Choosing What Time Of Year To Cruise The Kimberley
The best time of year to cruise the Kimberley depends on a range of factors and personal preferences. The calendar below will help you narrow down the month of travel most suited to you.
Waterfalls: Best time to witness the Kimberley waterfalls is from March to May, after the wet season. The powerful 80m King George Falls is breathtaking.
Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles are seen all year around, but are most active in the warmer months during their breeding season between October to March.
Barramundi: We fish all year around, but Barra are more active when the water is warmer. For our serious fishers, aim to cruise early in the year -March to May, or September and October.
Sunny skies: Peak weather season is between May and August, where humidity is at its lowest, 30 degree cooler days are experienced in June and July.
Snorkelers/Underwater lovers: We offer swimming in freshwater holes on our Kimberley cruises from March to September, however if you love snorkeling check out our Rowley Shoals cruises which operate in October, where the Easterly winds drop off and the underwater visibility is up to 50m.
Horizontal Falls: The Horizontal Falls flows all year around, but May to October is prime season when the weather is clear. For the thrill-seekers aim for days around Spring Tides (full moon and new moon). From 2027, tour operators will no longer be able to traverse the iconic falls, making 2025-2026 your final opportunity to witness this natural wonder up close.
Whales: From August to October up to 30,000 Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer tropical Kimberley waters to breed.
Wildflowers and Wildlife: Later in the season, in October, there are more wildlife sightings, as it starts to dry out and the wildlife travel further for water. The wildflowers in October are a spectacular change to the red terrain normally seen.
Birds: Best from March to May in the warmer months. Then in October and November the migratory birds from the northern hemisphere flock South.. See them all (even birds from Siberia) on our Ashmore Reef cruise with our dedicated guide.
Duration & Price: Our 14 day itinerary runs from March to June, our 9 Day itinerary from June to September and our 6 day itinerary during October. These are all at different price points.
Availability: At the end of the day, no matter which time of year you travel with us you are going to have an incredible experience, so you have to work with the dates that suit you, and that have availability.