Welcome to Indigenous Australia’s most significant cultural expedition—where ancient songlines guide modern discovery, and every encounter reveals knowledge systems spanning 65,000 unbroken years.
Over eight days, you’ll navigate sacred waters between the Tiwi Islands and East Arnhem Land, guided by traditional owners whose families have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. This isn’t cultural tourism—you’ll participate in ochre mining ceremonies, witness bark painting creation by internationally renowned Yolngu artists, and learn directly from Elders about kinship systems governing one of Earth’s oldest living cultures.
Each day brings privileged access to communities who choose to share their stories, from Tiwi’s distinctive pukumani poles to Yolngu’s intricate clan structures connecting people to specific Country through ancestral law. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures respectful exchanges impossible on larger vessels, whether you’re fishing estuaries with traditional owners or gathering bush medicines that have sustained communities for millennia.
Experience Indigenous Australia through genuine partnership with traditional owners who determine how their stories are shared.
The Tiwi Islands and East Arnhem Land represent Indigenous Australia’s most culturally intact regions, where traditional governance structures, languages, and ceremonial practices continue unbroken from ancestral times. Unlike mainland Australia where colonization severely disrupted cultural continuity, these remote communities maintained autonomy enabling preservation of knowledge systems, artistic traditions, and spiritual connections to Country that define Aboriginal identity.
You’ll engage with internationally celebrated artists whose bark paintings hang in major galleries worldwide, learn from Elders whose knowledge encompasses everything from sustainable fishing practices to complex kinship laws, and understand how contemporary Indigenous communities balance cultural preservation with modern aspirations. This expedition operates under strict cultural protocols established by traditional owners—from where we travel to what stories can be shared—ensuring every encounter respects the extraordinary privilege of accessing Australia’s oldest living culture through relationships built on mutual respect over decades.
- Eight days exploring Tiwi Islands and East Arnhem Land with traditional owners
- Participate in ceremonies, art experiences, and learn from Elders about 65,000 years of living culture
- Small-group expedition (30 guests) with privileged access under strict cultural protocols
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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.
Paspaley Pearl
| Length | 53 m |
|---|---|
| Max passengers | 30 |
| Built/refurbished: | 2021/2024 |
PASPALEY PEARL marks a milestone in the development of boutique expedition travel, offering a benchmark-setting standard of excellence in the Asia Pacific region. As a modern boutique expedition vessel in the Kimberley featuring private balconies, we have the ability of reaching exotic destinations previously inaccessible by larger vessels. You’re invited to ignite your sense of discovery, all whilst travelling in comfort and safety that has been designed to create the smallest possible footprint, with a philosophy of empowering local people and creating ambassadors for the destinations visited.
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.