KIMBERLEY CHARTER BOATS

Compare Kimberley charter boats and boutique cruising experiences. Discover intimate vessels, flexible itineraries and personalised Kimberley adventures.

Small Group Charter Boat Adventures In The Kimberley

For travellers seeking an intimate, flexible and highly personalised Kimberley cruise experience, Kimberley Charter Boats offer a unique alternative to larger cruise ships and luxury yachts.

Carrying small numbers of guests, these vessels focus on immersive exploration, remote access and personalised service.

Many charter boats provide opportunities for fishing, wildlife encounters, photography, cultural experiences and extended exploration of some of the Kimberley's most remote locations.

For travellers who value flexibility and authenticity over onboard facilities, charter boats can offer one of the most rewarding ways to discover the Kimberley coast.

WHAT IS A KIMBELEY CHARTER BOAT?

Defining a Kimberley Charter Boat

Charter boats occupy a unique niche within the Kimberley cruise market.

Smaller than expedition ships and luxury vessels, these vessels provide the most immersive, hands-on experience:

✔ Small guest numbers

✔ Personalised service

✔ Flexible itineraries

✔ Remote destination access

✔ Wildlife encounters

✔ Fishing opportunities

✔ Photography experiences

✔ Relaxed onboard atmosphere

Because of their size, charter boats can often access locations that larger vessels cannot.

For many travellers, this creates a more authentic Kimberley experience. They are not out to provide a luxury service, though often they do deliver excellent all round experiences that may rival their more luxury minded counterparts. 

WHY CHOOSE A CHARTER BOAT TO EXPERIENCE THE KIMBERLEY?

Smaller Guest Numbers

Most charter boats carry between 10 and 24 guests.

This creates a friendly and highly personalised atmosphere where guests quickly get to know both crew and fellow travellers.


Flexible Exploration

Charter vessels can often adapt daily activities according to weather conditions, wildlife sightings and local opportunities.

This flexibility is a significant advantage in a wilderness destination like the Kimberley.


Access To Remote Locations

Smaller vessels can navigate rivers, bays and anchorages that may be inaccessible to larger ships.

This often results in a more immersive Kimberley experience.


Authentic Kimberley Cruising

Many charter boat operators have decades of Kimberley experience.

Their local knowledge often provides unique insights into the region's history, wildlife and culture.

WHICH VESSELS ARE CONSIDERED KIMBERLEY CHARTER BOATS?

Diversity II

An intimate charter vessel offering small-group Kimberley exploration with a strong focus on personalised service and remote access. Diversity II was fully renovated in 2025 and has six ensuite cabins. She can accommodate 12 passengers.

Diversity II - The first if the two Diversity charter boats.

KIMBERLEY CHARTER BOATS image Diversity II copy

Eclipse

A new 50-foot sailing catamaran offering boutique charter boat sailings throughout the Kimberley. She sleeps 8 passengers. on her Kimberley Adventures. 

  Eclipse - One of the newest and most exclusive Kimberley cruise experiences.

ECLIPSE bow view at dusk

Eco Abrolhos

A unique Australian expedition vessel carrying a limited number of guests and offering immersive Kimberley exploration with a relaxed, adventure-focused atmosphere. Well known for her live-aboard experiences cruising the Kimberley, she also does regular cruises to the Abrolhos Islands (hence her name). She sleeps 32 passengers on here cruises, providing twin accommodation, as well as bunk and solo occupancy.

  Eco Abrolhos - Hugely popular charter boat Kimberley Cruise experiences

ECLIPSE bow view at dusk

Kimberley Getaway

The Kimberley Getaway is rare gem and very rare, being that it only offers short Kimberley cruises at the end of the regular season. In short, this is only in October of each year.

We included her in this section because she is one of the few vessels that provides short, 4-day cruises to the Kimberley. She can accommodate 24 passengers.

Kimberley Getaway - Fabulous short cruises only in the month of October. 

KIMBERLEY GETAWAY CRUISES DEALS

Kimberley Pearl

Kimberley Pearl offers six ensuite cabiuns, including a huge flybridge cabin at no extra cost. However, she is currently in Queensland and will not be operating in the Kimberley until further notice. She can accommodate 12 passengers

Kimberley Pearl - An old Pearl Lugger converted for Kimberley Cruises.

KIMBERLEY PEARL cruised deals image

Kimberley Xplorer

The most rugged, immersive and adventurous ship in the Kimberley, that was designed to provide "camping under a million stars". Kimberley Xplorer provides camping on the shore or swags on deck. There are no cabins. She was designed for the remote wilderness areas and iconic coastal destinations. She can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers.

