Exciting sea day moments from August! 🐋

The Humpback Highway provides exceptional opportunities to witness humpbacks, dolphins, and even flying fish! If you’ve always wanted to explore northern Australian waters and see this stunning coastline up close, now is your perfect time to cruise with us.

From August to September, our cruises take you to some of Australia’s most remote and breathtaking regions — including the Abrolhos Islands, the wild escarpments of the Kimberley, and the culturally rich coasts of Cape York and Arnhem Land. Whether you`re snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, watching whales breach against dramatic backdrops, or stepping ashore to learn about ancient Indigenous cultures and maritime history, every day is filled with unforgettable experiences.

Traveling aboard Coral Expeditions means small-group exploration, expert-guided excursions, and exclusive access to places few ever get to see. Discover the raw beauty, wildlife, and stories of Australia’s north on a journey that’s as enriching as it is awe-inspiring.

On our Abrolhos Islands and Coral Coast cruise, guests aboard Coral Geographer had the rare opportunity to visit the Montebello Islands, a remote and historically significant destination that is largely inaccessible to the general public. On these small-ship cruises, travelers are taken to the very waters where the UK conducted its largest nuclear test in Australia, Mosaic G2, in 1956. While the islands have since recovered much of their natural beauty, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, traces of the site’s atomic past remain. Guides provide historical context during visits to Alpha and Trimouille Islands, where remnants of military infrastructure and test sites still exist. It`s a unique blend of history and nature, where guests can snorkel in pristine waters one moment, then walk among relics of the nuclear age the next — a sobering reminder of Cold War tensions played out in one of the world’s most remote locations.

Guests exploring the breathtaking Kimberley coastline consistently rave about the comfort and capability of our Xplorer tender vessels. Specially designed for this rugged and remote region, the Xplorers allow effortless access to otherwise unreachable beaches and secluded inlets, thanks to their flat-bottomed hulls and front ramps for smooth walk-off disembarkation. With comfortable seating for up to 70 guests, open sides for panoramic views, and a shaded roof for protection from the Kimberley sun, these vessels provide a relaxed and immersive way to experience the dramatic landscape. Clear awnings shield against wind and spray, while the onboard sound system enhances each journey with expert interpretation of the region’s natural and cultural wonders. Guests particularly appreciate the seamless transfers to Zodiacs, the onboard toilet, and the sense of security offered by built-in safety features and reliable communication with the ship. Powered by high-speed, long-range engines, the Xplorers are as dependable as they are comfortable, making them a favorite part of the Kimberley expedition experience.

Guests aboard Coral Adventurer witnessed a powerful moment of nature at Montgomery Reef, Australia’s largest inshore reef system, which covers approximately 400 square kilometres and stretches over 80 kilometres along the Kimberley coast. Known for its extreme tidal shifts up to 10 metres - the reef dramatically transforms as water rushes away, revealing vast coral flats and creating strong currents. This tawny nurse shark had likely been swimming across the reef during high tide but became trapped as the water receded rapidly. Stranded and fully exposed, the sight offered a rare and striking reminder of the ocean’s power and the challenges marine life face in such a dynamic environment.

📸 Stan

#TheKimberley #AustraliasNorthWest #MontgomeryReef #CoralExpeditions #WesternAustralia

When the South Pacific looks this inviting, how can you resist diving in?

Picture yourself swimming in crystal-clear waters, discovering remote islands, and soaking up unforgettable sunsets.
 
In January 2026, three epic voyages will take you across the Pacific, each one filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments.
 
This summer, swap the Australian heat for something extraordinary. Adventure awaits.
 
See it for yourself: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/papua-new-guinea-micronesia-melanesia/

June in the Kimberley was impossibly beautiful.

Clear, crisp days stretched beneath endless blue skies, and the land felt alive with colour and movement. Wildlife sightings were at their peak, freshwater crocs drifted silently through still waterways, turtles crossed remote beaches, and rock wallabies darted across ochre cliffs.

