In July 2028, northwestern Australia’s Kimberley coast will offer one of the finest viewing locations on Earth for the Great Australasian Eclipse. Here, positioned on the path of totality, the Moon will obscure the Sun for more than five unforgettable minutes—longer than anywhere else on Earth—transforming day to twilight above sandstone escarpments, tidal channels, and vast wilderness horizons. From the open decks of the privately chartered Ponant expedition yacht, Le Soléal, travelers will enjoy an unobstructed view of the sky, far from the crowds and logistical constraints of land-based viewing sites.
The program begins with an overnight in Sydney before guests travel by charter flight to Broome to embark the ship. From there, explore one of Australia’s most dramatic and least-visited coastlines, where towering cliffs, secluded islands, mangrove-lined rivers, ancient rock art, and cascading waterfalls unfold by day. With virtually no artificial light, the Kimberley also offers superb opportunities to experience the brilliance of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.
As a biodiversity stronghold, the region supports abundant birdlife and marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and rays. Zodiac excursions provide close access to remote shores, winding river systems, and extraordinary tidal environments. On Bigge and Jar Islands, ancient Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art offer insight into the enduring cultural traditions and deep connections to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples.
Purpose-built for expedition cruising yet imbued with the ambiance of a fine hotel, Le Soléal accommodates just 264 guests in 132 elegant staterooms and suites. Panoramic lounges, two restaurants, a theater for lectures and presentations, spa, fitness center, pool, and expansive outdoor decks provide an intimate, highly personalized setting for exploration, eclipse viewing, and stargazing.
Throughout the voyage, astronomers and naturalists illuminate the eclipse, Kimberley’s geology and wildlife, and its cultural heritage—creating a rare convergence of Earth and the sky in one of the world’s great wilderness regions.
Optional extensions in Sydney and Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia’s Northwest Territory, offer ideal opportunities to experience even more of Australia’s celebrated natural and cultural treasures.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.
Depart the United States on independent overnight flights to Australia, crossing the International Date Line en route.
Arrive in Sydney, Australia’s spectacular harbor city, and transfer to the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel Sydney for a one-night stay. Gather at the hotel this evening for a welcome orientation and reception to meet fellow travelers and receive an overview of the journey ahead.
Overnight:Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Meals: R
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a charter flight from Sydney to Broome, the historic pearling town that serves as a gateway to the Kimberley coast. Upon arrival in Broome, transfer to the pier and embark Le Soléal. Settle into your stateroom, gather for a safety briefing, and sail north into one of the planet’s most remote coastal wildernesses.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Wake among the Lacepede Islands, a remote chain of coral-fringed cays and turquoise waters. This protected reserve supports one of Australia’s most important seabird breeding areas, including a vast colony of brown boobies, while surrounding waters shelter green sea turtles. With landings prohibited, explore by Zodiac with the ship’s naturalists, cruising near shore to observe the abundant wildlife. This afternoon, the lecture series begins with an introduction to the Kimberley’s natural and cultural heritage and the celestial event ahead. This evening, attend the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Spend the day exploring Talbot Bay, a dramatic maze of islands, channels, and towering rock formations shaped by some of the world’s largest tidal ranges. By Zodiac, approach the famed Horizontal Falls, where powerful currents surge through two narrow gorges as the tides rapidly rise and fall, creating a remarkable spectacle of churning water and sculpted rock. Conditions permitting, experience this extraordinary tidal phenomenon up close and witness the immense natural forces that have shaped the Kimberley coast.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Today experience the astonishing spectacle of Montgomery Reef, where more of the world’s largest tidal ranges—up to 33 feet in a single cycle—reveal an ever-changing marine landscape. As the seawater recedes, broad coral platforms are revealed and sheets of water cascade from the exposed reef, creating a dramatic display of Kimberley’s uniquely powerful tides. Explore by Zodiac as the reef comes to life around you, scanning for green turtles, rays, reef sharks, and, with luck, dugongs. Watch ospreys, frigatebirds, and other seabirds gather to feed. There will also be time today to continue our lecture series, working around the tidal schedule.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Cruise into the Hunter River, a pristine estuary where towering sandstone escarpments rise above dense mangrove forests and broad tidal flats. Set out by Zodiac to weave through quiet creeks, watching for saltwater crocodiles basking at the water’s edge, shorebirds probing the mudflats, and raptors circling above. The river’s sheltered channels also offer opportunities to spot wallabies, monitor lizards, dolphins, and other wildlife drawn to this rich tidal ecosystem. This afternoon our lecture series continues, and as evening falls, take advantage of the ship’s open decks for stargazing beneath the remarkably clear skies of the Kimberley.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Arrive in the Bonaparte Archipelago, a rugged landscape of towering sandstone formations, quiet coves, and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Subject to conditions and Traditional Owner permissions, explore Bigge Island by Zodiac and on foot, visiting a series of rock shelters adorned with Wandjina figures and Gwion Gwion imagery that offer insight into the enduring cultural traditions of the Kimberley. On the eve of the total solar eclipse, spend the afternoon with our faculty experts as they illuminate the science of the event and prepare you for tomorrow’s extraordinary viewing experience.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Today is the day! Wake this morning positioned directly on the path of totality, where the eclipse will reach its greatest duration. At approximately 9:37 a.m., for more than five unforgettable minutes, the Sun’s luminous corona emerges overhead as the surrounding seascape is transformed by an otherworldly twilight. Far from the traffic, crowds, and fixed infrastructure of land-based viewing sites, enjoy this rare phenomenon from a privileged, uncrowded setting in one of Australia’s great wilderness regions. Celebrate the eclipse during a celebratory BBQ lunch on deck and an afternoon at sea as the ship continues north along the Kimberley Coast.