Kimberley Xplorer -  

KIMBERLEY-XPLORER-Kimberley-cruise-vessel

Lady M

A regular fixture in the Kimberley, Lady M is a boutique charter boat delivering intimate guest numbers and a relaxed Kimberley cruising experience. She can accommodate 12 passengers.

Lady M -  One of the few charter boats providing Broome to Darwin cruises.

LADY-M-Kimberley-and-Rowley-Shoals-cruises

Odyssey

One of the Kimberley's best-known catamaran charter vessels, Odyssey combines comfort, exploration and extended Kimberley itineraries. She is one of the few charter boats that does not have ensuite cabins, but does offer 4 massive bathrooms for 10 cabins. Do not be put off! She is a winner.

Odyssey can accommodate 20 passengers.

Odyssey -  One of the truly most-loved Kimberley charter boats

ODYSSEY EXPEDITIONS cruise deals image

Reef Prince

A long-standing Kimberley favourite, Reef Prince offers personalised service and authentic Kimberley exploration. Reef Prince can sleep 36 passengers.

Reef Prince -  A titan of the Kimberley also offering Broome to Darwin cruises and Rowley Shoals. 

REEF PRINCE cruise deals image

VIEW THE OTHER SHIP CATEGORIES & THEIR VESSELS

Click on these links to review alternative Kimberley Cruise options:

Luxury Ships

Expedition Ships

Luxury Yachts

RECOMMENDED CHARTER BOATS

Charter Boat Comparison Table

Vessel Guest Numbers Cruise Style Best For
Diversity II 12 pax Action & Adventure - 3 things a day BYO, gourmet food, fun
Eco Abrolhos 32 pax Traditional Kimberley exploration Authentic Kimberley Adventures
Eclipse 8 pax Sailing Charter - intimate & exclusive Families and friends - sailing
Kimberley Pearl 12 pax Immersive and adventurous Comfort & Exploration
Kimberley Xplorer 8 pax Full-on action, camping, fishing adventures Beach camps, swags and fishing
Lady M 12 pax Expedition and adventure Intimate Cruising
Odyssey 20 pax Lots of fun - leading expedition Catamaran No frills, top end adventures
Reef Prince 36 pax All about adventure, experience - multipel price points Fishing & Exploration
Kimberley Getaway 24 pax Short cruises and only in October. Get in early! Short cruises only

CHARTER BOATS vs LUXURY SHIPS

Which Kimberley Cruise Type will suit you best?

Charter Boats Luxury Yachts Best For
Adventure-focused Luxury-focused Travel style
Flexible itineraries Structured itineraries Daily experience
Practical accommodation Premium accommodation Comfort level
Fishing opportunities Fine dining experiences Onboard priorities
Remote exploration Exclusive luxury Overall experience

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE A KIMBERLEY CRUISE ON A CHARTER BOAT?

Charter Boats suit these travellers.

Kimberley charter boats are ideal for travellers seeking a more intimate, flexible and personalised cruising experience. With small guest numbers, remote access and a strong focus on exploration, they appeal to guests who want to experience the Kimberley beyond the traditional cruise ship environment.

A charter boat may be the perfect choice if you are:

 An Adventure Traveller – Seeking remote locations, wilderness experiences and off-the-beaten-track exploration.

 A Wildlife Enthusiast – Interested in birdlife, marine life, crocodiles and the Kimberley's unique natural environment.

 A Photographer – Looking for flexible schedules and greater opportunities to capture waterfalls, wildlife, landscapes and Kimberley sunsets.

 A Fishing Enthusiast – Keen to target iconic Kimberley species such as barramundi, mangrove jack and threadfin salmon on selected vessels.

 A Small Group Traveller – Travelling with friends, family or a special interest group and wanting a more personalised experience.

 A Repeat Kimberley Visitor – Looking to explore beyond the standard cruise itineraries and discover less-visited parts of the region.

 A Traveller Seeking Flexibility – Preferring a relaxed itinerary that can adapt to weather conditions, wildlife encounters and local opportunities.

 An Authentic Kimberley Explorer – Wanting to experience the Kimberley with like-minded travellers aboard a small vessel with a strong expedition focus.

If your priority is adventure, flexibility, remote access and small-group exploration rather than large-ship facilities, a Kimberley charter boat could be the perfect cruise type for you.

EXPLORE MORE OF OUR KIMBERLEY

Imporant Links

CONTINUE EXPLORING THE KIMBERLEY COAST

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance – Licensed Kimberley Cruise distributors.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Luxury Kimberley Cruises

A Kimberley charter boat is a small vessel designed to provide an intimate and personalised cruising experience. Carrying fewer guests than traditional cruise ships, charter boats focus on remote exploration, flexible itineraries and access to some of the Kimberley's most spectacular wilderness areas.