The rivers were full, the waterfalls flowing, and the best of the Kimberley was on full display. From ancient gorges to glowing sunsets, every moment felt like it belonged in a dream.

Now, as the season deepens, we can’t wait to see the magic of July unfold.

#KimberleyMagic #VisitKimberley #ExploreWA #WesternAustralia #KimberleyWildlife #WildWA #OutbackWA #WAAdventures #DiscoverWA #WildernessWA #NatureWA #TravelWA #KimberleyCoast #WATourism #AustraliaOutback

Dreaming of an escape far from the norm? Imagine venturing to islands so remote they barely register on Google Earth, places you’ve likely never heard of, where the modern world feels a lifetime away.

Journey to Micronesia, where the largest island you’ll visit, Pohnpei, stretches 334.1 km² and offers a world of dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the mysterious stone city of Nan Madol. Over 21 nights, this voyage carries you deep into the Pacific to communities where stone money is still valued, ancestral legends are passed down through song and story, and guests are welcomed with dances, leis, and genuine warmth. Explore Kosrae’s mangrove-lined coasts, dive into the haunting wrecks of Truk Lagoon, and snorkel the vibrant protected reefs of Ant Atoll. On islands like Ifalik and Lamotrek, rarely accessible to outsiders, experience traditional canoe sailing, handwoven crafts, and ceremonial customs that have remained unchanged for generations. Between these rare encounters, unwind on deck with expert-led lectures and fresh locally inspired cuisine. This isn’t just a tropical escape. It’s a journey into the heart of the Pacific’s living heritage.

Find your self a new adventure on our Islands and Atolls of Micronesia voyage here: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/papua-new-guinea/through-the-islands-atolls-of-micronesia-rabaul-to-sorong-21-nights/

International Day of the Seafarer 🛳⚓️
Today we pay tribute to the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to the sea.

At Coral Expeditions, our seafarers are the soul of our voyages. They bring knowledge, passion and care to every journey. They are the ones who guide us safely through remote waters, who share stories and insights with our guests, and who quietly take care of every detail behind the scenes.

Their commitment to the maritime industry and to our team is something we never take for granted. We are proud and grateful to have them as part of our Coral family.

To all the seafarers around the world and especially to those who sail with us, thank you. Your work is extraordinary and deeply valued.

#InternationalDayoftheSeafarer #CoralExpeditions #CoralCrew #MaritimeIndustry

Winter in the Kimberley is our kind of wonderland.
Trade cold mornings for sun-drenched days, red cliffs, and turquoise seas. It’s the perfect time to escape the chill and explore one of Australia’s most extraordinary regions.
Jump into one of our upcoming cruises before the season ends or start planning your winter escape for next year.
#KimberleyCruise #CoralExpeditions #SmallShipAdventure #ExploreAustralia #WinterEscape

Seasonal Visitors of the Kimberley Skies

Every year, the Kimberley becomes a crucial stopover for thousands of migrating birds. It is a crossroads between hemispheres and a sanctuary shaped by tides, monsoon rains and vast untouched landscapes.

As the seasons shift, birds arrive from as far away as Siberia, drawn to the rich feeding grounds of tidal mudflats, mangrove forests and freshwater wetlands. Here they rest, breed or fuel up for journeys that span continents.

Others call the Kimberley home year round, thriving in its remote gorges, floodplains and river systems. Together, these resident and visiting birds create a dynamic spectacle. It is a living rhythm of arrival and departure written across the sky.

To witness this great movement is to see a story of endurance, instinct and connection. It plays out quietly, above and around us.

Keep your eyes to the skies. You never know what rare traveller might pass by.

Can you name all of the birdlife pictured?

#KimberleyWildlife #BirdMigration #NatureInMotion #CoralExpeditions #TopEndTales #RemoteAustralia #BirdwatchingAustralia

Fancy a reef trip?
How about spending seven nights exploring some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remarkable and hard-to-reach locations?