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a full day in Vansittart Bay, where Kimberley’s ancient cultural heritage, striking coastal scenery, and wartime history converge. Walk across low dunes and salt flats to the remarkably preserved wreck of a World War II C-53 aircraft. Along the way, discover Kimberley’s distinctive vegetation, including boab and pandanus, as well as echidna and dingo tracks. Following lunch, explore Jar Island, named by Phillip Parker King for the earthenware jars once used to store sea cucumbers. Follow naturalists into the rocky landscape to view remarkable Aboriginal rock art, including figures and animal imagery painted within natural rock shelters.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Spend a full day exploring the King George River, beginning with a Zodiac expedition from Koolama Bay deep into the gorge beneath sheer red sandstone cliffs. At the head of the river, approach King George Falls—Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls—for close views of the nearly 260-foot cascades, dramatic escarpment, and wildlife, such as short-eared rock-wallabies and crocodiles, along the banks. After lunch onboard, continue by Zodiac through the King George River’s quieter side channels, where mangroves, tidal flats, and richly colored rock formations provide opportunities to spot turtles, rays, and perhaps dugongs.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
Our final full day on board is a leisurely day at sea as Le Soléal cruises toward Darwin. Attend concluding lectures, enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities, and prepare for tomorrow’s disembarkation. Gather tonight for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, disembark Le Soléal in Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Transfer to the airport for the included charter flight to Sydney or embark on the post-trip extension to Darwin and Kakadu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary natural and cultural significance.
For guests flying to Sydney, lunch is served aboard the charter flight. Upon arrival, included transfers are provided either to Sydney International Airport for independent onward flights or to a downtown hotel for those extending their stay.
Overnight: Le Soléal
Meals: B, L
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Superior Stateroom - Deck 3
$22,990 per person
$40,240
Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 3
$23,990 per person
$41,990
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
$24,990 per person
$43,740
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
$25,990 per person
Inquire
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
$26,990 per person
Inquire
Deluxe Suite - Deck 6
$28,990 per person
Inquire
Prestige Suite - Deck 5
$33,990 per person
Inquire
Prestige Suite - Deck 6
$34,990 per person
Inquire
Owners Suite - Deck 6
$39,990 per person
Inquire
One deluxe hotel night at Shangri-La Sydney and ten nights aboard Le Soléal • two on-tour private charter flights with full meal service and drinks from Sydney to Broome on July 16, 2028 and from Darwin to Sydney on July 26, 2028 • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners, and two receptions • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentation • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides, drivers and shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Gala welcome reception in Sydney and Welcome and Farewell Captain’s Receptions and Dinners on board Le Soléal • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all group lunches and dinners and all drinks are included (non-premium brands) while on board Le Soléal • Eclipse viewing glasses and eclipse swag (t-shirt and/or beverage container) • Team of expedition naturalists and professional tour managers throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate , from the scheduled tour options• Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; premium liquor and drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. A second payment of $5,000 per person is due one year before departure (July 13, 2027). Final payment is due 180 days before departure (January 13, 2028) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Initial deposits are fully refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of booking, provided that initial deposit was made prior to July 13, 2027. After 30 days, the deposit is nonrefundable. Beginning July 13, 2027, all deposits and payments are subject to 100% forfeiture, regardless of booking date. No refunds will be given for cancellations on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Shangri-La Sydney (one night)
Le Soléal (ten nights)
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Sydney, Australia
Under development, more information coming soon
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Kakadu National Park
Under development, more information coming soon
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
We consider this to be a moderately active program, at times physically demanding and busy, with a modest amount of walking at some destinations. There are no strenuous hikes or mountain climbs, but participants should be steady on their feet and comfortable walking unaided. Daily activities can involve up to one mile of walking over varied terrain (e.g., uneven beaches, steep and sandy or muddy trails), possibly in direct sun, extreme heat, humidity and rainy or dusty conditions. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for most excursions. Please note that some locations may involve wet landings. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended due to the remote areas that you will be visiting.
The highly acclaimed Le Soléal represents the newest generation of five-star small ship, featuring 110 suites and staterooms with distinctive French sophistication.
We consider this to be a moderately active program, at times physically demanding and busy, with a modest amount of walking at some destinations. There are no strenuous hikes or mountain climbs, but participants should be steady on their feet and comfortable walking unaided. Daily activities can involve up to one mile of walking over varied terrain (e.g., uneven beaches, steep and sandy or muddy trails), possibly in direct sun, extreme heat, humidity and rainy or dusty conditions. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for most excursions. Please note that some locations may involve wet landings. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. Emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended due to the remote areas that you will be visiting. 
