Follow the Voyage: The Kimberley Icons, Ashmore Reef & Rowley Shoals | Broome to Darwin
With Expedition Leader David Keech
11 March 2025 – 23 March 2025
Jump To: | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8| Day 9| Day 10| Day 11| Day 12
Day 2: Broome, Western Australia
11 March 2025
The day began with an early breakfast before we set out for our first snorkel in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. After an expedition briefing, guests explored vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. In the afternoon, we drifted over the reef in a balmy 33.2-degree sea, mesmerized by the colors and movement beneath the surface. With salt on our skin and stories to share, we returned to the ship, already looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Day 3: Rowley Shoals, Western Australia
12 March 2025
Today we kicked off our morning with a lecture from Keith Morris before heading out for the morning snorkel. Both Explorers went out to discover what lay beneath. Clams, numerous fish and a couple of stingrays were the highlights today. We returned to the ship shortly before lunch. For those that stayed on board, we played a documentary and offered numerous games, cards and puzzles. After lunch, our Chief Engineer held his Engine room presentation in the Bridge Deck Lounge, followed by an information session on Australian Turtles. After a recap of the day and dinner, we set sail on an overnight steam to arrive around 0900 tomorrow when tides will be right for a successful excursion.
Day 4: Lacepedes, Western Australia
13 March 2025
The day began with Guest Lecturer Keith’s fascinating Island Jewels talk, highlighting the unique islands of the Kimberley. After morning tea, we set off on a Lacepede Islands scenic cruise, spotting Brown and Masked Boobies, noddies, pelicans, and even a shovel-nosed shark. Back onboard, guests enjoyed Bridge and Engine Room tours, offering a behind-the-scenes look at ship operations. Later, Bonita hosted a delightful wine tasting, providing the perfect prelude to an evening of conversation and camaraderie over pre-dinner drinks and the daily recap. Another remarkable day of exploration in the Kimberley, filled with wildlife, discovery, and shared experiences.
Day 5: Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls, Western Australia
14 March 2025
Anticipation was high for today’s highlight—Horizontal Falls. After breakfast, we cruised through Talbot Bay and Cyclone Creek, taking in the dramatic landscape. A thrilling Explorer ride past the Falls set the tone before we ventured deeper into the creek, spotting wallabies, crocodiles, dolphins, and a variety of birdlife. Fiddler crabs scuttled along the shore, and the striking geology captivated all. After dinner, nature had one more surprise—a breathtaking lightning display, followed by rain sweeping across the distant horizon. Many guests declared it the best day of the trip so far, and it’s hard to argue with that!
Day 6: Montgomery Reef, Western Australia
16 March 2025
Morning excursion to Montgomery Reef, there was still a ton of water cascading into the channel despite it being low tide. Some nice soft corals were exposed which offer a little colour to the trip. Birds abound feeding off the low tide reef, along for numerous turtles popping heads out to take a look.
Shortly after we moved the ship across to Raft Point where we anchored for the afternoon excursion. This is a circular scenic taking in Raft Point, Steep Island and Bird Rock. As it was high tide we also managed to get into the mangroves to look for birds and crocodiles. Sea birds were the order of the day along with vegetation and history on the scenic cruise.
Guests were invited to the Vista Deck for the BBQ dinner It was hot and humid with dark cloud build up around the ship.
Day 7: Adele island, Western Australia
17 March 2025
After a leisurely breakfast, Sandra Riemer began the day with an insightful lecture on Tropical Coral Reefs. The first Explorer then set off for Adele Island, offering a morning of bird and turtle watching—both delivered in abundance. The second Explorer followed, and zodiacs joined to bring guests closer to the island. After lunch, guests enjoyed Bridge and Engine Room tours and more reef insights from Sandra in the Bridge Deck Lounge. The day wrapped up with a fun cocktail-making class, a perfect ending to a day filled with discovery and relaxation.
Day 8: Scott Reef, Western Australia
18 March, 2025
This morning, guests headed out to Scott Reef, where we saw sea snakes and giant clams.
For those who remained on board, we screened a movie and reintroduced them to the games cupboard for a relaxing morning.
After lunch, Sandra Riemer presented Marine Mammals in the Bridge Deck Lounge, offering fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife.
Day 9 : Ashmore Reef, Western Australia
19 March, 2025
Guests enjoyed a spectacular morning snorkel in near-perfect conditions, exploring vibrant corals, abundant fish, a reef shark, and even a crayfish—many calling it the best snorkelling of the trip. Back onboard, Bridge and Engine Room tours provided a fascinating midday experience. In the afternoon, we returned to a nearby site rich with marine life and an unexpected abundance of birdlife, including the rare Tropic Bird, a first for many guests. The day wrapped up with a relaxing evening and dinner onboard, marking another successful day of exploration in this remote and breathtaking setting.
Day 10: At Sea & Bigge Island, Western Australia
20 March, 2025
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, guests enjoyed lectures on Salt Water Crocodiles and an overview of the Kimberley, including geology, history, flora and fauna. After a leisurely lunch, we headed out for our first art visit of the trip. This was also combined with a short scenic cruise in the area. Heading back to the ship in time for guests to have drinks in the Bridge Deck Lounge. This evening as a treat, Expedition member Rhett played his didgeridoo to guests, which was an amazing experience. After dinner, he held a Q&A and also gave some lessons on how to play.
Day 11: Winyalkin, Western Australia
21 March, 2025
This morning we anchored and headed out to the Rock Art at Wollaston Bay while the second Explorer commenced the scenic cruise. Landing at Wollaston Bay, guests arrived excited at this amazing Wandjina art site. Guests were given the option to view the art silently and make their own observations before offering some interpretation of the art. On return, we enjoyed lunch before cruising the surrounding islands and bays, looking at geology vegetation. We finished off viewing some Gwion Gwion dynamic figures at Shell Beach before returning to the ship.
Day 12: King George River, Western Australia
22 March, 2025
This morning, we journeyed to King George Falls, which were in full flow—a breathtaking sight. With great excitement, we nudged the Explorer into the left falls, giving guests a chance to shower under the cascading water, an experience they absolutely loved. The scenic return was just as spectacular. After lunch, guests enjoyed Futures, a quiz, a slideshow, and Captain’s drinks, filled with farewells before a final dinner as we steamed toward Darwin.
