The pearl experience

Small Footprints. Infinite Horizons

Shared adventures

Welcome to a different kind of exploration aboard a stylish expedition motor-yacht shared with just 30 fellow adventurers. With Pearl Expeditions, adventure and authenticity converge as you explore extraordinary landscapes with your expedition team.

Our approach centres on meaningful connections – with pristine environments, local cultures, and fellow travellers – transforming individual moments into collective discoveries that become part of your shared story.

Untrodden Paths: Our Destinations

From the dramatic Kimberley tides to Papua New Guinea’s cultural richness and East Indonesia’s diverse archipelagos, we take you to places where pristine beauty remains undisturbed. Utilising Paspaley’s exclusive navigation charts developed over 80 years of pearling operations, we can access secluded locations unavailable to other operators. These destinations offer breathtaking environments where meaningful shared experiences become stories that will amaze those back home.

Access & Capability: Paspaley Pearl

Paspaley Pearl represents the perfect balance of capability and comfort. With local knowledge and advanced technology, we access places few have experienced – exploration of rarely visited locations is at our core. The vessel provides an intimate setting that encourages connection while respecting personal space, with comfortable suites and staterooms, and thoughtful design that embodies our modern Australian character.

Daily Discovery: Expedition Life

Every day is an adventure with Pearl Expeditions. Our itineraries avoid extended periods at sea, instead offering activities that immerse you in each destination’s essence. You’ll venture out aboard our purpose-built exploration craft, accessing environments beyond the reach of larger vessels.

Between excursions, shared reflection and animated mealtime discussions deepen connections with both place and fellow travellers.

Exploration Craft: Beyond the Ship

Our four dedicated exploration vessels and Zodiacs are key to accessing remote wonders. Purpose-built for both comfort and capability, each craft accommodates eight guests for intimate exploration beyond the reach of larger ships. Unlike vessels that simply shuttle guests to shore, ours enable extended adventures – whether fishing remote estuaries, exploring narrow waterways, or finding perfect snorkelling spots in pristine waters.

Knowledge Shared: The Expedition Team

Our expedition guides transform what you see into what you understand. Their expertise spans natural history, indigenous culture and regional knowledge – delivered without academic pretence.

They join you for meals and leisure time, becoming part of the shared journey while adapting to your interests to ensure personally meaningful connections with each destination.

Cultural Connections

Experience genuine cultural exchange with communities we visit. Our small group size enables genuine interactions rather than staged performances. Whether witnessing traditional ceremonies in Papua New Guinea or learning about ancient rock art in the Kimberley, these encounters evolve organically, respecting both community protocols and creating meaningful connections that often become emotional highlights of an expedition.

commitment to place

Our approach centres on responsible access – treading lightly while fostering deeper appreciation. With just 30 guests, Pearl Expeditions creates minimal impact in remote locations. Working with traditional owners and local communities, we ensure our presence benefits rather than disrupts these special places. We believe thoughtful expedition travel creates advocates for fragile environments with every voyage.

the human element

With 21 crew members caring for our 30 guests, Pearl Expeditions ensures personalised service throughout your journey. What sets our crew apart is their natural, classically Australian approach, professional without pretence. Many come from the regions we explore, bringing personal connections that enrich your understanding. They become part of your expedition community, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the remarkable places that define the Pearl experience, leaving you eager for the sequel.

Your expedition fleet:

Unparalleled Access

Step aboard our two purpose-built expedition vessels, uniquely designed Cairns-manufactured aluminium boats with diesel inboard motors that take you exploring in complete comfort. Shaded canopies, innovative fold-out platforms for effortless beach access, and dedicated fishing and swimming areas transform every remote shoreline into your personal adventure base, operated by professional boat drivers who know these waters intimately.

Launch into hidden mangrove creeks aboard our Mark V Zodiacs, perfect for intimate explorations, helicopter transfers, beach BBQs, and sunset cocktails on pristine shores where your footprints join only those of nesting wildlife.

Paddle kayaks through mirror-calm lagoons, stand-up paddleboard crystal-clear waters, or snorkel vibrant coral reefs with professional equipment. Dive certified waters or cast lines for barramundi with expert guidance and professional-grade fishing equipment.

These shared adventures with kindred spirits in pristine wilderness locations become transformative experiences, satisfying your cultural and intellectual curiosity while forming lasting connections.

Pearl Expeditions:

A BESPOKE AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITION CRUISE EXPERIENCE

Pearl Expeditions—a new, uniquely Australian, immersive expedition cruise venture. This initiative marks a partnership between Paspaley and cruise industry leader Sarina Bratton AM, bringing together unparalleled expertise and a shared passion for exploration.

This venture reunites Sarina Bratton with the Paspaley family who were co-founders of the acclaimed Orion Expedition Cruises – the pioneer of luxury expedition cruising in Australasia. Orion’s legacy laid the foundation for what has since become a thriving global segment of the cruise industry.

Pearl Expeditions is a natural evolution of that groundbreaking vision. It draws on the deep regional knowledge of the Paspaley Group, combined with the talents of former Orion team members who first set the standard for boutique expedition travel.

Beyond their rich pearling heritage in the Kimberley, Paspaley also has extensive experience in luxury hospitality through its award-winning Wall Street Hotel in New York and is preparing to relaunch the Pinctada Hotel in Broome, Western Australia.