Which cruise is right for you?
Day-Trip Tasters
GO HORIZONTAL
Go Horizontal’s tour of the Kimberley Coast isn’t a cruise, but it’s the next best thing – and affordable to boot. Departing BROOME , a one-hour scenic flight crosses the ocher landscape before the coast gives way to islands; you land on one. From there, a jet boat coasts along turquoise waters into the rusty red BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO, heading either for the frothing Horizontal Falls and exhilarating white water rides, or sugar-white SILICA BEACH and sand lazing. gohorizontalfallstours.com.au
CAPE LEVEQUE AND BEYOND
Broome is also the launch point for those interested in a return day trip to CAPE LEVEQUE , where the red rocks of the outback meet the sea. The morning flight is followed by a day of cruising the BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO, with grilled barramundi for lunch and – for the brave – even cage swimming in waters frequented by sharks and crocodiles. You can also customise your tour, adding a night’s stay at Kooljaman, the wilderness camp owned by the Indigenous Bardi Jawi communities. horizontalfallsadventures.com.au
Short Cruises: 4 - 5 Days
KIMBERLEY QUEST
A four- day Taste of the Kimberley cruise allows you maximum coastal viewing in minimum time. Departing close to the sights at CYGNET BAY Pearl Farm, the small luxury catamaran takes in the HORIZONTAL FALLS, MONTGOMERY REEF and the islands of the BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO, with spots of fishing, gorge swimming, whirlpool watching and croc spotting slotted in for good measure. kimberleyquest.com.au
THE GREAT ESCAPE
Another boutique, luxury vessel, The Great Escape offers a five- day cruise. Despite being named the Kimberley Fishing Extravaganza, its focus goes well beyond just throwing in a line. It also includes gorges, waterfalls, helicopter jaunts and rock art viewing. greatescapecruises.com.au
Boutique Luxury Cruises: 8 - 14 Days
THE GREAT ESCAPE
With more time up your sleeve, join an extended trip with The Great Escape. Its 85-foot catamaran caters to just 14 guests and carries a helicopter. greatescapecruises.com.au
KIMBERLEY QUEST
This company runs a similar vessel, taking up to 18 travelers and a jet boat along for extra thrills. kimberleyquest.com.au
OCEAN DREAM CHARTERS
This maxes out at 12 guests. oceandreamcharters.com.au
TRUE NORTH
The pinnacle in five star, Australian-run cruise boats, True North hosts a total of 36 people and is also chopper- equipped. All have on- deck spas, internet access and most carry a nature specialist. truenorth.com.au
Traditional Big Boat Cruising: 8 - 18 Days
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Catering for up to 116 passengers, with butler services, lounges, a pool and poolside grill, sun deck, two gyms and a beauty center. silversea.com
APT
The company takes up to 114 guests, its vessel equipped with spacious suites, restaurants, bars, a library, gym, and a hairdresser. aptouring.com.au
CORAL EXPEDITIONS
Book a spot on one of three cruise ships, accommodating up to 44, 72 or 120 travelers with all the bells and whistles you could hope to see. coralexpeditions.com
PONANT
Up to 184 guests can enjoy a range of restaurants, a theater, lounge, pool and onboard naturalists. ponant.com