Coral Expeditions departed this week on the first of more than 50 journeys into the Kimberley for 2025.
The first departure kicks off a new era for the operator which has more than 30 years of local expertise exploring remote coastlines that helps bring guests closer to the wild and rugged landscapes of the Kimberley and Western Australia.
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
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.
