This week, Coral Expeditions departs on the first of over 50 departures in the Kimberley for 2025 and kicks off a new era exploring remote coastlines and bringing guests closer to the wild and rugged landscapes of the Kimberley and Western Australia. With over 30 years of local expertise, Coral Expeditions has designed and built its expedition ships and tenders specifically for exploring remote tropical destinations like the Kimberley. Key highlights of the season ahead include;
Record-breaking rainfall brings a dramatic start to waterfall season
The Kimberley has seen a recent deluge with above average rainfall creating ideal conditions to witness the landscape at its most dramatic. Big rains set the stage for one of nature’s most spectacular performances as outback creeks and rivers cascade from ochre escarpments into wild rivers and shorelines bursting with life. With the first annual departure of the season leaving Broome on 11th March, the annual “waterfall season” is set to deliver an epic experience well into June this year.
Connecting with culture and community
Interpreting and sharing the stories of indigenous culture and creation across northern Australia is one of the most enriching and valued elements of cruising for guests. Along with existing partnerships on sea country in Ngula and Vansittart Bay with the Wunambal Gaambera people, new experiences include visits with the Murajuga Rangers on the Dampier Archipelago to discover art and ancient petroglyphs and fish traps as well as immersive visits to community art co-operatives and galleries across the Tiwi Islands where guests can learn from elders, experience modern culture and buy high quality art direct from the source.
Expansion of new voyage programs into the future
From a 5-month Kimberley program with an average of 35 sailings a year in 2019, Coral Expeditions has seen phenomenal interest and demand in Western Australia. From 2025 and beyond, the sailing schedule will operate close to 60 voyages across 3 vessels between February and October. Significant growth is seen in the 12-night Abrolhos and Coral Coast voyages including new UK and US charter partnerships and several sell out voyages to Ningaloo and the Rowley Shoals. In 2024, a new partnership voyage with the Australian Geographic Society exploring the “Whales and Wildflower Trails of WA” was a sellout success with record satisfaction ratings. 
Dark Sky and Celestial adventures
The remote nature of the Kimberley Coast, free from light pollution, makes it an ideal destination for “Dark Sky” tourism experiences. In addition to regular evening activities like star gazing and astronomy, guests can take part in after-dark nature-spotting excursions to observe nocturnal wildlife, from small marsupials to apex predators like crocodiles. Looking ahead to July 2028, the entire fleet will be in position to experience the natural phenomenon of a Solar Eclipse.
Culinary inspirations that are distinctly Australian
Being a small and independent Australian operator Coral Expeditions has long had the focus and ambition to shape the entire culinary offering in a manner that showcases the best of a destination on a plate and in a glass. All meals are freshly prepared in the galley daily and feature ingredients sourced from the region. The remote nature of the Kimberley Coast, free from light pollution, makes it an ideal setting for “Dark Sky” tourism experiences. Along with regular evening activities such as stargazing and astronomy, Coral Expeditions offers after-dark nature-spotting excursions, allowing guests to observe nocturnal wildlife, from small marsupials to apex predators like crocodiles.
Kimberley and WA adventure line up
The Kimberley Cruise
Kimberley Icons, Rowley Shoals and Ashmore Reef
Best of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands
Abrolhos Islands and The Coral Coast
Ningaloo and the Bluewater Wonders of WA
