PONANT is set to take luxury expeditions to another level, opening sales for their highly anticipated 2023 inaugural Kimberley sailing expedition programme onboard the company’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.
Commencing on 7 April 2023, PONANT ‘s programme of 26 new itineraries onboard Le Ponant for the 2023 Kimberley season covers the Northern Kimberley, Southern Kimberley, and the Rowley Shoals.
PONANT’s expertise and signature travel visions onboard Le Ponant highlight the unique mix of adventure, sustainability, and barefoot luxury. The newly refurbished yacht 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. Having been entirely renovated with a sleek, sophisticated design by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant offers an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests being looked after by 32 crew members. An invitation to sail and experience Australia’s breathtaking Kimberley coastline on a journey that combines exploration and eco-responsibility in luxury.
As an exclusive addition to this experience, the Northern and Southern Kimberley itineraries include an exclusive charter flight between Kununurra and Kuri Bay or Broome and Kuri Bay on board one of Australian company Paspaley’s vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats to take guests from or to their embarkation point, as well as an exclusive guided visit of Paspaley’s pearl farms in Kuri Bay.
“An Australian-first, PONANT’s Pinnacle Kimberley Experience on board Le Ponant will offer guests a truly unique experience; with a maximum of 32 guests only, Le Ponant’s itineraries open up a mix of the iconic and lesser-known destinations along this spectacular coastline”, said Sarina Bratton AM, PONANT Chairman for Asia Pacific.
Northern Kimberley Sailing Expedition on board Le Ponant – 9 nights or 10 nights
An immersive expedition including exploration of the spectacular 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs of the King George River Gorge and its Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia, the chance to uncover the stories behind the enigmatic Gwion Gwion rock art and experience Prince Frederick Harbour, one of the largest and most scenic inlets of the Kimberley coast.
9-night package departs 7 April 2023, 28 April, 23 June, 18 August, and 1 October 2023
From AUD17,370 per person in a Mistral Stateroom, including 7-night sailing expedition on board Le Ponant including all meals and accommodation and shore excursions, 1-night pre and 1-night post sailing accommodation, transfers, charter flight on board Paspaley’s flying boat, and Paspaley Pearl Farm experience at Kuri Bay.
10-night package departs 5 May, 19 May, 30 June, 14 July, 25 August, 12 May, 7 July 2023
From AUD17,470 per person in a Mistral Stateroom, including 7-night sailing expedition on board Le Ponant including all meals and accommodation and shore excursions, 1-night pre and 2-night post sailing accommodation or 2-night pre and 1-night post sailing accommodation, transfers, charter flight on board Paspaley’s flying boat, and Paspaley Pearl Farm experience at Kuri Bay.
Southern Kimberley Sailing Expedition on board Le Ponant – 9 nights or 10 nights
Discover the pristine beaches and remarkable scenery of the Buccaneer archipelago and search for iconic bird species such as White Bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy kites and Ospreys. Guests will be able to watch in awe as the tidal waters flow off Montgomery reef and witness the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay.
9-night package departs 26 May, 21 July, 1 September 2023
From AUD16,860 per person in a Mistral Stateroom, including 7-night sailing expedition on board Le Ponant including all
meals and accommodation and shore excursions, 2 pre sailing accommodation, transfers, charter flight on board
Paspaley Pearl Farm experience at Kuri Bay.
10-night package departs 14 April, 21 April, 2 June, 9 June, 16 June, 28 July, 4 August , 11 August, 24 Sept 2023
From AUD17,830 per person in a Mistral Stateroom, including 7-night sailing expedition onboard Le Ponant including all meals and accommodation and shore excursions, 1-night pre and 2-night post sailing accommodation or 2-night pre and 1-night post sailing accommodation, transfers, charter flight on board Paspaley’s flying boat, and Paspaley Pearl Farm experience at Kuri Bay.
Rowley Shoals Sailing Expedition on board Le Ponant – 8 nights
A sailing adventure to the Rowley Shoals, home to pristine coral lagoons and an abundance of marine life. Guests will discover the pristine 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 on the radar.
Departs 8 and 16 September 2023
From AUD14,170 per person in a Mistral Stateroom, including all meals and accommodation onboard Le Ponant and shore excursions and transfers.
Find out more about PONANT’s new Kimberley Sailing Expedition for 2023 here.
SOURCE: PONANT / IMAGE CREDIT: ©Ponant-Nathalie-Michel
