The PASPALEY name is inextricably linked with the iconic Kimberley coast. Almost 100 years ago, 19-year-old Nicholas Paspaley, MBE bought his very first pearling lugger. At the time, Broome, Cossack and Darwin were the world’s most significant pearling ports. The 1950s brought dramatic change to the natural pearl industry and Paspaley became innovators in the new Australian pearl cultivating industry, inspired by the success of the approach in Japan. Today, due to the superior and widely recognised quality of the South Sea Pearls created by Paspaley, they are regarded in a category of their own and are most commonly recognised simply as ‘Paspaley Pearls’.
The extensive experience gained in navigating the remote Kimberley coast ensures Paspaley’s library of unique destinations and ‘secret spots’ is unparalleled. Join a select group of like-minded travellers onboard our boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL, and discover a Kimberley coast unravelled over 100 years of exploration.
From the Dampier Peninsula in the South to the Bonaparte Archipelago in the North, the Southern Kimberley coast is one of the remotest locations in Australia. The Buccaneer Archipelago is regarded as one of the most spectacular island groups in Australia, offering a veritable playground of unique experiences. Collier Bay and Camden Sound are home to the second largest tides in the world, creating unique tidal phenomena such as Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim) and Montgomery Reef (Yowjab). The adjacent Prince Regent National Park is one of Australia’s most important conservation sites, regarded for its ‘outstanding scenic grandeur’ and containing half of the known bird and animal species in the Kimberley.
Each Pearling coast itinerary will include an exclusive visit to a working Paspaley Pearl farm. Guests will witness first-hand the detail and care that is required to produce the most beautiful pearls in the world. Each visit will be closely coordinated with Paspaley operations to coincide with their activities at one of their locations along the Kimberley coast.
- Experience an exclusive visit to a working Paspaley Pearl Farm.
- Explore the pristine coastline, waterways and islands that comprise the Kimberley Coast.
- Discover secret destinations available to only a select few.
- Visit Western Australia’s largest Green Sea turtle rookery.
- Journey through the spectacular Islands of the Buccaneer archipelago.
- View the unique tidal phenomenon of the ‘Horizontal Falls’ in Talbot Bay.
- Experience the wonder of the power of the tides at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system.
- From July to September witness the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet.
- The Kimberley is a national biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Often referred to as the pearl of North West Australia, Broome is Western Australia’s coastal gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. It’s also home to the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach, making it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations. Situated 2,240 km (1,390 mi) north of Perth with a permanent population estimated at 14,436, growing to over 45,000 per month during the tourist season.
PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside the wharf in Broome.
Extending from the Dampier Peninsula to the Southern edge of Collier Bay the 800 islands of the Dampier archipelago and adjacent mainland offer a veritable playground of unique experiences, ideal for exploration by boutique expedition motor yacht. Named after the English buccaneer and privateer William Dampier, the archipelago is regarded as one of the most spectacular island groups in Australia. There are islands listed as Important Bird Areas by Birdlife International, whilst others are home to Western Australia’s largest population of breeding Green Sea turtles. The pristine coastline contains secluded white sandy beaches, mangrove estuaries and spectacular tortured landscapes providing a geological insight into the formation of this remarkable land.
The region is best known for the iconic destinations of The Lacepede Islands, Yampi Sound, Adele Island and Cape Leveque.
With PASPALEY PEARL, we also have access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels including Hidden Island, Whirlpool Pass, Sunday Island, Strickland Bay, Tallon Island, Hell’s gate, Edeline and Cascade Bay.
Located 370km north of Broome and 460km west of Kununurra, Kuri Bay lies at the heart of the Lalang – Garram/Camden Sound Marine Park. It was the location of Australia’s first cultured pearl farm and is named after the company’s first principal, Tokuichi Kuribayashi. Today the clear pristine waters are the home of Paspaley, the world’s most important producer of cultured pearls. Such is the superior and widely recognised quality of the gems they are in their own category and recognised simply as ‘Paspaley Pearls’.
Guests will experience a behind the scenes guided walking tour of the Paspaley facilities and discover the intricate processes required to produce the most beautiful pearls in the world.
Located in one of the remotest regions of Australia, with no road access and the nearest town over 250 kilometres away, the stunningly rugged Collier Bay and Camden Sound are home to the second largest tides in the world. This ebb and flow of the tide has shaped the ancient landscape into a breathtaking vista and created unique tidal phenomena such as Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim). The region is of cultural significance to the Dambeemangarddee, a saltwater people who have been living along the coast for many thousands of years. Their culture and connection to the environment has evolved with an inherent association to these tidal movements. The rich marine environment is also home to the world’s largest inshore reef system, Montgomery Reef (Yowjab) and each year the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales visit the region.
The region is best known for the iconic destinations of Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim), Montgomery Reef (Yowjab), Raft Point (Ngumbree) and Freshwater Cove (Wijingarra Bard Bard).
With PASPALEY PEARL, we also have access to destinations inaccessible to larger vessels including Sampson Inlet, Hall Point, Red Cone Creek, Sapphire Falls, Ruby Falls, Sale River, Walcott Inlet, Prior Point and Langgi.
Often referred to as the pearl of North West Australia, Broome is Western Australia’s coastal gateway to the magnificent wilderness region of the Kimberley. It’s also home to the world-famous white sands of Cable Beach, making it one of the State’s most popular holiday destinations. Situated 2,240 km (1,390 mi) north of Perth with a permanent population estimated at 14,436, growing to over 45,000 per month during the tourist season.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Paspaley Pearl
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 53 meters
Passenger Capacity: 30
Built / Renovated: 2021 / 2024
Designed to feel like your home away from home
Marrying PASPALEY’s heritage of over 80 years in the Kimberley and Northern Australia with PONANT’s 35-year history of luxury expedition travel, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the embodiment of comfort and adventure.
Featuring 15 staterooms and suites and hosting a maximum of 30 guests per voyage, PASPALEY PEARL emerges as the newest and only boutique expedition motor yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies.
The perfect place to relax while exploring
Main Dining, Lounge and Bar
Nestled on the Ocean Deck is our main dining area, lounge, and bar. As our skilled chefs craft your locally-inspired dinner, take a moment for a pre-dinner drink before being spoiled with the finest produce Australia has to offer. If you’re interested in exploring some of PASPALEY’s exquisite offerings, you’ll be delighted by their showcase of the world’s most beautiful pearls, available for purchase as a cherished memento of your time on board.
Outdoor Dining, Lounge and Bar
When journeying through the tropics, immersing yourself in the outdoors becomes essential. Indulge in breakfast and lunch daily within a relaxed yet refined setting. With two expansive dining tables and abundant lounges, relish the idea of dining amidst the natural surroundings you explore. Craving a refreshing drink after a day of exploration? Our friendly staff at the Outdoor Bar have you covered. The Outdoor Lounge doubles as the perfect space for afternoon briefings with your expedition team, ensuring you receive all the information needed for the following day’s adventure.
Sun Deck Lounge and Jacuzzi
Bask in the sunshine on the Sun Deck, furnished with sun beds, lounges, and an 8-person jacuzzi. Whether you prefer reading a book under the shelter of the protective shade cloth or engaging in conversations with newfound friends, the Sun Deck promises a haven of pure relaxation.
Sunset Lounge
Located ahead of the bridge, you can savour panoramic views rivaling those of the captain at the Sunset Lounge. Order a drink from one of the bars downstairs and relax as you witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ve ever seen.
