Which Kimberley cruise operators offer the best value?
An old friend used to say to me, “Good ain’t cheap, and cheap ain’t good!” While this is certainly true the majority of the time, there are also opportunities to seek out travel experiences that offer better bang for your buck than others. In the remote Kimberley region, tour operators offer trips for just a limited window of the year, to a small group of people on each trip. These commercial operators have many considerations such as safety, expensive fuel and food supplies, paying Australian wages etc, so there’s certainly no ‘cheap’ options. Nevertheless, here are some Tips for Maximising Value:
- Early Bird Deals:
Early booking is one of the best ways to secure a good deal. Some operators offer early bird discounts for guests who plan well in advance. Booking early also ensures better cabin selection. Some operators release limited-time offers on popular routes, so staying informed about promotions is crucial. Sign up to our Kimberley Cruise Centre newsletter to stay in the loop!
- Off-Peak Travel: Consider travelling at the start or end of the dry season (March/April or September/October) for shoulder season prices on cruises, flights and hotels.
In April, the waterfalls are at their fullest, and the landscape is lush after the wet season. In October, the region is drier, but wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it an excellent time for animal spotting. Off-peak travel not only saves money but also offers a quieter experience, with fewer tourists on popular routes and attractions. Check out our guide “when is the best time to cruise the Kimberley” here.
- Package Offers: Check out our specials page for the latest flight package offers, to increase value. Bundled packages often provide significant savings compared to booking these components separately. Plus, our in-house travel agent has over 30 years of experience in booking flights and hotels, so she’ll be happy to answer all of your travel-related questions!
- Larger Ships: Larger boats take more passengers, bringing down the per person cost. Our most popular larger cruise boats are the three Coral Expeditions vessels.
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Opting for a Shorter Cruise: If a full two-week itinerary doesn’t fit your budget, consider a shorter cruise. Some operators, such as Great Escape and Kimberley Quest, offer 4- to 7-day options that still cover key experiences that are unique to the Kimberley coast. These shorter cruises are ideal for travellers who want to experience the region’s beauty without committing to a longer and more expensive voyage.
With a range of options available, selecting the right cruise boat depends on your budget, interests, preferred level of comfort and preferred group size. Jump on the phone or email and ask us – we live here and we’re happy to answer your Kimberley cruising questions!
