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HORIZONTAL FALLS CRUISES (2026)

Compare the best Horizontal Falls cruises in the Kimberley. Discover luxury, expedition and small-ship cruise options, itineraries, pricing, departure ports and expert booking advice.

For many travellers, a visit to Horizontal Falls is the defining highlight of a Kimberley cruise. Thorough this Horizontal Falls Cruises (2026) section, we hope to provide many of the reasons why people rate this so highly. 

Located within Talbot Bay on the remote Kimberley coast, Horizontal Falls is one of Australia's most extraordinary natural phenomena. Massive Kimberley tides force seawater through two narrow gaps in the ancient McLarty Range, creating the appearance of a waterfall flowing sideways. The falls are widely regarded as one of the region's most iconic attractions.

While scenic flights provide spectacular aerial views, a Kimberley cruise allows visitors to experience Horizontal Falls as part of a broader journey through one of the world's last great wilderness regions.

WHY VISIT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS ON A KIMBERLEY CRUISE?

Visit by boat or ship

Visiting the Horizontal Falls on a Cruise Ship or Boat

A cruise offers far more than a brief sightseeing stop. It gives you an overnight stay on Talbot Bay as well.  

Cruise ships and charter boats generally use their own tenders (Zodiacs) to visit the Horizontal Falls. Some are actually allowed to go through the gap in the Falls, whilst others are not licensed for this activity.

Note: the pontoon in Talbot Bay is only accesible for seaplance tours and is generally not available to cruise ships or charters boats. However, there are occasions when this is permitted. 

The benefit of seeing the Horizontal Falls area on a cruise ship or boat, is this: instead of visiting for a few hours, guests experience this area over a much longer time. This means seeing more of the destinations, waterfalls, wildlife habitats and remote coastal landscapes. 

Benefits of a Kimberley Cruise

❖ Multiple opportunities to view Horizontal Falls & explore the area

❖ Access to remote areas inaccessible by road

❖ Expert guides and expedition teams

❖ Wildlife encounters throughout the voyage

❖ Scenic Zodiac and tender excursions

❖ Visits to numerous Kimberley highlights

For many travellers, a cruise transforms a single attraction into a complete Kimberley adventure.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE AT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Experience the Horizontal Falls up-front and close-up

What you see when you get there

The experience varies depending on tides, weather and cruise itinerary. Most cruise ships do not factor into their itinerary when the tides will be at their best. For that reason, if you are keen to know when the tides will be best, call our experts: 1300 799 758. 

Visitors may enjoy:

Viewing the Falls from the Water

Many expedition vessels position guests close to the falls via Zodiac excursions and tender boats, providing an excellent perspective of the powerful tidal movements.

Scenic Cruising Through Talbot Bay

Talbot Bay itself is one of the Kimberley's most beautiful waterways, surrounded by rugged sandstone ranges and island landscapes.

Helicopter and Flight Options

Some operators offer optional scenic flights that reveal the full scale of the falls, Talbot Bay and the surrounding Buccaneer Archipelago. Cruise vessels like the Great Escape, Kimberley Quest II,  True North and True North II travel with their own helicopter. Scenic Eclipse II returns to the Kimberley in 2028 and she also travels with her own helicopter.

Note: additional costs do apply and packages are available for purchase. 

Wildlife Viewing

Guests may encounter:

❖ Dolphins

❖ Sea eagles

❖ Ospreys

❖ Rock Wallabies

❖ Turtles

❖ Reef fish

❖ Batfish 

❖ Saltwater crocodiles

❖ Sharks (Tawny Nurse Sharks, Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks & Reef Sharks)

WHICH KIMBERLEY CRUISE SHIPS & BOATS VISIT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

Kimberley vessels that visit the Horizontal Falls

All vessels visit the Horizontal Falls

Almost every boat, ship and yacht that cruises the Kimberley will include Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls in their itineraries, no matter how long they are. This includes all cruise ship itineraries between Broome and Dawin (normally 11 or 10 days in duration), as well as most luxury yacht and charter boat itineraries. These would include:

  • Broome to Wyndham - up to 14 days
  • Broome to Hunter River  - 9-day cruise/fly or fly/cruise options
  • Broome to Mitchell Plateau  - 9-day cruise/fly or fly/cruise options 
  • Cygnet Bay to Cygnet Bay - 1o-day cruise options

Popular vessels often featuring the attraction include:

Luxury Small Ship Cruises

Expedition Ships

Luxury Yachts 

Small Charter Boats

Click here to view a list of all:

❖ Kimberley Cruise Vessels

CRUISE CATEGORIES

Type of Kimberley Cruise Vessels

Luxury Kimberley Cruises

Ideal for travellers seeking:

❖ Spacious suites

❖ Fine dining

❖ Premium inclusions

❖ High staff-to-guest ratios

Luxury vessels combine world-class accommodation with expedition experiences.

