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Odyssey Expeditions operates a purpose-built fleet designed specifically for Kimberley expedition cruising. Each vessel plays a unique role in providing safe, comfortable access to remote waterfalls, wildlife habitats, narrow creeks and coastal wilderness areas that larger cruise ships cannot reach.
Our fleet includes the expedition vessel Odyssey, the purpose-built exploration vessel Homer and a fleet of tenders used for shore landings, fishing excursions and close-up exploration throughout the Kimberley.
| Vessel | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|
| Odyssey | Accommodation and expedition mothership |
| Homer | Creek exploration, sightseeing, excursions and waterfall access |
| Tenders | Shore landings, fishing |
“Odyssey”
Deluxe Queen Cabin
Deluxe Twin Cabin
Classic Twin Cabin
We cater for 20 guests, our 6 deluxe cabins and 4 classic cabins are well equipped and private with 240v power, personalised air-conditioning, storage units and bar fridges. Our deluxe queen cabins also feature built in desks, a vanity and hairdryers. Four spacious toilet and shower facilities are located very close to all cabins. If you have any special needs or requirements please do not hesitate to call, we are only too happy to help if we can.
The dining area can seat all passengers comfortably for meals or presentations. Outside on the upper deck all guests can be seated under shade for alfresco meals; there are 3 other comfortable outdoor viewing decks. The “Odyssey” carries a compliment of the latest navigational equipment, radios, satellite communications and a full DVD entertainment system. Full digital and audio visual presentation equipment for corporate functions and a library of informative and fictional books.
“Homer”
Why Homer Is Unique
- Carries all guests together
- Designed specifically for Kimberley conditions
- Quiet motors enhance wildlife viewing
- Allows deeper access into creek systems
- Easy boarding ramp perfect for beach or rocky landings
- Waterfall visits and dunking
- Toilet facilities onboard
- Excellent photography platform
Our 12m expedition vessel “Homer” truly sets our expedition apart from other cruise vessels. “Homer” is able to travel up the smaller creeks and tributaries as she carries all 20 guests in comfort and safety, whilst two quiet motors will ensure you don’t miss a word of the naturalist tour. “Homer” has comfortable seating and lots of shade cover, ideal for the hot Kimberley sun. “Homer” also boasts an easy access ramp and stairs for landings and on-board toilet and water facilities.
Our Tenders
What Our Tenders Are Used For
- Fishing excursions
- Mud crabbing sessions
- Wildlife viewing
- Transfers to shore
- Photography opportunities
- Access during large tidal movements
Why Small Ships Work Best in the Kimberley
The Kimberley is one of Australia’s last true wilderness regions, stretching across thousands of kilometres of rugged coastline, remote islands, winding river systems and spectacular waterfalls. Exploring this extraordinary environment requires more than simply travelling from one destination to the next. It requires vessels specifically suited to expedition cruising.
Unlike large cruise ships, Odyssey carries a maximum of just 20 guests, allowing access to remote locations that would otherwise be impossible to visit. Smaller guest numbers mean less time spent boarding and disembarking, more flexibility during daily excursions and a far more personal cruising experience.
Our small-ship approach also allows guests to enjoy closer connections with both the Kimberley landscape and fellow travellers. Whether exploring a secluded creek aboard Homer, stepping ashore on a remote beach, viewing ancient rock art or watching wildlife from the tenders, guests can experience the region in a way that feels immersive rather than crowded.
With a small group onboard, our experienced crew are able to provide personalised service, share local knowledge and adapt activities to suit conditions and guest interests. The result is a more relaxed, engaging and rewarding expedition experience.
Most importantly, a small expedition vessel allows us to focus on what makes the Kimberley special: accessing remote locations, spending more time exploring and providing authentic wilderness experiences that larger ships simply cannot match.
Benefits of Small Ship Kimberley Cruising
- Maximum of 20 guests for a more personal experience
- Greater access to remote rivers, creeks and anchorages
- Faster and easier boarding for daily excursions
- More time exploring and less time waiting
- Better opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography
- Flexible itineraries that can respond to local conditions
- Friendly atmosphere with personalised service from an experienced crew
- Access to secluded locations unavailable to larger vessels
Looking for an intimate Kimberley expedition rather than a traditional cruise? Odyssey’s purpose-built fleet is designed to bring you closer to the landscapes, wildlife and experiences that make the Kimberley one of Australia’s most remarkable destinations.
