Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Arrive in Broome. An important port in the pearl trade, Broome is edged by tidal flats and endless white-sand beaches, and characterized by a distinctly Asian flavor. Spend a night at our group hotel and on Day 2, board the National Geographic Orion and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean. National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage. (Day 2: B,L,D)

Isolated in the Indian Ocean northwest of Australia, the three coral atolls known as Rowley Shoals harbor abundant marine life and almost untouched coral. Spend a day exploring the atolls by Zodiac or under the sea. Snorkel and dive from the sand cays, encountering a dazzling array of species, from anemone fish to giant potato cod to shimmering schools of tuna. (B,L,D)

Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water will erupt, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac will maneuver into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It’s the perfect spot to watch cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers forage for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast. (B,L,D)

With crimson cliffs jutting toward the sky and thick mangroves along the water’s edge, Hunter River boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the Kimberley coast. Drop anchor near Naturalist Island and set off to explore Hunter River by Zodiac. Navigate the mangroves, on the lookout for crocodiles and numerous bird species. Or choose to embark on an optional helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls, and enjoy a unique perspective on the Kimberley’s vast, rugged, and hard-to-reach interior. (B,L,D)

Tucked into Bigge Island’s lunar-like landscape of sculpted sandstone are cave systems filled with rock art that dates back through the ages. Follow guides into the caves to decipher scenes of Wandjina figures and what appear to be European ships and visitors smoking pipes. As we explore the rocky isle, keep an eye out for Monjon rock wallabies and the endangered northern quoll, a small carnivorous marsupial. (B,L,D)

Enjoy the unique opportunity to ride Zodiacs up the King George River today, passing between nearly vertical canyon walls. Our destination is the dramatic and remote King George Falls, where water drains off the plateau in twin cascades, dropping some 260 feet. Depending on the conditions, we’ll hang back in the refreshing mist to watch the thundering water, or get right up close —and even behind—the falls (B,L,D)

Wyndham is our base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives, surrounded by deep chasms filled with vegetation. Enjoy incredible views of this otherworldly karst landscape during a chartered flightseeing excursion. Alternatively, cruise the Ord River to Lake Argyle, keeping an eye out for crocodiles,wallabies, jabirus (black-necked storks), and kookaburras in the remarkably lush ecosystem that has developed above the Ord River Dam. Take in views of the lake from a scenic lookout, and learn about the area’s pioneers on a visit to the Durack homestead and museum. (B,L,D)

Enter Vansittart Bay and go ashore at Jar Island to experience the mystical culture of Kimberley’s Aboriginal people at an outdoor gallery of prehistoric Gwion Gwion rock art. The elegant images were recorded by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, and date back tens of thousands of years. If time allows, visit the wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that crashed nearby during World War II. (B,L,D)

Our first port of call in Indonesia the Savu Sea—a haven for marine life. The sea is an important corridor for migrating whales, and 14 whale species have been spotted here. Sea turtles and many species of fish can be found amid the vibrant coral reefs. Explore the area both above and below the sea as you kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or snorkel in these rich waters. (B,L,D)

As Dutch influence spread throughout the “East Indies” in the 17th century, Portuguese colonists flocked to the trading post of Larantuka on Flores Island. Today Larantuka is a picturesque seaside town with a strong Portuguese colonial character and spectacular views. Explore the town, meeting the local people and learning about their history and customs, and swim and snorkel off white-sand beaches. (B,L,D)

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand. (B,L,D)

Today we visit Satonda, a small circular island formed from an ancient volcanic cone. Snorkel or dive its vibrant reefs or hike inland to the sacred lake at its center. Continue to the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively demonstration of their traditions, including a wedding ceremony and a ritual boxing match. (B,L,D)

This morning, disembark in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Get a taste of this paradise, where nature, spirituality, and art are interwoven into daily life. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B,L)

Itineraries are subject to change