This isn’t your typical reef cruise. You’ll visit places that most travellers never get the chance to see. Think remote Osprey Reef with its dramatic drop-offs and thriving marine life, the quiet beauty of Sudbury Cay, and island stops like Lizard, Fitzroy, and Cooktown. These places are only accessible by sea and feel wonderfully secluded.

With the wet season now arriving later, November and December offer ideal conditions. The water is warm, the coral is vibrant, and the days stretch out slowly. It’s the perfect time to switch off, head off the beaten track, and experience the reef the way few ever do.

For many, a journey to the Kimberley is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—remote, rugged, and unforgettable. Yet those who venture here often find it leaves a lasting imprint. There’s something about the land—the towering geology, the ancient stories etched into the landscape—that stirs a deep sense of wonder and a desire to return. It’s a place where escape truly ignites your adventurous spirit; it demands to be seen and experienced. To understand the Kimberley is to witness it through the rhythm of its changing seasons, each revealing something new. It’s the kind of place worth visiting not just once, but again and again.

This time of year, the Kimberley reveals its best self.

The dry season settles over the land in June and July, bringing cloudless skies and golden light. Days are warm and inviting, nights are cool and still. It’s a time when the red cliffs glow at sunset and the air carries the promise of adventure.
Waterfalls—fed by the memory of the wet season—still cascade down ancient escarpments. King George and Mitchell Falls continue their journey, their power softened but not yet stilled. This is the moment when land and water exist in perfect harmony.
Wildlife stirs all around. Saltwater crocodiles bask in the sun, sea turtles glide beneath the surface, and birds fill the skies with colour and sound. The Kimberley is alive and at ease.
With the humidity gone and the mosquitoes with it, every hike, every excursion, every moment on deck feels more effortless. More yours.
And in this light, so clear and pure, the stories of the land are easier to see. Rock art sites—etched in ochre and shadow—speak of deep time and cultural memory, offering quiet awe to those who make the journey.
There’s no better time to sail this ancient coast.

#TheKimberley #ExploreTheKimberley #KimberleyAustralia #OutbackAustralia #SeeAustralia #WesternAustralia #AustraliaTravel #WildAustralia #WaterfallsOfInstagram #DrySeason #WinterInAustralia #ExpeditionCruise #ScenicFlight #HikingAdventures #IndigenousAustralia #RockArt #CulturalHeritage #NatureLovers #AustralianWildlife #OffTheBeatenPath

A seasonal change is upon us in the Kimberley -
Each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales make the long journey from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of the Kimberley coast—a vital nursery and breeding ground for this recovering population. From June to October, places like Camden Sound, Montgomery Reef, and Doubtful Bay become havens for mother whales and their newborn calves, who spend months bonding, nursing, and preparing for the long swim south. Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic displays, humpbacks are often seen breaching and tail-slapping against the backdrop of the Kimberley’s ancient red cliffs and turquoise seas. It’s a special time of year—when the region’s waterfalls are still flowing from the recent wet season, and marine life encounters become more frequent. Opportunities to witness the whale migration increase as the season progresses, and we are often delighted by surprise visits from inquisitive humpbacks. These gentle giants sometimes approach our vessels out of curiosity, offering unforgettable moments as they glide alongside or breach nearby—reminding us that in the Kimberley, nature often comes to you. These whales are deeply significant to the region’s Traditional Owners, including the Worrorra, Dambimangari, and Bardi Jawi peoples, for whom whales are ancestral beings and spirit messengers. Today, Indigenous rangers help manage marine parks like Lalang-garram / Camden Sound, blending cultural knowledge with conservation science. As part of the ocean’s delicate ecosystem, humpbacks play a key role in maintaining marine health, and their presence is a powerful reminder of the Kimberley’s ecological richness and cultural depth.

Join us as we continue sailing through the Kimberley at this beautiful time of year: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/

This is Island Trails & Traditions of Indonesia — a voyage that takes you far beyond the usual island-hopping itinerary. Cruising with Coral Expeditions, you’ll travel through some of Indonesia’s most remote and culturally rich islands, where ancient traditions still guide daily life and nature puts on a show at every turn. Forget the usual beach drinks in Bali — this is your chance to explore the rich tapestry of cultures that shape Indonesia, from highland rituals in misty mountain villages to seafaring customs passed down through generations. And yes, you can still enjoy that beach drink — just this time it’s at the base of Padar Island, after a day spent hiking, snorkelling, and spotting Komodo dragons.

