Few places on Earth feel this untouched. The Lacepede Islands are a remote coral cay system off the Kimberley coast where sea turtles outnumber humans by an almost comical margin — and your cruise ship is one of the only ways to get here at all.
Arriving by Ship
There is no dock, no jetty, and absolutely no infrastructure — that’s the point. You’ll tender ashore onto a pristine beach, and the process is unhurried, with expedition staff managing the transfer in small Zodiacs or inflatable tenders depending on your vessel.
The islands sit roughly 60 kilometres north of Derby and are accessible only by boat or seaplane. There is no town to reach, no shuttle to catch — you simply step off the tender and you’re already there.
Things to Do
Time ashore here is raw and elemental. The Lacepedes are a nature reserve, which means no permanent facilities, no guided tours you can pre-book on the island itself — just one of the most biodiverse coastal environments in the southern hemisphere.
Wildlife
- Watch flatback and green sea turtles nesting — the Lacepedes host one of Australia’s largest flatback turtle rookeries, with thousands nesting between November and March.
- Scan the skies for seabirds — magnificent frigatebirds, lesser frigatebirds, and brown boobies nest here in enormous colonies; bring binoculars for the full spectacle.
- Spot reef sharks and rays in the shallows — the water clarity around the cays is exceptional, and marine life is visible from the shoreline without snorkelling gear.
- Snorkel the fringing reef — your expedition team will guide you to safe entry points where coral gardens and tropical fish are just metres from the beach.
- Look for dugongs offshore — the Kimberley coast has one of Australia’s healthiest dugong populations, and sightings from tenders are not uncommon.
Exploration
- Walk the cay perimeter — the islands are flat and low-lying, and a slow circuit on foot takes around 30–45 minutes, offering unobstructed views across the Timor Sea.
- Photograph the colour contrast — the white coral sand against vivid turquoise water is extraordinary in morning light; get ashore early if your ship’s schedule allows.
- Join your ship’s naturalist briefing — most expedition cruise lines operating in the Kimberley run on-deck talks before landing; these add enormous context to what you’re seeing.
If your itinerary includes downtime in the broader Kimberley region, a seaplane adventure to Horizontal Falls is worth every cent. The Broome to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventure delivers one of the region’s most jaw-dropping natural spectacles in just six hours. 🎟 Book: Broome to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventure For something slightly more flexible, the Fly The Falls Tour is a strong alternative. 🎟 Book: Fly The Falls Tour
What to Eat
There is nothing to eat on the Lacepede Islands — no kiosk, no café, not even a water tap. All food and drink comes from your ship, so load up at breakfast and carry a water bottle ashore.
- Ship breakfast before landing — eat a substantial meal onboard; expedition cruises typically offer buffet breakfasts from around 7am.
- Packed snacks from the ship’s kitchen — many Kimberley expedition vessels provide shore bags or snack packs on request; ask your steward the evening before.
- Freshwater on hand — dehydration in the Kimberley heat is a genuine risk; carry at least one litre per person for a two-hour shore excursion.
- Lunch back onboard — most itineraries return passengers to the ship for a midday meal after the morning landing.
- Pearl meat in Broome — if your cruise includes a Broome port day, seek out pearl meat dishes at local restaurants; it’s a regional delicacy unique to the area.
Shopping
There is nothing to buy on the Lacepede Islands, and that’s not a problem — it’s part of their appeal. Pack your camera instead of your wallet.
If you’re keen to take home something meaningful from the Kimberley, look for Aboriginal art from accredited Broome galleries on port days before or after your expedition. Avoid any artwork sold without provenance documentation, and never purchase items made from turtle shell or coral, which are both illegal and ecologically damaging.
Practical Tips
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen — standard chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral; bring a mineral-based formula and apply it before you leave the ship.
- Dress for heat and water — lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and water shoes or sandals with grip are essential for tender landings on uneven coral sand.
- Respect the nesting zones — stay within areas marked by your expedition guides; disturbing turtle nests carries heavy fines and genuine ecological consequences.
- Carry Australian dollars (AUD) — irrelevant here, but essential for any Broome port stop; ATMs are available in town.
- No tipping culture on the island — Australia has no tipping expectation; onboard gratuities follow your cruise line’s policy.
- The best time ashore is early — morning light is cooler, photography is better, and turtle activity is more visible before midday heat sets in.
- Two to three hours is plenty — the islands reward slow observation rather than distance covered; you won’t need more time, and your ship’s schedule will likely dictate the window anyway.
- Bring a dry bag — tender landings can involve a splash; protect your camera, phone, and any medication before you board the Zodiac.
Step off that tender, feel the coral sand beneath your feet, and let one of the world’s last truly wild coastlines do the rest.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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📍 Getting to Lacepede Islands, Kimberley, Western Australia
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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