Internal Link:
❖ Luxury Kimberley Cruises

Expedition Cruises

Designed for exploration-focused travellers.

Expedition ships emphasise:

❖ Daily shore excursions

❖ Zodiac adventures

❖ Naturalist guides

❖ Wildlife encounters

❖ Educational presentations

Internal Link:
❖ Expedition Kimberley Cruises

Luxury Yachts 

Exclusive premium services include:

❖ Helicopter on board

❖ Gourmet dining

❖ Personalised service

❖ Exclusive itinerary events

Internal Link:
❖ Charter Boat Kimberley Cruises

Small Ship Kimberley Cruises

Perfect for guests seeking intimate experiences.

Benefits include:

❖ Fewer passengers

❖ Flexible itineraries

❖ Personalised service

❖ Greater access to secluded locations

Internal Link:
❖ Charter Boat Kimberley Cruises

 

Learn More About Our Kimberley Cruises

Many expedition cruises include Horizontal Falls as a highlight of their itinerary. For additional information, click on these links to discover more:

❖ Kimberley Cruise Guide

 

HORIZONTAL FALLS CRUISE DEPARTURES

Departure ports for cruise ships visiting the Horizontal Falls

The Kimberley cruise season generally runs from March through October.

Month Highlights
March-April Peak waterfalls and lush scenery
May-June Pleasant temperatures
July-August Peak cruise season
September Excellent weather and wildlife viewing
October Warm temperatures and fewer crowds

Seasonal Considerations

Early Season (March-May)

  • ❖ Strong waterfalls
  • ❖ Green landscapes
  • ❖ Fewer crowds

Mid Season (June-August)

  • ❖ Mild temperatures
  • ❖ Stable weather
  • ❖ Peak vessel availability

Late Season (September-October)

  • ❖ Clear skies
  • ❖ Excellent photography conditions
  • ❖ Reduced passenger numbers

👉 Best Time to Visit Horizontal Falls

HORIZONTAL FALLS AFTER 2028

The latest update on Horizontal Falls restrictions

Many travellers are asking about the future of tourism at Horizontal Falls. As one of Australia's leading Kimberley cruise experts, we are kept up to date by government agencies, industry stakeholders and native title holders. 

While access arrangements continue to evolve, Horizontal Falls remains a key destination for Kimberley cruises. The focus is increasingly on scenic viewing, cultural interpretation and environmentally sustainable visitor experiences. Access to surrounding waters and cruise itineraries is expected to continue, although boat traversal through the falls is being phased out under agreements between government, tourism operators and Traditional Owners.

To learn more, click on this link:

👉 What Happens to Horizontal Falls After 2028?

HORIZONTAL FALLS CRUISE vs SCENIC FLIGHTS

Compare the differences beween cruising up the Falls or flying over them in plane or helicopter.

Experience Scenic Flight Kimberley Cruise
Duration Half-day to full day 7–14+ days
Destinations Primarily Horizontal Falls Multiple Kimberley highlights
Wildlife Encounters Limited Extensive
Accommodation None Included
Overall Kimberley Experience Focused sightseeing Complete exploration

 

For travellers wanting to experience the wider Kimberley, cruises generally provide significantly greater depth and value.

WHY BOOK THROUGH BLUESUN TRAVEL?

Australia's #1 Horizontal Falls Expert

Kimbeley Experts that have been to the Horizontal Falls 

Choosing the right Kimberley cruise or Tour is no easy task. It can be challenging with so many variables to juggle. With dozens of vessels, tides, itineraries, pick up points and departure dates available, expert advice can make all the difference between a lousy experience and a trip of a lifetime. 

We specialise in the latter! 

Kimberley Cruise Specialists

BlueSun Travel specialises in Kimberley cruising and understands the differences between a;; vessels, routes and operators. WIth thousands of happy customer and 30 years under our belt, we do know what we are talkign about.

Independent Advice

We help you compare multiple cruise lines and find the option that best suits your travel style and budget. We are absolutley not biased in favour of any one ship or boat which is why we are such a great resource. 

Access to Leading Operators

Compare luxury ships, expedition vessels and small-ship adventures in one place.

Personal Service

Receive tailored recommendations based on your interests, travel dates and preferences. Better still, know that we are open 7 days a week. Many of our customers love to call on weekends and that is why we are here. 

Ongoing Support

Our team supports you from your first enquiry through to departure.

Check out the Video:  << Click here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HORIZONTAL FALLS

FAQs about the Horizontal Falls

The simple answer is that most (say over 90%) of all Kimberley Cruises will visit the Horizontal Falls.

