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Travelquest Travelquest

July 18 - 29, 2028

2028 Australia Total Solar Eclipse Cruise

Chasing the Shadow in the Kimberley

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Welcome

  • Dates: Jul 18 - 29, 2028
  • Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
  • Trip Level (1-4):2
  • Arrive: Kununurra (Wyndham) Australia
  • Depart:Broome, Australia
  • Priced From: $27,995

This tour departs in

DAYS

Highlights

  • Experience one of the premier vantage points for witnessing the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028.
  • Explore hidden gorges and waterfalls, where few humans have ventured and swim beneath cascading waters
  • Discover 50,000-year-old rock art, a window into the region’s ancient Aboriginal culture
  • Navigate pristine estuaries and cast lines for barramundi in fishing spots known only to local pearl lugger captains
  • Experience Montgomery Reef emerging from the ocean, a breathtaking natural phenomenon shaped by the tides
  • Venture deep into mangrove-lined creeks to track saltwater crocodiles and encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Enjoy exclusive access to pearl operations, seeing firsthand how South Sea pearls are cultivated in remote waters
  • Sail through the Buccaneer Archipelago, exploring secluded islands, pristine beaches, and dramatic tidal landscapes far from other travelers

Enter a realm few will ever experience, sailing along Australia’s remote Kimberley Coast on a boutique expedition vessel. Monumental red sandstone cliffs rise from luminous turquoise seas, shaped by immense tides and deep time. Seabirds circle overhead and a crocodile slips quietly through mangrove creeks in one of the world’s last untouched frontiers. Here, access is earned, not given, and each anchorage reveals landscapes few travelers will ever experience.

On July 22, 2028, near remote Bigge Island, this ancient landscape becomes the stage for a dramatic celestial event. As the Moon moves across the Sun, daylight softens and shadows lengthen, bathing the Kimberley in an otherworldly glow. The ocean darkens, the cliffs deepen in color, and an uncanny silence sweeps across the land, making the moment feel profoundly awe-inspiring – a rare pause in time that is felt as deeply as it is seen.

TravelQuest invites you on a 12-day expedition through this extraordinary region. Explore hidden gorges, pristine estuaries, waterfalls, and rock art galleries dating back more than 50,000 years. Aboard the intimate Paspaley Pearl, hosting no more than 28 guests, you’ll experience all the visitor sites along the Kimberley Coast, 75% of which are inaccessible to other ships and operators, opening a world of new discovery.

From fishing for barramundi and rare wildlife encounters to the singular privilege of witnessing a total solar eclipse over Bigge Island, this is expedition travel at its most immersive, intimate, and unforgettable.

 

Kimberley, Australia Total Solar Eclipse Weather Prospects by Jay Anderson and Marc De Keyser

Eclipse chasing on the Kimberley Coast

The Kimberley coast is one of Australia’s scenic gems and in the early morning of 22 July 2028, our cruise ship will lie quietly in the Timor Sea near Bigge Island. Even though it has a tropical monsoon climate, July is in the middle of the dry season, with low humidity, almost no rain, and bright sunny days. Long-term measurements from satellite show an average monthly cloud cover of less than 10 percent. Nearby ground-station observations confirm that rosy assessment, recording an average of one cloudy day in the month.

At exactly 10:46:58, totality begins, and for five extraordinary minutes, people, wildlife, sea, and sky seem to share the same rare moment – a total solar eclipse unfolding in one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the world – there’s no better place than Bigge Island to watch this eclipse.

This tour departs in

DAYS

Highlights

  • Experience one of the premier vantage points for witnessing the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028.
  • Explore hidden gorges and waterfalls, where few humans have ventured and swim beneath cascading waters
  • Discover 50,000-year-old rock art, a window into the region’s ancient Aboriginal culture
  • Navigate pristine estuaries and cast lines for barramundi in fishing spots known only to local pearl lugger captains
  • Experience Montgomery Reef emerging from the ocean, a breathtaking natural phenomenon shaped by the tides
  • Venture deep into mangrove-lined creeks to track saltwater crocodiles and encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Enjoy exclusive access to pearl operations, seeing firsthand how South Sea pearls are cultivated in remote waters
  • Sail through the Buccaneer Archipelago, exploring secluded islands, pristine beaches, and dramatic tidal landscapes far from other travelers

Itinerary

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at East Kimberley Regional Airport (airport code: KNX), based on your individual flight arrangements, a TravelQuest representative will greet you, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to the hotel. This evening, join us for a special welcome dinner along with an overview of the journey ahead.