Most Kimberley charter boats accommodate between 10 and 24 guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere and allowing for a more personalised experience than larger cruise vessels.

Absolutely. While some vessels offer excellent fishing opportunities, charter boats also appeal to wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a more authentic Kimberley adventure.

Most Kimberley charter boats visit iconic locations such as Montgomery Reef, King George Falls, Hunter River, Prince Frederick Harbour, Horizontal Falls, and numerous remote bays, rivers and waterfalls throughout the Kimberley coast.

Luxury yachts place greater emphasis on luxury accommodation, premium dining and personalised service. Charter boats generally focus more on adventure, exploration, flexibility and small-group experiences.

Many Kimberley charter boats are available for private charter, making them ideal for families, groups of friends, fishing clubs, photography groups and special-interest travel.

The Kimberley cruise season generally operates between March and September. The best time for your charter boat cruise depends on whether you prioritise waterfalls, fishing, wildlife, photography or comfortable weather conditions.

Yes. While facilities vary between vessels, most charter boats offer comfortable cabins, quality dining, experienced crews and excellent service. The focus is on exploration and personalised experiences rather than large-ship amenities.

The answer depends on your travel style. Some vessels focus on adventure and exploration, others offer a more boutique cruising experience, while some are particularly popular with photographers, wildlife enthusiasts or anglers. Comparing vessels with an experienced Kimberley cruise specialist can help narrow the options.

WHY BOOK A CHARTER BOAT CRUISE WITH BLUESUN TRAVEL

Australia's Leading Charter Boat Specialists

Choosing the right Kimberley charter boat can be challenging. Every vessel offers a different experience, with varying guest numbers, accommodation styles, itineraries and levels of adventure.

At BlueSun Travel, we specialise in Kimberley cruising and provide independent advice to help you compare vessels and find the charter boat that best suits your travel style. However, we are also ranked as the number one charter boat booking agency and cruise company in Australia. In Perth alone, we have a fleet of nearly 40 charter boats that we book for Swan River, Rottnest Island and Carnac island charters all year. These can be seen through BlueSun2 Boat Charters

Remember, you can talk to us 7 days a week...even on a Sunday!

WHY TRAVELLERS CHOOSE BLUESUN TRAVEL

Independent Advice
We compare multiple Kimberley cruise operators and vessels to help you find the right fit, not just a single cruise line. More importantly, all our cruise advisors are accredited Cruise Masters with the CLIA, the highest attainable ranking you can have in the industry.

Kimberley Cruise Specialists
Our team understands the differences between luxury ships, expedition ships, luxury yachts and charter boats, helping you navigate a complex market with confidence.

Access To Leading Kimberley Cruise Lines
Compare departures, itineraries, cabin categories and pricing across the Kimberley's most respected operators.

Expert Vessel Comparisons
From Scenic Eclipse II and Seabourn Pursuit through to Silver Cloud and Le Jacques Cartier, we help you understand the strengths of each vessel before you book.

Personalised Service
Every traveller is different. We take the time to understand your travel style, interests and budget before making recommendations.

One Point Of Contact
From your initial enquiry through to final documentation, our team is available to assist every step of the way.

Exclusive Offers & Cruise Deals
Where available, we can advise on special offers, early booking incentives and selected cruise promotions.

OUR KIMBERLEY CRUISE EXPERTISE

The Kimberley is unlike any other cruise destination in Australia.

With more than 30 vessels operating across luxury ships, expedition ships, luxury yachts and charter boats, selecting the right cruise can be challenging.

Our role is simple: to help you compare your options, understand the differences and choose the Kimberley cruise that best suits your travel style.

Whether you're looking for six-star luxury aboard Scenic Eclipse II, the refined elegance of Le Soléal, or the ultra-luxury expedition experience of Seabourn Pursuit, we're here to help.

OUR INTERNATIONAL CRUISE EXPERTISE

BlueSun Travel is a multi-award nominated expedition cruise specialist. Our divisions are world famous and include:

Antarctica Boat Cruises - Every expedition cruise ship sailing to Antarctica

Galapagos Islands cruises  - South America's most exotic wildlife destination

BlueSun Cruises - Every ocean, river and expedition cruise with over 60,480 itineraries to look at!

Feel free to call us any time if you are looking for more advice on cruising to other parts of the world. 

FIND YOUR PERFECT CHARTER BOAT CRUISE

With BlueSun Travel and Kimberley Boat Cruises

Speak With A Kimberley Cruise Specialist

If you want to learn more about Kimberley Charter Boats and to compare vessels, departures and current offers with great expert advice from Australia's Kimberley cruise specialists...you've come to the right place. 

Or explore our Kimberley Cruise Vessels comparison guide.

1300 799 758

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