Kimberley Expedition Cruise Review 5/8

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The majesty of the tides was with us again today. In the world, The Kimberley is one of the places most affected by tidal changes and we’d see examples of that all day, and in fact, all cruise long.

Silver Explorer sailed through the Buccaneer Archipelago early, the 800+ islands of the region watching on as this little ship carefully navigated through. Once again, no sooner had the ship’s anchor been deployed, that we were ready to disembark on one of the first zodiacs. All guests had the choice of a short or extended tour, and we had no hesitation in choosing the extended tour.

We found ourselves with expedition guide, Will for the second time. He’s a fountain of enthusiastic knowledge, and shares information about the landscape and wildlife with passion and zest. I’m realising just how much of an impact the expedition team members have on the overall cruise experience and Will is an absolute asset to Silversea.

The main attraction today was the horizontal falls. The Kimberley’s huge tidal variation is coupled with its unique landscape and in this particular area, it leads to the ocean forcing itself through the narrows of a 20m channel. Once through, the water enters a bay from where it is forced through an even narrower, second channel. As a result of this force, the rising tide becomes a turbulent torrent of incredible proportions, squeezing itself through the narrows. The volume of water creates the effect of a horizontal waterfall, and that’s both exactly what it sounds like and looks like when witnessed person.

I’ve always known the ocean was a powerful force, but the Kimberley truly opens your eyes to just how incredible a force it is. As the tide rose around us, we could see an actual elevation in the water on our side of the channel. Amazing.

Although the zodiacs are no longer allowed to navigate the channel (by Silversea’s decree), we did have a chance to feel just some of these effects at Cyclone Creek. Here, similar (but much smaller) forces threw the zodiac from side to side as we made our way through. Some minor splashing was a delicious reprieve from the heat.

Will piloted our zodiac back to the waiting Silver Explorer, and we enjoyed lunch, the ship was repositioned a short distance to the Iron Islands. Guests once again the choice of a short or extended tour and of course, we opted for the lengthier jaunt. We again jumped onto the zodiacs, this time landing with expedition guide, Damon. We cruised along the coastline and admired the stunning iron landscape. And I mean iron. The rocks here are made up of about 65% iron, and that leads to incredible red and black colours, as both the hematite and magnetite rocks glow in those stunning hues. With rock structures that date back almost 2 billion years, you really are looking back in time when you observe these stunning structures.

Emerging from the desolate wilds, an iron ore mine and wharf stood in stark contrast to the natural, untouched surrounds. We sailed beneath the wharf, and looked on as the sun began to set and the tide started to fall.

Returning to Silver Explorer just before sunset, we reminisced about what was another brilliant day in The Kimberley.