In 2023, PONANT will raise the benchmark for luxury expeditions a further notch, announcing details of its inaugural season of Kimberley sailings featuring the company’s classic three-masted yacht, Le Ponant. The iconic flagship was recently refurbished with a sleek, sophisticated design by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio. She has been transformed to feature the latest technical innovations to reduce emissions and is equipped with state-of-the-art Zodiacs for shore landings and excursions.

Sailing with just 32 like-minded guests, accommodated in 16 stylish ocean view suites and with a 1:1 guest/crew ratio, this is an opportunity for the fortunate few to experience Australia’s breathtaking Kimberley coastline in a way that seamlessly merges exploration and eco-responsibility with chic luxury – along with the breeze on your skin and the rustle of wind in the sails.

Credit: PONANT, Nick Rains

Credit: Paspaley

Between April and September 2023, PONANT is offering 26 sailings, with three enticing itineraries that cover the best features of the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley and Rowley Shoals which, with its three coral atolls, is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkelling locations. Each “Pinnacle Kimberley Experience” combines PONANT’s signature mix of adventure, sustainability and barefoot luxury, while exploring the remote rugged coastline of one of the last untouched environments in the world.

Exclusive additional experiences on both Northern and Southern Kimberley itineraries include a scenic transfer flight aboard one of Paspaley’s vintage twin engine Grumman Mallard flying boats, as well as rare access to Paspaley’s pristine Kuri Bay pearl farms, home to what are considered the world’s best pearls.

Two new expeditions are available on a sailing adventure to the Rowley Shoals, home to pristine coral lagoons and an abundance of marine life. Guests will discover the beautiful beaches and remarkable scenery of the Buccaneer archipelago, witness the tidal waters flow off Montgomery reef and the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. A visit to the Lacepede Islands, an important bird area and home to Western Australia’s most important breeding habitats for Green Turtles is also on the radar.

Credit: PONANT, Nick Rains

Red soils, ochre cliffs, hidden inlets, swelling tides, roaring waterfalls, saltwater crocodiles, ancient Gwion Gwion rock art … Flexibility is key to maximise the daily opportunities, and the state-of-the-art Zodiacs provide for exploration, shore landings and excursions all in the company of the experienced Expedition Team of naturalist guides who work closely with the captain to optimise your experiences in these Dreamtime destinations.

The Kimberley onboard Le Ponant – anything but plain sailing.