Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls: A First-Of-Its-Kind Floating Hotel

No photos can do justice to this natural phenomenon. Make the most of it with 24 hours aboard Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls.

After my first-ever seaplane ride over the red dirt vistas of the Buccaneer Archipelago to Talbot Bay, a short jetboat ride takes us from the main pontoon in Talbot Bay to our accommodation for the night: Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls.

From helicopter rides to swimming with sharks to sleeping in luxury on the water in the striking Kimberleys; this is what you can expect on a 24-hour tour aboard this unique floating accommodation.

aerial view of Horizontal Falls — See Horizontal Falls from above. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The story behind Jetwave Pearl

This newly refurbished 26-metre liveaboard offering is from Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures (owned by Journey Beyond) – the region’s longest-running Horizontal Falls tour operators. In fact, they pioneered seaplane tours over this part of the world and have their own fleet of Cessna turboprop seaplanes.

While they offer day trips and short stays for more of a budget-friendly option onboard the main pontoon or the neighbouring houseboat, the Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury tours have been added to their repertoire as a way to level up the luxe, and help guests fully immerse into the beautiful surrounds.

Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls exterior — Spend a night onboard Jetwave Pearl.

Getting there

Seaplanes depart from Broome and Derby, taking about an hour until you reach Talbot Bay. You can find direct flights to Broome from Perth and now Sydney as well. To reach Derby you’ll likely have to pass through Broome anyway, whether by plane, a Greyhound Australia bus during the week, or driving the 2.5 hours.

While both are good options, the company does note that departing from Derby is the only way to guarantee the experience of viewing the Horizontal Falls on both an incoming and outgoing tide.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane — Catch a seaplane from Broome or Derby. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Your journey

Watching our pilot from my seat on the 17-seat seaplane as she fiddled with dials and knobs I didn’t understand was almost as much of a thrill as the red dirt vistas of the Buccaneer Archipelago outside my window. But then that red dirt gave way to water so blue it was like someone had spilt food dye into the bay, and I forgot all about the pilot.

The plane zooms low over Horizontal Falls, giving all passengers a bird’s-eye glimpse of this natural wonder. You won’t have too long to take it all in – yet – as the plane comes in for a landing between the mountains on that incredibly blue water, right beside a fairly large pontoon – almost the only sign of human life.

The plane and the pontoon are owned by Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, as is the jetboat we jumped straight into that took us to an even more remote resting place: Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls in the calm, protected waters of Cyclone Creek (where the company anchor their liveaboards during rough weather).

horizontal falls seaplane adventures landing in talbot bay — Start the adventure with a seaplane ride. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

First impressions

My jaw is already on the jetboat floor as we zoom through the iconic red, white and green of the land here in The Kimberleys. There is literally not a soul around (besides the staff) now that we’ve rounded a few corners and the serenity is palpable.

The staff are lined up on the floating platform in front of Jetwave Pearl, waving to us in greeting. We’re offered welcome drinks and nibbles while one by one we are shown to our room for the evening before being welcomed by the Traditional Owners of Dambeemangarddee Country, who have lived on this sacred land for 56,000 years.

Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls crew — Be greeted by Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls’ friendly crew. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Every staff member is genuine, friendly and goes above and beyond when it comes to being helpful (one kind woman even took a sanitary item from her own stash for me when I realised I’d forgotten to pack mine). It was a vibe they managed to keep up during our whole stay – from our private chef to our stewards to our activity guide. It feels like they genuinely love being out here, which frankly made me love it all the more, as well.

The accommodation

Intentionally designed with a colour palette that complements the hues of Talbot Bay (think teal greens, rusty browns, and cool sand tones), Jetwave Pearl almost blends into its surroundings. Even the bespoke carpeting features a design representing the view of Horizontal Falls from the seaplane. The shared spaces are beautiful, encouraging guests to spend time out of their rooms and mingling with each other – whether that be over a meal at the long dining tables next to the kitchen downstairs, lounging on the sofas with a few boardgames upstairs, or soaking in the Kimberleys air on the back deck.

Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls loung room — Relax in the upstairs dining room.

Jetwave Pearl can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests with three cabin options: Main Deck Standard Cabin with double bed, Upper Deck Standard Cabin with double bed and Upper Deck Premium Cabin with queen or twin beds. Each has its own private bathroom, a few shelves and a perfectly comfortable bed. They’re nothing super fancy, but they have all the essentials you’ll need (including air-conditioning).

Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls rooms — Find everything you need in your room.

What really makes the Jetwave Pearl spectacular, however, is its mooring location. In this peaceful place, you’re surrounded by unique geometric shapes in cliff walls – that change colours from white to red and every shade between as the sun makes its daily journey – and the trees that cling to them. You’ll want to be settled in on the deck with a coffee or local Matso beer for sunrise and sunset because they truly are spectacular here. Glimpses of bright green mangroves can be seen down narrower water channels. And you can hear the constant soundtrack of nature: small splashes from fish who brave the surface, birdlife chirping to each other and small rustles as unseen creatures move between the brush and trees on land.

A couple of local fishermen found their way into the best fishing spots near us at one stage, but we didn’t begrudge them; it still felt like we were all alone in this pristine location.

Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls dining room — Join fellow guests to share a meal in the dining room.

The food and drink

You might think that ordering grocery supplies for floating accommodation as remote as this one is a challenge (especially when you factor in the strict weight limit of seaplanes), and you’d be right. Nevertheless, the chef very much pulls off the task successfully. Three times a day we’re treated to a freshly cooked meal with a creative flair, alongside plenty of snacks served in between (think fruit platters and muffins).

chef onboard Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls — Enjoy gourmet meals by the onboard chef. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The menu won’t ever be the same from one group of visitors to the next as it very much depends on supplies available at the time – but expect fresh produce (like locally caught Barramundi) whipped up into restaurant-quality meals. They also cater for dietary requirements (just let them know when you book). Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the package, and everything else is BYO.

charcuterie platter served on Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls — Relax on the back deck with a charcuterie platter.

Activities

Over two days, we are lucky enough to explore the Horizontal Falls (and the surrounding area) in several ways: via seaplane (obviously), and multiple boat rides through the middle of the larger gap (the smaller is sacred and left alone out of respect). While they all offer a different and beautiful point of view, the absolute highlight is a helicopter ride over the falls and the surrounding Maclarty Ranges.

jetboat ride through Horizontal falls with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures — Zoom through the incredible Horizontal Falls.

With no side doors to obstruct our views (don’t worry, we are strapped in good and tight), our pilot takes us soaring over the approximately 1.8 billion-year-old landscape. As we make our way to the falls we spot the sinister shadow of one of the local sharks (which we’ll meet much closer up in the days to come, thanks to a viewing platform on the main pontoon), and it holds our attention before we get to the rushing waters of Horizontal Falls and forgot all about him.

swimming with Lemon Sharks Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures — Swim with lemon sharks. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Only a bird’s-eye view really captures the majesty of this unusual phenomenon. Despite the whirling propellers and the occasional insights from our pilot over my headphones, soaking in the sacred majesty of this view made me feel completely at peace in a way only the beauty of nature can. The flight isn’t short, but we touch down all too soon – it’s time for the next pair to take their turn.

helicopter ride with luxury Jetwave Pearl tour package — Get a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Later in the day, we get out on the water with fishing rods to try our luck. While fishing itself isn’t so fruitful for our small group, we soon discover we have much bigger fish to fry. A quick trip into the mangroves lands us up close and personal with one of the local residents: a large male crocodile. He has no smile for us as he makes a beeline for the boat to warn us away from his territory. This is the unpredictable, wild nature of The Kimberlys, and I am loving every minute.

crocodile at Horizontal Falls — If you’re lucky, spot a crocodile on one of your included adventures off the Jetwave Pearl. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

What to pack

As mentioned, seaplanes have a strict weight limit, and therefore, so does your luggage (there’s a five-kilo limit). Not to mention you won’t want a large suitcase taking up precious space in your room. The good news is, you also don’t need a lot.

Pack a small bag with sunscreen, one change of clothes (if you have weight left you can pack one more to change into for dinner after a day in the sun, but it’s absolutely not necessary), swimmers and a towel plus any personal medication and essential toiletries.

shark near main pontoon at Horizontla Falls — Land in Talbot Bay at the main pontoon. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

The details

An overnight package out of Broome or Derby costs from $1700 per person, which is actually something of a bargain when you consider all that’s included. You’ll get coach transfers to and from your accommodation at the town of origin, return seaplane flights to Horizontal Falls, all activities, meals and, of course, your stay aboard Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls.

For more incredible inspiration and insider tips, read our travel guide to the Kimberleys.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

24 hours on luxury floating hotel, Jetwave Pearl Horizontal Falls