DATE(S): Tuesday, July 18, 2028

MEALS: Welcome Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments or similar

This morning is spent on a scenic river cruise departing the Diversion Dam near Kununurra. Travelling 55 kilometres through ancient gorge country and sweeping Ord River wetlands, this rich river system supports freshwater crocodiles and dense concentrations of birdlife, offering an intimate introduction to the natural abundance of the Kimberley. The cruise arrives at the Lake Argyle dam wall, where a coach transfer takes you to Wyndham Port to board the Paspaley Pearl and begin your expedition.

Once aboard, the expedition team provides the first briefing on tidal windows, weather patterns, and the next day’s planned navigation up the King George River. As the sun sets over the Bastion Range, Paspaley Pearl departs the Cambridge Gulf, beginning the journey deeper into Australia’s far-northern wilderness.

DATE(S): Wednesday, July 19, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Your journey continues deep into the remote Kimberley as you cruise 13 kilometers up the spectacular King George River. Towering Warton Sandstone cliffs rise dramatically on either side, reaching heights of up to 80 meters, as the river winds through this ancient, narrow gorge.

At the head of the tidal reach, you’ll arrive at one of the Kimberley’s most iconic natural wonders, the King George Falls. Here, twin waterfalls cascade from the Karunjie Plateau, thundering into the gorge below. Within this confined space, the sound of rushing water and cool mist create a powerful, immersive atmosphere, while intricate honeycomb patterns etched into the sandstone walls reveal the immense age of this landscape.

In Balanggarra tradition, the twin falls are believed to represent the male and female forms of the Wunkurr rainbow serpents, adding deep cultural significance to this already awe-inspiring setting.

DATE(S): Thursday, July 20, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Three days are devoted to exploring a labyrinth of islands and islets extending 150 kilometres between Collier Bay and Admiralty Gulf. This remote archipelago holds some of the Kimberley’s most significant rock art galleries, created by First Nations peoples over thousands of years. Within sheltered sandstone caves, delicate Gwion Gwion figures share space with powerful Wandjina paintings. Along the adjacent mainland, pristine fishing grounds, winding mangrove systems, and secluded beaches reveal themselves only within precise tidal windows.

             

Viewing at Bigge Island stands out as one of the best eclipse locations along the Kimberley coast, offering an exceptional combination of reliable weather conditions and exquisite scenery.  The island lies very near the path of maximum eclipse and there is no single preferred spot along this coastline, as the region offers roughly 95 percent sunshine probability throughout.

DATE(S): Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Prince Frederick Harbour and the Roe–Hunter River system are edged by pockets of ancient rainforest, pristine mangrove forests, and mosaic-patterned sandstone cliffs. Nearby, Prince Regent National Park protects nearly half of the Kimberley’s known bird and animal species. Expedition vessels navigate these tidal river systems where saltwater crocodiles dominate the lower reaches, while farther upstream - beyond crocodile habitat - clear freshwater streams provide rare opportunities for swimming.

DATE(S): Monday, July 24, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Kuri Bay lies at the heart of Lalang-Garram / Camden Sound Marine Park, some 370 kilometers from the nearest town. It was here that Paspaley established Australia’s first cultured pearl farm, and the family has continued to operate across these waters for more than 90 years. Expedition guests are granted behind-the-scenes access to the working pearl farm, where Pinctada maxima oysters produce Australian South Sea pearls—widely regarded as the finest in the world. The bay’s isolation, pristine waters, and absence of coastal development create ideal conditions for pearl cultivation.

DATE(S): Tuesday, July 25, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Collier Bay and Camden Sound are governed by tides rising and falling up to 14 metres—the second largest tidal range on Earth. This immense movement of water gives rise to Horizontal Falls (Garaan-ngaddim), where ocean volumes are forced through narrow gorges, and reveals Montgomery Reef (Yowjab), the world’s largest inshore reef system, spanning 400 square kilometres. As the tide retreats, the ancient dolomite platform appears to lift itself from the sea. These waters are the homeland of the Dambeemangarddee saltwater people, whose culture is inseparable from the rhythm of the tides. From July through September, humpback whales pass through these protected waters during their annual northward migration.

DATE(S): Wednesday, July 26 – Thursday, July 27, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

Today you explore the remarkable Buccaneer Archipelago, a vast maze of more than 800 islands stretching from the Dampier Peninsula to the edge of Collier Bay. First charted by English explorer William Dampier, this intricate network of islands and tidal channels offers a constantly changing seascape shaped by powerful currents and time.