While many itineraries include Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls, some expedition routes focus on other Kimberley highlights. Others provide a limited number of 4- or 5-day cruises. Always check the itinerary with BlueSun Travel before booking.

The best cruise depends your personal travel style. Luxury travellers may prefer Seabourn or Silversea, while expedition-focused guests often favour Coral Expeditions. Luxury Yachts will all provide the same kind of service and experience. Charter boats will provide the most immersive experiences, often involving more adventures and fishing, collecting rock oysters, mud crabs or having beach bbqs. 

Yes. Current plans focus on continued sightseeing, cruising and aerial viewing experiences, although tourism operations within the falls themselves are changing. This is very much a wait, watch and see process, with the ever present feeling that transit through the Falls might inevitably be banned. Keep an eye on expert blogger The Walking Critic for more personal updates on this situation. 

Broome is the most popular departure point, although many itineraries operate between Broome and Darwin, especially the cruise ships.

The charter boats and luxury yachts tend to leave from Broome too, but they also incorporate their longer and highly popular 14-day cruises from Wyndham (after an overland coach ride from Kununurra). Being smaller, they can port and reprovision their vessels out of Wyndham. 

Kimberley cruises last:

  • 7 days
  • 9 days
  • 10 days
  • 11 days
  • 14 days

These are based upon the waterfalls (which run strong until mid-June), as well as other weather and marketing preferences. 

Absolutely. Horizontal Falls is often considered one of the Kimberley's signature experiences and is frequently included on first-time Kimberley itineraries. For anyone that can get onto a tender vessel, this will be a highlight not to be missed. 

Absolutely not, unless you are being offered a helicopter ride. Charter vessels that carry helicopters do have flight packages for purchase which can be purchased on board the ship.

All vessels are further required to pay Native Title Fees to the aboriginal title holders, prior to departure. For the Horizontal Falls, fees are paid directly to the Dambimangari. In 2026, these amount to around $90 to $105 per person. 

WANT TO LEARM MORE ABOUT THE KIMBERLEY

Check out these really useful Kimberley guides and links below:

ICONIC KIMBERLEY CRUISE DESTINATIONS

❖ Montgomery Reef Guide – Witness an entire reef emerge from the ocean.

❖ Horizontal Falls Guide – Experience one of Australia's most famous tidal phenomena.

❖ Hunter River -  Famed for its outstanding beauty and wildlife.

❖ Mitchell Falls -  One of the must-see waterfalls in the Kimberley.

❖ Prince Frederick Harbour -  Mangrove-lined rivers and sandstone escarpments.

❖ Prince Regent River Guide – Explore the Kimberley's great wilderness waterway.

❖ King George Falls Guide – Discover one of Western Australia's tallest waterfalls.

❖ Raft Point Guide -  Aboriginal cave art.

❖ Vansittart Bay -  Site of the famous Mermaid Tree

ESSENTIAL KIMBERLEY CRUISE GUIDES

❖ Kimberley Cruise Types – View all cruise ships and boats by category.

❖ Luxury Ships - Most stylish small ships in the Kimberley.

❖ Expedition Ships - Designed for exploration more than luxury.

❖ Luxury Yachts - Smaller and more upmarket, boutique vessels.

❖ Charter Boats - For more action, adventure and destination immersion.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Routes & Itineraries – See where Kimberley cruises travel.

❖ Best Time to Cruise the Kimberley – Find the ideal month for your journey.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Wildlife Guide – Learn about crocodiles, whales, turtles and more.

❖ Kimberley Cruise Costs – What you should expect to pay.

❖ Travel Insurance – Taking out Kimberley travel insurance

READY TO FIND THE RIGHT KIMBERLEY CRUISE?

Speak to our expert Kimberley reservation team now

Compare luxury expedition ships, small-ship adventures and Kimberley cruise itineraries featuring Horizontal Falls. BlueSun Travel's Kimberley specialists can help you choose the perfect voyage for your travel style, budget and preferred departure dates.

❖ Compare Horizontal Falls Tours

❖ Browse Seaplane Adventures

❖ Explore Kimberley Cruises

❖ Speak With a Kimberley Travel Expert

Call BlueSun Travel today for personalised advice and the latest availability.

Our Kimberley cruise specialists can help you compare itineraries, explain which ships visit Horizontal Falls, and recommend departures based on your travel dates, interests and budget.

Need Help Choosing the Right Kimberley Cruise?

✔ Compare cruise lines and ships
✔ Find departures that include Horizontal Falls
✔ Get expert advice on the best time to travel
✔ Access current availability and special offers

Speak to our Horizontal Falls specialists today and start planning your Kimberley adventure.

If you want to explore more information on aboriginal culture or learn more about our Horizontal Falls Cruises 2026 call our office now,

1300 799 758

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