Ponant has partnered with the world’s leading South Sea pearling company, Paspaley. Together, they introduce a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, Paspaley Pearl, that will sail year-round to regions spanning the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, East Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
With a dedicated crew of 21, including four passionate naturalist guides, Paspaley Pearl will offer guests personalised and expert-led voyages that promise transformative experiences.
With a combined history of more than 85 years in the Kimberley region and other remote maritime environments, Ponant and Paspaley will offer guests the rare chance to experience the hidden corners of the Asia Pacific region.
This includes the untrammeled routes pioneered by Nicholas Paspaley AC and his crew in the 1970s. Setting sail from East Timor to Bali in January 2025 after a multi-million-dollar refit, Paspaley Pearl emerges as the only boutique expedition yacht in the Kimberley with private balconies — merging the thrill of discovery with the pinnacle of maritime excellence.
Embarking on an expedition with Paspaley Pearl by Ponant guarantees a deep immersion in the “pearls” of the Asia Pacific region, including Indonesia’s Raja Ampat and Spice Islands, showcasing the Kimberley through a new lens through Paspaley’s 80+ year heritage, and the Sepik River and New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea.
Along the way, guests will discover the region’s abundant biodiversity through thrilling activities like remote fishing, and pearl cultivation along the Kimberley coast.
There will also be a strong emphasis on local cultural traditions, whether it’s witnessing the traditional buffalo races of Sumbawa Besar, experiencing the secret Duk-Duk society of the Tolai people, or discovering Sepik River culture in the village of Kopar.
Departing January 10, 2025, the inaugural 10-night expedition will take guests from Dili in Timor Leste to Bali and promise unique encounters with rare wildlife including whale sharks and Komodo dragons.
Other highlights include swimming and snorkeling in the clear tropical waters of the Seventeen Islands Marine Park, visiting the remote Lembata Island and discovering their ancient traditions, and experiencing traditional Alorese culture.
On board, guests can relax on their private balconies; socialize on the Sunset Lounge or Sun Deck Lounge, which features an eight-person Jacuzzi; and enjoy regionally-inspired cuisine including local delicacies like pearl meat and barramundi from the Kimberley region.
ABOUT PASPALEY
Paspaley’s quest is to discover the rarest and most valuable pearls in the world, and they do this in the Kimberley – one of the most pristine and remote locations on the planet.
As pearling pioneers, Paspaley has dedicated over 80 years to the perfect pearl. Behind the simplicity and beauty of a Paspaley Australian South Sea pearl is an adventure that began in the 1920s when Nicholas Paspaley, MBE, first collected mother-of-pearl shell in Australia’s northern waters.
The family business he founded has evolved to become the world’s leading South Sea pearling company.
Today, Paspaley nurtures its pearls on a remote network of farms stretching more than 2,500 km across the north-west coast of Australia.
With its sophisticated fleet of pearl diving and operating ships, Paspaley is one of the few companies to still dive for wild pearl oysters. Paspaley’s innovative techniques are widely acknowledged as world’s best, positioning the name at the forefront of the pearling industry.
Source: Spotlight Coms
Image: © Ponant.2024
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