As you navigate through the archipelago, you’ll encounter rugged sandstone formations rising from the sea, their layered textures revealing the ancient forces that shaped the Kimberley coastline. These remote islands are also home to Western Australia’s largest breeding populations of green sea turtles, with secluded beaches providing critical nesting grounds.

This evening, join us for a special farewell dinner as we reflect on the shared experiences of the journey, an opportunity to relive unforgettable moments, celebrate new connections, and bring this remarkable expedition to a memorable close.

DATE(S): Friday, July 28, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Paspaley Pearl

After arriving in Broome, where vivid red pindan cliffs meet the turquoise waters of Cable Beach, you disembark Paspaley Pearl following breakfast and transfer to the airport (BME). From here, you continue home or onward, carrying lasting memories of pristine wilderness, ancient cultures, and one of Australia’s last true frontiers.

DATE(S): Saturday, July 29, 2028

MEALS: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION: N/A

Optional Add-ons

If you’d prefer to arrive in Kununurra a little ahead of your Australia eclipse cruise adventure, TravelQuest is pleased to offer both a one-night and a two-night pre-tour package, including airport transfer and overnight accommodations with breakfast daily.

Accommodations: Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments or similar

Pricing

1 Pre-night, July 17 - $380 per person double occupancy | $760 single occupancy

2 Pre-nights, July 16-17 - $760 per person double occupancy | $1,520 single occupancy

TRIP LEVEL

Moderate: TravelQuest guests must be able to get on and off Zodiacs, keep up with the pace of the trip and carry their own luggage. Expect easy to rugged travel conditions with short and medium walks over sometimes hilly terrain.

At TravelQuest we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Please email or call if you have any questions regarding the itinerary.

TravelQuest will use all reasonable efforts to complete the Expedition as outlined in the Itinerary.  Changes and modifications to the published itinerary may occur.  The final itinerary and dates will be published in the spring of 2027.

View Gallery

Cruise Information

Paspaley Pearl

Overview

Welcome to a different kind of exploration aboard a stylish expedition motor-yacht shared with a maximum of 28 fellow adventurers. Adventure and discovery converge as you explore extraordinary landscapes with your expedition team. Their approach centers on meaningful connections – with pristine environments, local cultures, and fellow travelers – transforming individual moments into collective discoveries that become part of your shared story.

A dedicated expedition team of four – one for every seven guests or fewer – includes an Expedition Leader and three specialized guides. Each brings extensive experience in the regions we will explore such as history, geology, wildlife and more. Due to the intimate scale, guests don’t sign up for most shore experiences – everyone participates together.

Built in 2021 to high sustainability specifications, the Paspaley Pearl enables unparalleled access to remote destinations while ensuring personalized experiences. This boutique expedition vessel, measuring under 50 meters, offers access to pristine destinations beyond the reach of larger ships.  Designed with advanced environmental and technological systems, it maximizes efficiency while minimizing its footprint.

Cabins & Suites

While the experiences ashore are paramount, your comfort onboard is equally considered. The 14 staterooms and suites are thoughtfully designed to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, with generous storage, refined amenities, and carefully considered finishes throughout.

The interiors reflect the history, destinations, and communities we explore - a subtle nod to the era of grand touring, where wicker furnishings and natural textures evoke a time when travel was both elegant and intentional.

Ocean Double Stateroom, 14m2, double bed

 

Ocean Twin Stateroom, 16m2, twin beds

 

Ocean Stateroom, 17.5/18m2, Queen bed

 

Horizon Suite, 20m2 including balcony, Queen bed

 

Pearl Suite, 27m2 including balcony, Queen bed

 

 

Deck Plan & Cabin Details

Download Deck Plan & Cabin Descriptions

Experience

Life aboard Paspaley Pearl flows naturally between thoughtfully designed spaces that foster both intimate conversations and shared discoveries with your fellow adventurers. The extensive facilities and technical capabilities make this sailing vessel unique in the world of boutique, expedition yachts.

The Sun Deck’s loungers and 8-10 person jacuzzi allow the day’s tensions to dissolve while sharing experiences with newfound friends against spectacular sunset backdrops.

Each evening begins with our signature ritual in the Horizon Lounge and Bar, where the expedition team recaps, accompanied by drinks and canapés, creating leisurely reviews of the day’s adventures, complete with photo highlights. Light-hearted banter amongst fellow adventurers enlivens these gatherings while our team reveals tomorrow’s possibilities, building anticipation for yet another day of discovery.

