We carry only 21 passengers which makes the experience on our smaller catamaran much more personal than a typical larger boat or ship cruise can offer. This brings new, exciting and unexpected opportunities and experiences as we are able to take you off the beaten path without the strict regimen of larger vessels. For example, if we spot a crocodile, whale or any other interesting wildlife or natural phenomena, we can take our time to give you a better view. Our Captain has the flexibility, and the inclination, to linger when nature is putting on a show or to deviate his course to take you somewhere not on the itinerary.

A smaller vessel also means a cruise which is more comfortable, relaxed, friendly and casual. After just a few days of cruising most of our guests will be on an intimate, first name basis with both crew and other guests — all of whom share a passion for travel, adventure and learning. With a professional, yet family-like atmosphere aboard, our personal approach creates bigger enjoyment and will quickly become a valued part of your holiday experience.

It also enables us to minimize travelling at night, ensuring that you get a peaceful night’s sleep without missing any of the magnificent scenery. Other vessels travel at night and stop in the morning, often missing some of the best sights along the coast. The Kimberley has so much to offer and we don’t want you to miss a moment of it!

Lastly, and very importantly, ‘smaller’ means that we can all enjoy the unique unspoilt wilderness of the Kimberley while leaving the smallest impact on the environment, thereby ensuring the future of this remarkable region. Unforgettable natural beauty and an intriguing sense of history reveal themselves in-depth on our cruises, so that your experience will become a bigger journey of discovery than you probably expected, and will be filled with moments you’ll treasure forever.

The Best Kimberley Cruises in Australia!

Our cruise packages offer 11 to 15 nights in the Kimberley and days filled with adventure. We typically offer up to three excursions a day.

In addition, we ‘package’ our cruises with land-based transfers, including buses, light planes and helicopters, depending on the cruise you choose. We even include a commercial flight between Darwin and Kununurra if you choose one of our Early Waterfall, Waterfall, or Great Rivers Cruises, these are all included in the price and mean that there is simply no better value cruise in the Kimberley.

Our air-conditioned cabins are modest but comfortable, as one would expect on a boat. Each cabin has a 240V power point for your convenience and a pillow-top mattress.

Discovery One has plenty of deck space for all of our 21 passengers, including a large observation deck with 360-degree views, an eight-person spa, chairs, tables and sun-lounges. This top deck is entirely for our passengers’ enjoyment and is the place to relax while we travel.  The scenery is spectacular.

Our modern purpose built tenders are sleek, speedy and safe providing the perfect vessel for on-shore excursions and ‘scenics’. We can take all passengers at the same time, with no need to wait your turn. This means we can often offer 2 or more excursions in a day, taking you to more places and fully immersing you in all that is the Kimberley. Our Captain’s knowledge of the Kimberley is enviable, and he is constantly seeking new places to explore. We therefore have a flexible itinerary loaded with lovely surprises.

On board, the Hostesses are there to help at any time and will clean your cabin, change linen and provide clean towels upon request. They will also do any laundry for you, free of charge, and return it to you the same day!

Our Chef is an expert at catering for a group and manages to produce fresh and appetising food at every meal, even for those with particular dietary requirements. There is plenty to choose from and you will be well looked after.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

For over 25 years, Discovery One Kimberley Cruises has been dedicated to operating with the lightest possible footprint while sharing the wonder of the Kimberley. We are deeply committed to protecting this extraordinary coastline and supporting the communities we work with.

Sustainability for us is not a box to tick – it is a philosophy that guides our operations every day. As technology and new practices evolve, we continue to adapt, optimise, and reinvent ourselves to ensure that future generations can experience the Kimberley as it is today: wild, pristine, and alive with culture.

Reducing Energy Consumption

• Energy-efficient lighting is fitted throughout Discovery One.
• Our tenders are powered by 4-stroke low-emission 150hp outboard motors.
• The vessel follows a strict maintenance schedule to maximise fuel efficiency.
• Fuel use is monitored annually using a carbon emissions calculator.

Reducing Water Consumption

• Discovery One has its own desalination system, conserving precious freshwater.
• Eco-friendly linen and towel practices reduce unnecessary water and energy use.

Reducing Waste Volume

• Waste and recycling are separated onboard and responsibly managed by Cleanaway onshore.
• Salus bathroom amenities are provided in refillable bottles, avoiding miniatures and unnecessary packaging while using natural formulations. (salusbody.com.au)
• Guests receive a digital cruise guide to reduce paper waste.
• Waste volumes are tracked annually via our carbon calculator.

Selecting Eco-Friendly Products

• Sunscreen: We supply reef-safe sunscreen by We Are Feel Good Inc. (wearefeelgoodinc.com.au)
• Insect repellent: Provided by Good Riddance (goodriddance.com.au) and Lemon Myrtle Fragrances (lemonmyrtlefragrances.com.au)
• Cleaning products: We prioritise biodegradable, environmentally safe cleaning solutions (supplier details available on request).

Supporting Local Businesses & Communities

• We source locally wherever possible, supporting regional suppliers.
• We work with accredited aviation operators (QTAB or Ecotourism-certified).
• We partner with Aboriginal-owned tourism providers such as Kingfisher Tours in Kununurra (kingfishertours.com.au).
• Crew members complete cultural induction training with Dambimangari Traditional Owners.

Cultural Respect and Inclusion

• We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters in which we operate.
• Guests are introduced to the Dambimangari and Uunguu Aboriginal Corporations’ Codes of Conduct to ensure cultural protocols are respected.
• Visitor Pass fees are collected to support Indigenous Ranger programs, which manage tourism pressures and protect Country.

Supporting Environmental Organisations

• We donate to the Australian Marine Conservation Society (marineconservation.org.au).
• We maintain an active subscription with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
• We support Marine Rescue Southport and contribute to international community initiatives, including donations to the “frontline” soldiers by Odessa in the form of dehydrated food dropped in by drones in  Ukraine.

How Guests Can Help

We encourage all guests to join us in our sustainability efforts by:

• Bringing and refilling a reusable water bottle.
• Reusing towels during the cruise.
• Using the reef-safe sunscreen and eco insect repellent we provide.
• Supporting Aboriginal-owned and local businesses in Broome, Kununurra and Darwin.
• Avoiding the purchase of products made from rare or endangered species.

Together for the Kimberley

At Discovery One, we believe sustainability is a shared journey. By working together – crew, guests, Traditional Owners, and local communities – we can ensure the Kimberley remains one of the last great frontiers, protected and celebrated for generations to come.