Vessel Specifications
Odyssey Specifications
Length: 24 metres
Guests: 20 passengers
Crew: Experienced expedition crew
Cabins: 6 Deluxe Cabins, 4 Classic Cabins
Facilities: Air-conditioned accommodation, dining room, lounge, library, sun deck
Cruising Area: Kimberley Coast, Western Australia
Homer Specifications
Length: 12 metres
Role: Exploration vessel
Guest Capacity: All guests can travel together
Facilities: Toilet, shaded seating, viewing areas
Purpose: Beach landings, Creek exploration, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, shore excursions and waterfall access
Tender Specifications
Number Carried: 2 – Argos & Athena. For West Coast we add a 3rd – Calypso
Purpose: Shore landings, fishing, transfers
Design: Shallow draft for access to remote locations
Used For: Mud crabbing and fishing, wildlife viewing and expedition activities
Why Odyssey Uses Three Different Vessel Types
Exploring the Kimberley requires much more than a single vessel. The region’s dramatic tides, intricate creek systems, remote beaches and spectacular waterfalls demand different types of craft for different situations.
Odyssey serves as the comfortable expedition mothership, providing accommodation, dining facilities and all the amenities required for extended Kimberley voyages.
Homer is a purpose-built exploration vessel that allows all guests to travel together into rivers, creeks and coastal areas that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
Our tenders provide flexibility for tighter shore landings, fishing excursions, waterfall visits and wildlife viewing, allowing guests to get even closer to the Kimberley’s natural attractions.
Together, these vessels create a safer, more comfortable and more immersive expedition experience, enabling access to some of the most remote and spectacular locations in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers does Odyssey carry?
Odyssey is licensed to carry up to 20 guests and is crewed by an experienced team that provides personalised service throughout each voyage. With just 20 passengers onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, spacious outdoor viewing areas and easy access to expedition activities ashore and on the water.
Does Homer have a toilet onboard?
Yes. Homer is equipped with onboard toilet facilities, making longer excursions comfortable for guests. The vessel is purpose-built for exploration and provides shaded seating, stable boarding and excellent visibility for sightseeing, wildlife viewing and photography.
Are the tenders used every day?
In most cases, yes, especially Homer which is often used multiple times. The tenders play an important role during Kimberley cruises, allowing guests to access beaches, waterfalls, fishing locations, mangrove creeks and remote landing sites that larger vessels cannot reach. Their use depends on weather, tides and the planned activities for each day.
Can guests with limited mobility board Homer?
Many guests with limited mobility are able to board Homer and participate in excursions. Homer was designed with guest comfort and accessibility in mind, offering a stable platform, plenty of seating and easy access for sightseeing. However, suitability can vary depending on individual mobility requirements, tide levels and planned activities. Guests are encouraged to discuss their needs with the Odyssey Expeditions team before booking.
Why does Odyssey use multiple vessels during Kimberley cruises?
The Kimberley coastline is incredibly diverse, with large rivers, narrow creeks, remote beaches and towering waterfalls. No single vessel can access every location efficiently. By operating Odyssey as the mothership, Homer as an expedition vessel and a pair of smaller tenders for shore landings and close-up exploration, guests can experience a far wider range of destinations than would otherwise be possible.
How close can the tenders get to waterfalls and wildlife?
The tenders are specifically designed to access shallow water and remote locations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This allows guests to approach waterfalls, explore mangrove systems and observe wildlife from a respectful distance while minimising environmental impact. Exact distances vary depending on local conditions, park regulations and wildlife behaviour.
Odyssey and Homer is also designed specifically to be able to go directly under particular waterfalls completely safely. This allows guests to have a great shower under the waterfalls without having to swim up to them against the current. Also a great feature in croc country!
What facilities are available onboard Odyssey?
Odyssey is designed for comfortable expedition cruising and features air-conditioned guest cabins, large shared bathrooms, spacious dining and lounge areas, covered outdoor decks, a library, audiovisual presentation equipment and modern navigation and communications systems. Guests can relax onboard between excursions while enjoying panoramic views of the Kimberley coastline.
Purpose-Built for Kimberley Exploration
The Kimberley is one of Australia’s most challenging and rewarding cruising destinations. Massive tidal movements, remote anchorages and hundreds of kilometres of rugged coastline require vessels specifically suited to expedition operations.
For many years, Odyssey Expeditions has refined its fleet and operating procedures to maximise guest comfort while providing exceptional access to remote locations. Every vessel in the fleet has a specific role, from extended cruising and accommodation aboard Odyssey to creek exploration aboard Homer and close-range access using the tenders.
This integrated approach allows guests to enjoy experiences that would be impossible aboard a larger cruise ship, including exploring narrow waterways, landing on remote beaches, viewing waterfalls up close and accessing some of the Kimberley’s most spectacular wilderness areas.