The intimate Sunset Lounge, forward of the bridge, offers quieter moments for reflection, where the gentle rhythm of the ocean and soft furnishings create a perfect sanctuary for processing the day’s remarkable encounters in one of Earth’s most pristine environments.

Dining and culinary excellence

The Paspaley Pearl's guiding culinary principles are fresh and regional, quality over quantity. You will see and spend time with the chefs throughout your voyage. During the day, the Horizon’s 32-seat outdoor restaurant and lounge becomes your social hub, where discussions spark anticipation for upcoming adventures and lunch gatherings celebrate morning discoveries.

À la carte dinners crafted by Paspaley’s chefs feature daily changing three-course menus inspired by local and regional flavors. Modern Australian cuisine with Southeast Asian influences reflects the cultures we explore, paired with a curated selection of premium Australian wines. The adjacent lounge and bar invite relaxed conversations over a nightcap.

 

 

Welcome to a different kind of exploration aboard a stylish expedition motor-yacht shared with a maximum of 28 fellow adventurers. Adventure and discovery converge as you explore extraordinary landscapes with your expedition team. Their approach centers on meaningful connections – with pristine environments, local cultures, and fellow travelers – transforming individual moments into collective discoveries that become part of your shared story.

A dedicated expedition team of four – one for every seven guests or fewer – includes an Expedition Leader and three specialized guides. Each brings extensive experience in the regions we will explore such as history, geology, wildlife and more. Due to the intimate scale, guests don’t sign up for most shore experiences – everyone participates together.

Built in 2021 to high sustainability specifications, the Paspaley Pearl enables unparalleled access to remote destinations while ensuring personalized experiences. This boutique expedition vessel, measuring under 50 meters, offers access to pristine destinations beyond the reach of larger ships.  Designed with advanced environmental and technological systems, it maximizes efficiency while minimizing its footprint.

While the experiences ashore are paramount, your comfort onboard is equally considered. The 14 staterooms and suites are thoughtfully designed to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, with generous storage, refined amenities, and carefully considered finishes throughout.

The interiors reflect the history, destinations, and communities we explore - a subtle nod to the era of grand touring, where wicker furnishings and natural textures evoke a time when travel was both elegant and intentional.

Ocean Double Stateroom, 14m2, double bed

 

Ocean Twin Stateroom, 16m2, twin beds

 

Ocean Stateroom, 17.5/18m2, Queen bed

 

Horizon Suite, 20m2 including balcony, Queen bed

 

Pearl Suite, 27m2 including balcony, Queen bed

 

 

Deck Plan & Cabin Details

Download Deck Plan & Cabin Descriptions

Life aboard Paspaley Pearl flows naturally between thoughtfully designed spaces that foster both intimate conversations and shared discoveries with your fellow adventurers. The extensive facilities and technical capabilities make this sailing vessel unique in the world of boutique, expedition yachts.

The Sun Deck’s loungers and 8-10 person jacuzzi allow the day’s tensions to dissolve while sharing experiences with newfound friends against spectacular sunset backdrops.

Each evening begins with our signature ritual in the Horizon Lounge and Bar, where the expedition team recaps, accompanied by drinks and canapés, creating leisurely reviews of the day’s adventures, complete with photo highlights. Light-hearted banter amongst fellow adventurers enlivens these gatherings while our team reveals tomorrow’s possibilities, building anticipation for yet another day of discovery.

The intimate Sunset Lounge, forward of the bridge, offers quieter moments for reflection, where the gentle rhythm of the ocean and soft furnishings create a perfect sanctuary for processing the day’s remarkable encounters in one of Earth’s most pristine environments.

Dining and culinary excellence

The Paspaley Pearl's guiding culinary principles are fresh and regional, quality over quantity. You will see and spend time with the chefs throughout your voyage. During the day, the Horizon’s 32-seat outdoor restaurant and lounge becomes your social hub, where discussions spark anticipation for upcoming adventures and lunch gatherings celebrate morning discoveries.

À la carte dinners crafted by Paspaley’s chefs feature daily changing three-course menus inspired by local and regional flavors. Modern Australian cuisine with Southeast Asian influences reflects the cultures we explore, paired with a curated selection of premium Australian wines. The adjacent lounge and bar invite relaxed conversations over a nightcap.

 

 

Pricing & Terms

Cabin fares are based on projected rates and will not be finalized until the summer of 2027. TravelQuest reserves the right to increase or decrease published prices at that time. All cancellation penalties, terms and conditions as listed below will remain in effect.

