Tropical Expedition 
No single supplement 
35-year offer 
Mistral Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
14 m²
2
Northern Kimberley Sailing Expedition
Kuri Bay - Wyndham
Dates:
17/08/2023
to
26/08/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Night in Kununurra + Flight Kununurra/Kuri Bay + Transfer Wyndham/Kununurra + Night in Kununurra
PONANT invites you to experience Australia’s unique and spectacular Kimberley coast in a remarkable new way, under sail aboard its emblematic yacht Le Ponant. The majestic three-masted yacht, with elegant lines and an intimate atmosphere for only 32 like-minded guests, is redefining barefoot luxury expeditions. A crew to guest ratio of more than 1 to 1 and an expedition staff to guest ratio of 1 to 8, combine to provide the pinnacle Kimberley expedition sailing experience. Unique to the experience, PONANT has partnered with the Paspaley group to include a spectacular scenic flight over the Kimberley landscape aboard their Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft between Kununurra and Kuri Bay.
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.
The 13,000km of remote isolated coastline boasts more than 2,600 islands and is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, the world’s largest living reptile, the only two ‘Horizontal Falls’ on the planet, the world’s largest inshore reef, extensive undisturbed mangrove forests, wild rivers, important seabird and marine turtle breeding colonies and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. It is a national biodiversity hotspot and listed in the top 4% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
Our Barefoot luxury sailing expeditions are fully flexible itineraries with no predetermined destinations. With a maximum of 32 guests, we 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.
Ref : KW0545 - PO180823
Your itinerary
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...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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LE LYRIAL
07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- No lift, not suitable for people with reduced mobility
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
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.
- View the spectacular 80m high sandstone cliffs of the King George River Gorge and its Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia.
- Uncover the stories behind the enigmatic Gwion Gwion rock art.
- Experience Prince Frederick Harbour, one of the largest and most scenic inlets of the Kimberley coast.
- Gain an insight into the remarkable culture and heritage of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
- Explore pristine mangrove systems by zodiac.
- An opportunity to encounter the largest reptile on earth, the saltwater crocodile, in its natural environment.
- Gain an insight into the geology, history, culture, flora and fauna of this fascinating region from your expert expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 August 2023 - Kuri Bay
Embarkation 18/08/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 18/08/2023 at 18:00
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 Broome or Kununurra
19 August 2023 24 August 2023 - Northern Kimberley Coast
Arrival 19/08/2023
Departure 24/08/2023
Whilst there is no standard itinerary, our sailing expedition will feature the iconic destinations of King George Falls and Prince Frederick Harbour. Additional destinations that may be visited include the Prince Regent River home to the spectacular terraced waterfall of Kings Cascades and Camp Creek. Part of the Prince Regent National Park is the National Heritage listed Mermaid Boab at Careening Bay, recording the repairs undertaken by Philip Parker King and his men in September 1820 to Her Majesty’s Cutter, Mermaid. Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the largest and most scenic inlets of the Kimberley coast. Here, the Hunter River and Roe River curl through an awe inspiring landscape of flat top mesas, ancient folded mountains, deep gorges, craggy sandstone cliffs and spires. Just to the North lies the Mitchell River National Park known for its rugged scenery and First Nations Peoples heritage. From the cascading freshwater of the Mitchell Falls the Mitchell River has carved breath-taking gorges into the sandstone as it winds its way to the waters of the Admiralty Gulf. Within the gulf, the Low Rocks and Sterna Island Important Bird Area in the Montesquieu Islands support 4,000 breeding pairs of Roseate terns. The coastal embayments and offshore Islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago are rich in First Nations Peoples culture and heritage. Ancient rock art galleries depicting both the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles unique to the Kimberley region can be experienced at Bigge Island, Winyalkan Island, Swift Bay and Jar Island. To the North, the mangrove lined Drysdale River provides the ideal environment to spot crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Fed by wet season rainfall the nearby Glycosmis Falls and Casuarina Falls on the Berkeley River are at their most spectacular at the start of the season. No voyage along the North Kimberley coast could be complete without visiting the Iconic King George River. The colours and textures of the 80m high gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing wallpaper of passing scenery that is simply stunning. Culminating in the Twin Falls of King George, the highest waterfall in Western Australia.
25 August 2023 - Wyndham
Arrival 25/08/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 25/08/2023 at 07:00
Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and in many ways is the gateway to the Kimberley. It is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landforms, rivers and wetlands in the Kimberley.
Le Ponant
This legendary yacht offers a uniquely exclusive voyage experience. An invitation to sail, revitalise oneself, share, contemplate and respect the world around us. An ode to freedom and the treasures of nature.
With its common areas open extensively to the horizon, you will have never felt such communion with the elements. With one crew member per passenger and just thirty-two guests on board, you will have never enjoyed so much attention. With navigation under sail the moment conditions allow, you will have never savoured each second that passes to such an extent.
Up to 32 Guests
16 staterooms & suites
33 crew members
1 restaurant
Decks
Night in Kununurra + Flight Kununurra/Kuri Bay + Transfer Wyndham/Kununurra + Night in Kununurra
For your peace of mind, PONANT has organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day prior to embarkation.
The day before embarkation – Kununurra
Transfer from Kununurra airport to the hotel.
Time at Leisure and dinner on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Embarkation Day – Kununurra/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.
- Kimberley Coast Sailing Expedition Onboard Le Ponant -
Disembarkation Day – Wyndham
Disembarkation.
Coach transfer from Wyndham Wharf to the hotel in Kununurra. Approximate duration: 1 hour, 30 min
Lunch and dinner on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel.
The day after disembarkation.
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Kununurra airport in time for check in of your onward flight.
Included Features:
- 1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night before embarkation.
- Scenic flight Kununurra/Kuri Bay onboard a Paspaley Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft.
- Coach transfer Wyndham/Kununurra
- 1-night accommodation in a 4* hotel the night of disembarkation
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Not included:
- Return flights to/from Kununurra.
- Additional expenses associated with early check in and/or late check out.
- Personal expenses.
- Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
Notes:
- April to September in Kununurra: Mean maximum temperatures vary between 30oC (86oF) and 36oC (97oF). Mean minimum temperatures vary between 15oC (60oF) and 22oC (72oF).
- Departure and arrival times for the Kununurra/Kuri Bay flight cannot be confirmed prior due to atmospheric conditions and air traffic controls on the day.
- Early check in and/or late check out is subject to availability.
- Duration and order may vary.
- LE-PONANT KIMBERLEY MALLARD FLIGHTS: Luggage restrictions: 20Kgs max per guest – soft Duffle style bags only, no hard suitcases.
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.