick on any trip and most of these people are fine after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to seasickness then it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Come with motion sickness tablets. There will be a first aid officer onboard who will be able to assist with any bouts of seasickness.