Rates are quoted per person in US dollars, based on double occupancy.

Download Deck Plan
OT
Ocean Twin Stateroom

DOUBLE PRICE

$27,995
O
Ocean Stateroom

DOUBLE PRICE

$28,775
HS
Horizon Suite

DOUBLE PRICE

$33,459
PS
Pearl Suite

DOUBLE PRICE

$39,450

IMPORTANT

  • TravelQuest creates and markets tours many months or years in advance of departure. Tour prices, taxes and airfares quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs and US dollar exchange rates that were in effect at the time of publication. However, due to fluctuations in global oil prices, and other services associated with this tour, a surcharge may be applied to your final invoice.
  • TravelQuest, working with our partners, makes every effort to follow the published itinerary. However, please keep in mind that it is subject to change depending on weather and other local conditions.
  • Viewing a solar eclipse is particularly weather-dependent; as such, we can offer no guarantee that local conditions will cooperate.

Room Sharing Program

If you are traveling solo, you can realize significant savings by taking advantage of TravelQuest’s Room Sharing Program, in which travelers of the same gender can share twin-bedded accommodations. Contact us for details.

Triple Accommodation

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate triple-occupancy rooms on this cruise.

Minimum Age

Any minor child participating in a TravelQuest tour must be at least 12 years of age.

Includes

  • All meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner – onboard the Paspaley Pearl
  • Selected wines and champagne during lunch and dinner
  • Open bar service in designated areas
  • Welcome and farewell drinks
  • Cabin service with towel changes every 3 days and bed linen changes every 3-4 days on average
  • Zodiac excursions and off-ship guided activities run by the Expedition Team
  • Use of onboard recreational equipment (paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear) and services of the professional Expedition Team

Additional Chargeable Services

  • Boutique and retail purchases
  • Laundry and pressing services
  • Telephone calls
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Special shore excursions

Not Included

  • Air transportation to East Kimberley Regional Airport (airport code: KNX) and from Broome International Airport (airport code: BME)
  • Optional pre- and post-expedition extensions
  • Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips for the crew - $15 USD per person – per day
  • Passport and visa fees if applicable, along with any required immunizations
  • Laundry, spa treatments and phone services
  • Required Travel Insurance including coverage for cruising and medevac

Payments & Terms

  • An advance payment of 10% of your invoice grand total per person plus a completed Reservation Form are required to secure your reservation
  • A second payment equal to 35% of your invoice grand total is due by November 30, 2026
  • A third payment equal to 30% of your invoice grand total is due by June 30, 2027
  • Your final balance payment is due by February 15, 2028

Payments can be made by credit card, ACH or bank wire transfer.

By submitting payment for this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth by TravelQuest and Pearl Expeditions.

Cancellation Terms

Cancellations must be made in writing via email.

  • All advance payments, less a $1,500 USD per person cancellation fee, are refundable until November 30, 2026.
  • Cancellations made between December 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, will incur a penalty of 25% of total trip cost
  • Cancellations made between July 1, 2027, and February 15, 2028, will incur a penalty of 50% of the total trip cost.
  • 100% of total trip cost becomes non-refundable after February 16, 2028
  • Airline cancellation terms & conditions are the responsibility of the traveler

If payment remains outstanding 45 days after the due date and no written communication has been received, TravelQuest reserves the right to cancel your booking, and applicable cancellation penalties will apply.

TRAVELER HEALTH

At TravelQuest we want to be sure you find the trip that best suits your interests and level of fitness. Prior to making a booking, it is the responsibility of each traveler to thoroughly read the itinerary, and to acquire and understand all pertinent medical advice to determine whether they are in an appropriate state of physical health to undertake the trip. At a minimum, participants must be able to climb into and out of zodiacs, buses, vans and trains without assistance, to carry their own luggage, and to generally keep up with the pace of the trip. If you have any questions about your trip’s itinerary or its level of difficulty, please contact us prior to booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance helps protect you from unexpected “what ifs” on your travels: What if your bags go missing? What if you must cancel? What if you need medical assistance? TravelQuest requires that you purchase a travel protection plan to help secure you and your trip investment against the unexpected. You can purchase this insurance on your own or contact our friends at Travelex, who are familiar with our trips and offer a selection of coverage options to suit your needs. To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Travelex Ultimate plan must be purchased within 21 days from the date you make your initial trip deposit. ALL Travelex policies must be purchased at least one day prior to your departure date.

For more information on these plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services directly at 1-800-228-9792 and reference location number 03-6043.

 Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.

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