This classic 10-night voyage explores this rugged land carved by the powerful forces of nature. Thrilling rides through Horizontal Falls, showers under King Cascade, ancient rock art, crocodiles basking on rock ledges – this is a truly Australian adventure. Thirty years ago, when Coral Expeditions made the first exploratory cruises in the Kimberley, they had to rely on hand-drawn `mudmaps` and the knowledge of fishermen and early explorers to navigate the vast and unpredictable coastline. Today, with decades of experience behind them, and in-house experts, maps, tidal charts, and landing notes, they have a level of knowledge that cannot be easily replicated.
Now, they invite you to join them on our classic 10-night Kimberley expedition. Witness the power of nature at the magnificent King George River and its towering twin falls, explore ancient rock art with expert guides, and witness diverse marine life and cascading waters at Montgomery Reef. Later in the season, you may also see the majestic Humpback Whales on their migration north to breeding grounds. Every Kimberley voyage is different. Come and discover the Kimberley for yourself with the pioneers.
Seasons:
- Waterfall Season: March to May - At the end of the wet season, experience rushing waterfalls and creeks, with abundant wildlife and lush greenery.
- Peak Season: May to July - The most popular time to see the Kimberley. Enjoy optimum weather with cooler temperatures and no rain. The wildlife is abundant, and the landscape vibrant.
- Whale Season: July to October - Humpback whales migrate to Kimberley waters and may be spotted during these months. The weather is hot and dry, with beautiful sunsets.
Highlights:
- Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
- Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life
- Witness King George River and 80m tall twin King George waterfalls
- Cruise the Prince Regent River to the `hanging garden` King Cascade waterfall
- Encounter Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art
- Spot native wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat
- View the Kimberley landscape by air on a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost)
- Enjoy sunset canapés and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley
____________
DISCOUNTS, AVAILABILITY & SOLO OFFERS:
These fares are based on full brochure fare. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time availability or pricing. Please check with your consultant at time of enquiry if your preferred cabin type is available and for your best offer!
Single Occupancy Fares: Coral Expeditions have allocated several staterooms for solo travellers. Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer have two staterooms allocated in each of the Explorer Deck, Promenade Deck and Coral Deck categories. Coral Discoverer has two staterooms allocated in the Promenade Deck Category B. These fares are subject to a sole-supplement.
No Sole Supplement Offers: Occasionally Coral Expeditions run special offers on select voyages so you can enjoy a room to yourself at the twin share rate. For these offers they open additional staterooms beyond the ones allocated for solo travellers. These offers are subject to availability.
____________
The Kimberley Cruise - Cruise only package includes:
- 10 night cruise aboard Coral Geographer from Broome to Darwin
- All meals onboard, chef-prepared
- Captain`s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Use of Xplorer and Zodiacs
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Tips and gratuities
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
- Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
- Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
NOT INCLUDED:
- Pre-cruise transfers
- Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
- Premium Internet services
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
- Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
- Optional helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is approximately $695 per person (This is an indicative price as 2024 and 2025 rates are yet to be released by the flight operator). Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers. Helicopter flights are booked once onboard, with a 24hr cancellation policy.
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Special Conditions
*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (23Sep24). Some cabins may have obstructed views. All airfares/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation and strict cancellation/change fees apply. Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports on exact package dates. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Special Validity Dates
Special is valid from 23 September 2024 to 15 August 2025 or until sold out/withdrawn.
Cruise Itinerary
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
30 May 2025
Broome, W A
31 May 2025
Lacepede Islands, Western Australia
1 Jun 2025
Horizontal Waterfalls, Western Australia
1 Jun 2025
Talbot Bay, Western Australia
2 Jun 2025
Raft Point, Western Australia
2 Jun 2025
Doubtful Bay, Australia
3 Jun 2025
Montgomery Reef, W A
4 Jun 2025
Prince Regent River, Western Australia
4 Jun 2025
Careening Bay, WA
5 Jun 2025
Prince Frederick Harbour, Western Australia
6 Jun 2025
Mitchell Plateau and Falls, Western Australia
7 Jun 2025
Vansittart Bay, Western Australia
8 Jun 2025
King George River, Western Australia
9 Jun 2025
Darwin, NT, Australia
10 Night Cruise sailing from Broome to Darwin aboard Coral Geographer.
Thirty years ago, when we made the first exploratory cruises in the Kimberley, we had to rely on hand-drawn ‘mudmaps’ and the knowledge of fishermen and early explorers to navigate the vast and unpredictable coastline. Today, with decades of experience behind us, and in-house experts, maps, tidal charts, and landing notes, we have a level of knowledge that cannot be easily replicated.
Now, we invite you to join us on our classic 10-night Kimberley expedition. Witness the power of nature at the magnificent King George River and its towering twin falls, explore ancient rock art with expert guides, and witness diverse marine life and cascading waters at Montgomery Reef. Later in the season, you may also see the majestic Humpback Whales on their migration north to breeding grounds. Every Kimberley voyage is different. Come and discover the Kimberley for yourself with the pioneers.
Note: This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched in 2019), she has over 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple bars, majority balcony staterooms and suites, and public areas featuring a collection of Australian Indigenous art.
Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.
Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Mauritius, and Zanzibar.
Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.
Ship Profile & Stats
Maiden voyage: January 2021
Length: 93.4 metres
Beam: 17.2 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Speed: 13.8 knots
Ship registration: Australia
Passenger capacity (dbl): 120
Crew nationality: Australian
Dining nationality: Australian
Ship Amenities
Individual Climate Control
Bathrooms are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outllets for electric shavers only
Voltage is 220/250Hz, 50 cycles AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug)
Ship Facilities
Bridge Deck Bar
Observation Lounge
Xplorer Bar
Gym
Xplorer Boarding
Dining Room
Gift Shop
Lounge
Lift
Started in 1983, our company’s original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.
While our range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, we have maintained our home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.
There are many reasons why our guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.
A TRUE EXPEDITION ETHOS
At Coral Expeditions, we pride ourselves on getting our guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. We have deep respect and a strong connection with the places we visit. We maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present. Our expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions we visit.
OUR HOME TURF
When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, we have steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Our crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with us in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.
OUR SMALL SHIPS
At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are our purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, our ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that we can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. We have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape we explore.
OUR CREW
Our crew live and breathe our destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. We are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and we are proud to share our knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On our ships, we have no ‘back office’ roles. From our chefs to our engineers, our crew are here because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join our engine room tours, view our chefs in our galley or chat with our officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.
OUR RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES
We have always made a determined effort to support the communities we visit. Our guests join in enthusiastically. We visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. We initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of our expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for us all.
THE FUTURE
As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, we remain true to our pioneering foundations. We have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. We have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening our footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, our purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in our uniquely Australian style!
There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Twin porthole windows give you views of the world outside.
Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
From
AU $13,400*
per person
*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