It all begins at Segun Island, where calm waters and pristine reefs provide a peaceful introduction to the region’s natural rhythm. Herita follows, where sleepy villages and a proud trading legacy tell the stories of the Bugis and Melayu people. Between destinations, sea days offer a welcome pause — time to relax on deck, join a talk with the expedition team, or simply watch the horizon roll by. There’s more to discover at every stop: volcanic peaks and shy deer on Bawean, ocean conservation efforts in the remote Sabalana group, and the clang of hammers shaping traditional Phinisi boats at Tana Beru.

Inland, the journey continues to the highlands of Sulawesi, where you’ll witness the striking customs of Tana Toraja — from cliffside burial sites to centuries-old wood-carved homes. Along the way, Sagori Island welcomes you with marine life and Bajau seafaring heritage. Then it’s on to Komodo and Padar for rugged hikes, turquoise bays, and unforgettable encounters with the islands’ famous dragons. Still ahead lie the surreal crater lakes of Kelimutu, the megalithic culture of Sawu, and the soft, melodic sounds of the Sasando instrument played at Tablolong Bay. This is a voyage of depth and connection — a chance to slow down, look closer, and come away with stories few ever get to tell.

Off the coast of Exmouth, guests aboard Coral Discoverer took part in a guided whale shark swim at Ningaloo Reef. With our team ensuring safe and respectful distances were maintained, guests had the chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Bright coral and tropical fish added to an already unforgettable experience beneath the surface.

West Island, the largest of the Lacepede Islands off the Kimberley coast, is a twitcher’s paradise — a remote and protected haven where thousands of seabirds nest and roost undisturbed. Best visited between May and September, the island hosts Australia’s largest colony of brown boobies, along with frigatebirds, crested and roseate terns, and other migratory species. The surrounding shallows attract green turtles, while humpback whales begin to pass through during the dry season. Once mined for guano in the 1800s, West Island is now a vital wildlife sanctuary. In line with its commitment to conservation, Coral Expeditions explores the area with care, observing the abundant bird and marine life from the comfort of zodiacs and the Xplorer tender, ensuring minimal disturbance to this fragile environment.

Have you heard about our Coral Futures expedition? Hosted in partnership with the Australian Geographic Society, this special voyage offers a rare opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef alongside expert scientists, storytellers, and conservationists.

Support one of the world’s first Coral Ark initiatives—Forever Reef—a pioneering project working to safeguard coral biodiversity for future generations. Swim with iconic marine life, snorkel over vibrant giant clam gardens, and hike to the summit of Lizard Island, where turtles nest on pristine beaches.

Get hands-on with coral restoration and join meaningful conservation programs like Coral Watch and Eye on the Reef. Learn from leading experts, including bathymetrists and marine biologists, as you uncover the secrets of the reef`s underwater landscape.

Visit the world’s first living coral library in Port Douglas, enjoy sundowners on remote sand cays, and witness the magic of the annual coral spawning under a full moon.

This is more than a voyage—it’s a chance to be part of the reef’s future.
🪸🍃🌏💦

To think we have such a place in Australia—a coastline so remote, so ancient, it feels like the edge of the world. Scattered with thousands of islands, cascading waterfalls, and sacred rock art, the Kimberley remains one of the last true wilderness frontiers. We’ve journeyed through this region for decades, expanding our knowledge, learning the rhythms of the tides, the stories of the land, and the deep cultural history that defines it. Every bay, every island, and every encounter holds meaning. That’s why it only feels right to explore the Kimberley with the cruise company that knows it best. With decades of experience and a deep respect for the region, we invite you to discover what true connection to country really feels like.

Join us this June, July or August as see it for yourself: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/