Our Company
Odyssey Expeditions is a family run business that has been operating in the Kimberley since 1998. “Odyssey” and her crew pride itself on providing you with the best service, the best experience and the best value for money cruise available. Taking a maximum of 20 guests we specialise in small personalised tours that allow you to experience the wonders of the North West intimately without compromising comfort or safety. To ensure that you receive the best possible Kimberley experience the owners of Odyssey Expeditions are hands on in running the business and always meet our guests in Broome or whilst cruising.
Our Vessel
MV Odyssey boasts luxury and practicality, it is a custom built exploration vessel designed specifically for the Kimberley coast. MV Odyssey cruises by day so that you enjoy the many spectacular sights of the Kimberley coast and anchors in calm, sheltered waters at night so you enjoy peaceful night’s sleep. MV Odyssey is the only vessel of its kind in the region to have a magnificent upper deck shaded alfresco and bar area where you can relax in comfort, dine, drink and enjoy the vast panoramic views of what the Kimberley has on offer.
Our Tender Vessels
MV Odyssey is accompanied by three tender vessels, “Homer” “Argos” and “Athena”. Homer, our primary tender vessel provides easy access boarding, carries all guests with ease, has comfortable cushioned seating, on-board toilet and washing facilities and most importantly lots of shade cover to protect you from the Kimberley sun. Homer allows us to explore deeper into the creeks and tributaries to find the vast array of hidden wonders often overlooked by other carriers. Argos and Athena enable us to participate in a variety of activities such as fishing and mud crabbing.
Small Ship Cruising
Taking a maximum of 20 guests Odyssey Expeditions specialises in personalised tours, no waiting in turn for an excursion, MV Odyssey gives the opportunity for all travellers to participate together. Rather than just skimming the coastline Odyssey Expeditions will show you the Kimberley wilderness in depth and detail. MV Odyssey can complete an excursion and move on to show you another spectacular Kimberley site in the same time it takes a larger vessel to anchor or tie up.
Sustainability
We provide access without the intrusion of roads. We do not require shore based structures. We explore as a small group and leave no trace of our visit.
We will often collect marine waste on our travels and return them back for proper disposal, aiming to leave the natural wilderness in a better state than before our visit.
On-board waste is either retained for recycling where possible, or retained for disposal at an approved waste management site.
All activities are led by crew members who are trained to encourage minimal impact on the environment, respecting the history and culture of the places we visit.
The Crew
The crew of Odyssey Expeditions have been described by many guests as the A Team, they are passionate about the Kimberley and love their job; they are knowledgeable, energetic and endeavour to give a lifetime experience to each and every guest.
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Mark Raissis
Position: Skipper
With over 13 years of hands-on experience onboard and a background in marine engineering, Mark combines technical expertise with a passion for exploration. Holding MED 2 and Master 5 qualifications, Mark excels as an exceptional boat handler, ensuring safety and efficiency in every journey.
Deeply passionate about sharing the Kimberley coast with guests, Mark delights in showcasing its stunning beauty and rich history. As a true history buff, he weaves fascinating narratives into every voyage, enriching the experience for all on board.
His ability to intricately plan day-to-day activities ensures that each trip is not only enjoyable but also a memorable one you will talk about for years to come.
Whether he's navigating the breathtaking waters of the Kimberley or sharing stories of its past, Mark is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for everyone he encounters.
Bob Bolton
Position: Engineer
Bob is a highly skilled engineer who has worked with us for over 12 years. Holding coxswains grade 1 and MED 1 qualifications, Bob also worked as a Mercury marine mechanic prior to joining Odyssey. With his extensive skill set, Bob can fix anything that comes his way, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Whilst Bob loves our main ship, Odyssey, he also enjoys driving our 12 meter tender, Homer and catching mud crabs from the dinghy's. Whether he's taking guests fishing for golden snapper or on a scenic cruise, he shares his passion for the sea with everyone onboard. His attention to detail and constant tinkering in the engine room, further demonstrates his commitment to maintaining the vessels performance.
Known as the kindest person you will ever meet, Bob's warm smile and welcoming demeanour create an inviting atmosphere for all. With him, every journey is not only safe and well maintained, but also filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Jayden Harris-Walker
Position: Chief stewardess
Jayden's connection to the sea began at a young age when her family moved to Broome. Growing up, exploring the rock pools and sand dunes of Broome's famous beaches, she developed a deep love for the outdoors.
With a Diploma in Aquaculture, Coxswains grade 1 and years of experience in her fathers cleaning business, Jayden brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her work. Her 8 years of experience in Aquaculture, working at both a hatchery and public aquarium, have given her an extensive knowledge of marine life, specialising in fish.
In addition to her love for the sea, Jayden enjoys staying active, keeping fit through martial arts and freediving, her love for the ocean is evident as she embraces every opportunity to explore the world below the surface, and can comfortably reach depths up to 30 metres. Jayden is also an avid photographer and has a keen interest in the Kimberley's rich history and natural world, often eager to learn and share her knowledge and stories with others.
Known for her hard work and contagious energy, Jayden creates a welcoming environment wherever she goes, whether it's diving, photography or inspiring others with her infectious passion, Jayden's dedication to her work and love for the natural world are felt by everyone around her.
Trini Reynolds
Position: Engineer and aspiring skipper
Trini's life has been shaped by her love for the ocean. Growing up on the water, she was introduced to the rhythms of the sea by her grandfather, spending countless hours on boats and diving alongside him in search of crayfish and abalone. With her passion for the marine world, Trini has built an impressive resume, having studied Marine and Environmental science, gained her Master 5, MED 2, and Divemaster qualifications.
From living and working on research vessels in Papua New Guinea to guiding expeditions along Australia's wild Kimberley coast, she now trains to become one of our skippers. Trini brings her hard working, energetic spirit to each new challenge and with her enthusiasm and curiosity, she's a natural in the field, inspiring both her teammates and guests alike.
Ben Roche
Position: Engineer
Ben's journey to Odyssey started with family ties and a love for the sea. Whilst studying mechanical engineering at university, Ben, joined his older brother Mike, who was one of Odyssey's previous skippers, on a few trips along the stunning Kimberley coast and diving out at the Rowley Shoals Marine park. Having gotten a taste for life on the water and the magic of the Kimberley, Ben joined the team full-time after graduating. Now with his Coxswains and MED 2 qualifications, Ben is diving deeper into the hands on side of engineering, enjoying the practical challenges and learning opportunities that come with working onboard.
Having played competitive sports for much of his life, Ben is an avid football fan. Supporting the Fremantle Dockers, he never misses a chance to cheer them on and is always happy to have a chat about upcoming games. His good sense of humour and easy going personality, make him a pleasure to work with, creating a fun and collaborative atmosphere onboard. For Ben there's no better place to be than the rugged, untouched Kimberley coast, and is thrilled to work in such stunning surroundings, enjoying the adventurous lifestyle, going fishing, hiking and exploring this remote part of Western Australia.