Experience Australia’s unique and spectacular Kimberley coast in a remarkable new way this year, aboard PONANT’s intimate, luxury sailing yacht Le Ponant. The majestic, three-masted yacht, with elegant lines and an intimate atmosphere for only 32 like-minded guests, is redefining barefoot luxury expeditions and will be sailing the Kimberley on 18 voyages between April and September, before departing Australian waters indefinitely.
Read on for a preview of what a journey aboard Le Ponant entails, and reach out to us on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au to secure your dates and a 25% Ponant Early Booking Bonus.
BILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING AND A LAND OF STRIKING CONTRASTS
Often referred to as the “Antarctica of the tropics,” the Kimberley is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is the pristine environment, wild, rugged and remote landscapes that gives rise to the comparison. The ancient landscape is the epitome of a sunburnt country, the vast plains and rugged red sandstone gorges are quintessentially Australian and like nowhere else. The Kimberley is one of the world’s last great Wilderness areas, and one of Australia’s greatest natural assets.
The 13,000km of remote isolated coastline boasts more than 2,600 islands and is home to the oldest continuous culture on earth, the world’s largest living reptile, the only two ‘Horizontal Falls’ on the planet, the world’s largest inshore reef, extensive undisturbed mangrove forests, wild rivers, important seabird and marine turtle breeding colonies and the largest population of migrating humpback whales on the planet. It is a national biodiversity hotspot and listed in the top 4% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.
Only aboard Le Ponant
DISCOVER THE TRUE SPIRIT OF SAILING THE KIMBERLEY
Offering an unmatched benchmark for relaxed sailing in barefoot luxury this sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability.
With just 16 staterooms & suites, the emphasis is on space and freedom in order to give you a sense of being on your own private yacht. The suites and cabins are spread over three decks, with each benefiting from large windows. Common areas include a restaurant, lounge, bar, sun deck, marina and wellness spa.
With its common areas open extensively to the horizon, Le Ponant offers a uniquely exclusive voyage experience with fully flexible itineraries and no predetermined destinations. A maximum number of 32 guests, and a crew to guest ratio of more than 1 to 1, allows PONANT to create bespoke itineraries showcasing the changing environment of the Kimberley. Each day’s activities will be determined by the Captain and Expedition Leader, taking into account the season, prevailing weather, tide and sea conditions to deliver the best experience possible.
Exclusive experiences and itinerary highlights
Unique to the experience, PONANT has partnered with the Paspaley group to include a spectacular scenic flight over the Kimberley landscape aboard their Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft between Broome and Kuri Bay.
Other highlights include:
- Sail through spectacular ancient landscapes aboard the luxurious and intimate three masted yacht, Le Ponant.
- Discover the pinnacle Kimberley sailing experience, with fully flexible itineraries and no predetermined destinations.
- Experience an aerial view of the remarkable Kimberley landscape aboard the unique Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft.
- Discover the pristine beaches and remarkable scenery of the Buccaneer archipelago.
- Gain an insight into the ancient culture and heritage of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
- Watch in awe as the tidal waters flow off Montgomery Reef.
- Witness the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay.
- Explore pristine mangrove systems by Zodiac.
- Search for iconic bird species such as White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Ospreys.
- Gain an insight into the geology, history, culture, flora and fauna of this fascinating region from your expert expedition team
Included in your voyage
Each voyage itinerary includes 7 nights on board Le Ponant, pre and/or post accommodation in Broome and Kununurra (dependant on North or South departure point), and flight transfers between Kununurra or Broome to Kuri Bay.
Total trip length is up to 10 days
Prices start at $17,850 for two guests in the Mistral Stateroom.
If you are ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime along the dreamlike Kimberley coast, reach out to us on enquiries@jigsawtravel.com.au to discuss available voyage dates and further details.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Le Ponant before it leaves Australia.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Jigsaw Travel & PONANT acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.