Overview
Discover dramatic landscapes etched with ancient human history in Australia’s Kimberley region, and sail to remote island villages of Indonesia where history comes alive in traditional ceremonies. Search for spectacular wildlife, from the giant saltwater crocodiles of the Kimberley to prehistoric Komodo dragons. Snorkel and dive among pristine coral gardens. Zodiac to the base of King George Falls and learn the history of the Moluccas, fought over among English, Portuguese, and Dutch colonizers.
Trip Highlights
- Experience both Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art dating from 4,000 to 12,000 years in age
- Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take us up close to the unique wildlife in this region—watch for crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies
- Visit the remarkable Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon
- Snorkel and dive remote reefs with galaxies of colorful fish in Indonesia
- Capture your best photographs alongside a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor
Itinerary
Arrive in Perth and transfer to the InterContinental Perth Hotel (or similar) where you'll spend one night. On Day 2, fly to Broome, board National Geographic Orion in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Perth, Australia
Arrive in Perth and transfer to the InterContinental Perth Hotel (or similar) where you'll spend one night. On Day 2, fly to Broome, board National Geographic Orion in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Perth, Australia
Weather dependent, we will operate the Zodiacs through the low lying Lacepede Islands off the coast of the Dampier Peninsula or explore Yampi Sound. This group of islands has been classified an Important Bird Area where you will have the opportunity to see what is possibly the largest breeding colony of brown boobies in the world. Other birds, such as the masked boobie, eastern reef egrets, and ruddy turnstones inhabit the islands as well.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean side of the cliffs. When conditions are right, a “waterfall” up to ten feet high may form as the trapped landward waters cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. Enjoy a trip by Zodiac to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. Later in the day, guests can join our naturalists on an excursion to Cyclone Bay to explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water erupts, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers us into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. National Geographic Orion drops anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra—a stunning backdrop to our day’s explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and we keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of aqua seas, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures which support the island’s vegetation. Small monjon rock wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today our naturalists lead us to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level, and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend time on deck with our team of naturalists; listen to compelling presentations in the lounge; or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities. National Geographic Orion is required to make a quick technical stop in Darwin to clear the vessel and guests out of Australia before departing for Indonesia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend time on deck with our team of naturalists; listen to compelling presentations in the lounge; or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities. National Geographic Orion is required to make a quick technical stop in Darwin to clear the vessel and guests out of Australia before departing for Indonesia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we arrive in Indonesia at the village of Kupang, where the locals provide us with a colorful and spirited welcome. Once arrival formalities are complete, we sail to the small islands off the coast where many species of fish and marine life flourish along the coral reefs. We explore the area both above and below the sea by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The ancient harbor of Waingapu on East Sumba Island is one of Indonesia's hidden gems, with a beautifully rugged coastline that beckons to be explored. Our arrival will be celebrated with music, bright costumes, and traditional dance. The quality, pattern, and motifs of the ikat of East Sumba make it one of the most unique textiles in Indonesia. We’ll head inland to meet the locals and learn the history of these colorful pieces of woven art.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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 soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda—a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Please fill out the form below to request a quote for rates.
What's included
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary;
- all meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and
- onshore; beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship
- (except certain super premium brands which are available
- for purchase); hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks,
- premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and
- filtered water; excursions and airport transfers to and from
- recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary; crew
- gratuities; exploration tools curated to destination, such
- as Zodiacs, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling
- equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins); guidance
- and company of our leading expedition staff; assistance
- by the National Geographic Photography Expert and
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo
- instructor; access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker;
- presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers;
- complimentary reusable water bottle; services of a physician,
- physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic;
- morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise
- equipment; 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks,
- library, and other shared spaces; park and site entrance fees,
- special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or
- items included in our programs are non-refundable
What's Not Included
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); pre- and
- post-expedition extensions; additional hotel nights (except
- when indicated as included); private transfers; laundry, spa
- treatments, scuba diving for pre-qualified divers on select
- voyages*, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated
- as included); travel protection plans; and passport, visa, and
- immigration fees.
Map
