Which cruise is right for you?
The Kimberley Coast is one of the last truly wild frontiers on earth. Towering red cliffs, hidden waterfalls, ancient rock art and remote tidal rivers make this stretch of northern Western Australia unlike anywhere else. But before booking a Kimberley cruise, most travellers face one big question:
Should I choose a big ship or a smaller ship?
The answer depends entirely on the kind of adventure you want. Some travellers love the comfort and social atmosphere of larger expedition vessels. Others want the intimacy, flexibility and access that only a small ship can offer.
Here’s a complete guide to the pros and cons of both — so you can choose the right Kimberley cruise for your travel style.
The jacuzzi aboard Paspaley Pearl
Why the Kimberley Coast Is Different to Other Cruises
Cruising the Kimberley is nothing like cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean. The region is remote, rugged and largely inaccessible by road. Many of its greatest attractions — like Horizontal Falls, King George Falls and Montgomery Reef — are only reachable by boat or helicopter. That means your ship isn’t just transport. It becomes your hotel, viewing platform, wildlife hide and adventure base all in one. And the size of that ship can dramatically shape your experience.
Big Ship Kimberley Cruises
“Big ships” in the Kimberley are usually expedition vessels carrying anywhere from 100 to 250 passengers.
These ships often include:
- Multiple dining areas
- Spacious cabins with balconies
- A pools or spa (note – some ‘small ships’ have a spa, too)
- Lecture theatres
- Onboard naturalists and guides
- Stabilisation systems for smoother sailing
- Departures from/to Darwin, which is convenient for flight access
For travellers wanting comfort without sacrificing adventure, larger ships can be a fantastic option.
Advantages of Big Ships
1. More Comfort and Stability
Larger ships generally feel more stable in open water, making them appealing for travellers prone to seasickness. Please note, though, that time spent in open water is very minimal during Kimberley Cruises as most of your expedition is spent exploring rivers and estuaries, cruising between island archipelagos, or hugging the coastline. The parts that can get rough are at the beginning and end of the cruise – departing from Broome and heading up to the Buccaneer Archipelago … and also the sea crossing between the northern Kimberley and Darwin (most of the smaller vessels avoid this by going to Wyndham instead).
2. Larger Cabins
On the bigger boats, cabins tend to be larger and more luxurious, with private balconies, air-conditioning and premium amenities.
3. More Facilities Onboard
Big ships can feel like floating resorts.
Many offer:
- Bars and lounges
- Libraries
- A gym
- A pool
- Photography presentations
- Expert talks on geology, wildlife and Indigenous culture
For travellers who enjoy downtime between excursions, this extra comfort can make the journey feel more relaxing.
4. Better for First-Time Expedition Cruisers
If you’re new to expedition cruising, a larger ship may feel less intimidating. There are usually more crew members, more structured itineraries and more predictable schedules. Travellers who want a blend of adventure and luxury often prefer this style.
Disadvantages of Big Ships
1. Less Access to Narrow Waterways
The Kimberley is filled with tight gorges, shallow river systems and secluded inlets. Larger ships often cannot enter some of the most intimate locations. Instead, passengers will transfer to smaller tender boats for excursions.
2. Bigger Groups During Excursions
With over 100 passengers onboard, excursions can feel more crowded.
You may need to:
- Wait for your Zodiac transfer
- Move in larger groups
- Follow stricter schedules
- Crowd into smaller excursion places, or not visit them at all if the group is too big
This can slightly reduce the sense of wilderness and spontaneity.
3. Less Flexible Itineraries
Bigger vessels typically operate on tighter schedules.
If wildlife appears suddenly — such as humpback whales or dolphins — smaller ships are often better able to adapt quickly.
Small Ship Kimberley Cruises
Small Kimberley cruise vessels usually carry between 10 and 40 passengers. These are true expedition-style adventures focussed on immersion, nature and flexibility. The atmosphere is usually relaxed, social and highly personal.
Advantages of Little Ships
1. Access to Remote Locations
This is the biggest advantage of small ships.
They can:
- Navigate shallow rivers
- Enter narrow gorges
- Anchor in secluded bays
- Reach lesser-visited areas
You’ll often spend less time transferring and more time exploring. For many travellers, this creates a far deeper connection with the landscape. Small ships can usually get much closer to the action (as pictured above – Kimberley Quest II pulling up directly under Glycosmis Falls).
2. More Personal Experience
On a little ship, crew and guests quickly get to know each other.
Guides often tailor excursions based on:
- Tides
- Wildlife sightings
- Weather conditions
- Passenger interests
The experience can feel more like a private expedition than a commercial cruise.
3. Faster Excursions
With fewer passengers onboard, activities are quicker and easier to organise.
You may:
- Jump straight into a Zodiac
- Fish from the back of the boat
- Visit waterfalls with only a handful of people nearby
This flexibility is one of the main reasons experienced Kimberley travellers prefer small ships.
Jackson Falls is a waterfall that’s really only suitable for smaller groups. Photo by True North.
4. Better Wildlife Encounters
Smaller vessels are quieter and more manoeuvrable.
That can improve opportunities to see:
- Saltwater crocodiles
- Humpback whales
- Sea eagles
- Dolphins
- Turtles
You often feel more immersed in nature rather than observing it from afar.
Disadvantages of Little Ships
1. Less Luxury
Not all small ships are ultra-luxury vessels. Cabins are often smaller and facilities more basic.
Some smaller expedition boats focus heavily on adventure rather than on-board indulgence.
2. Rougher in Open Water
Smaller vessels can feel more movement during ocean crossings. For this reason, many of the smaller vessels avoid the sea crossing between the northern Kimberley and Darwin. If you’re highly sensitive to seasickness, this is worth considering.
3. Fewer Amenities
You probably won’t find:
- Swimming pools
- Large entertainment areas
- Multiple restaurants
- Extensive onboard programs
The destination becomes the main entertainment.
Final Thoughts: Big Ship or Little Ship?
The Kimberley is spectacular no matter how you experience it. The best Kimberley cruise depends on your priorities.
A larger expedition ship offers comfort, stability and luxury while still delivering unforgettable scenery and wildlife encounters.
But for travellers wanting maximum adventure, deeper exploration and a more intimate connection with the landscape, small ship cruising often delivers the most memorable Kimberley experience.
Whichever you choose, cruising the Kimberley Coast is one of the greatest travel experiences in Australia — and one you’ll likely never forget.
