Eclipse Expeditions, an Australian West Coast catamaran charter operator, has introduced two new cruising destinations to its schedule and extended its operational season. The fresh itineraries come as Eclipse Expeditions prepares for the arrival of a performance catamaran, aptly named Eclipse.
Eclipse is a new-build Leopard 50, 15.4 metre-long, four ensuite Queen Suite berthed vessel (a capacity of eight guests). Manned with a crew of three, Eclipse features a Sun Lounge, Bow Lounge, Saloon and undercover entertainment space. The catamaran has a cruising speed of 12 knots and is currently en route to Australia from South Africa. Her inaugural cruise will depart in April 2024.
Eclipse will be the first sailing catamaran in the Kimberley able to access narrower and shallower waterways, available to guests and the trade alike on a commercial level.
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Eclipse Expeditions’ owners have significant experience as skippers on Kimberley expedition vessels, including True North, True North 2, Lady M and other privately owned superyachts. In total, they possess over 30 years of experience in the Kimberley as either skippers or other senior onboard roles.
Based out of Broome, the eco-conscious expedition operator is adding to its Kimberley program (available from April to October) new sailing options to The Montebello Islands and Geographe Bay in Western Australia’s South West. These additional options are available in October/November 2024 and March 2025 in The Montebello Islands and over the summer months in Geographe Bay. The program will be closely mirrored in subsequent years.
The six-night Montebello Islands Journey operates from Dampier and includes remote experiences to Trimouille Island, the Stevenson Channel, Pitt Point, Claret Bay, Turtle Lagoon, Chartreuse Bay, Alpha Island and Vodke Beach, before returning to Dampier for disembarkation. Guests can swim, snorkel and fish throughout the days. Departures are offered on 15, 22, 29 October and 5, 12 November 2024.
Prices start at $1,475 per person per night, or $11,000 for the full vessel per night.
Eclipse Expeditions is also offering a new 2- or 4-night South West Safari itinerary to Margaret River, Western Australia. Boarding at Geographe Bay Marina, the journey incorporates Eagle Bay and Cape Naturalist, the vineyards of Yallingup plus a hike on the Cape-to-Cape trail, as well as discovering the hidden rockpools of Bunker Bay.
Departures are available through December priced at $1,200 per person per night, or $8,500 for the full vessel, per night.
The vessel features Starlink internet for guests at no cost, limited to social media and communications (no streaming). There are two expedition boats aboard Eclipse which are used for explorations in hard-to-access pockets on rivers and waterways, designed for the West Australian coastline. Onboard, guests enjoy all meals and house alcohol.
The new programs complement Eclipse Expeditions’ existing seven-night Iconic Kimberley Expedition offering departures from early May to mid-September (priced at $1,750 per person per night/$13,300 for the full vessel per night) and the six-night Kimberley Islands Explorer, available from mid-April to early October (at $1,600 per person per night/$12,200 full vessel per night). Both voyages are ex Broome.
Commenting on Eclipse’s sustainable initiatives, John Edwards, Managing Partner of Eclipse Expeditions said: “We are committed to leaving the lightest environmental impact on the waters we navigate.”
“Eclipse has been expertly configured to harness the sun’s energy for all our onboard power requirements and when the breezes blow to sail her to our destinations. At anchor, we promise a peaceful and serene experience with only the sound of nature or the music of your choice to close out the day.
“We at Eclipse are also focused on the use of sustainably sourced products and a zero waste policy in our menus. Our environmental promise is genuine and robust,” Edwards added.
Eclipse Expeditions is also able to offer customised and curated itineraries aboard Eclipse on Australia’s West Coast. Charters of the vessel and cabins are also offered through external operators, but not owned or operated by those companies.
Travel advisors can book individual cabins on set departure dates, or charter the entire vessel with Eclipse Expeditions via their preferred wholesale partner or directly with the company’s reservations team – info@eclipsewa.com.au
Eclipse Expeditions is represented by Luxury Travel Marketing, based in Western Australia.
For more information on the company, see eclipsewa.com.au/
