Swimming comes up in almost every first call, usually right after the heat. We have sailed this coast and we understand the pull of that water: it is warm, clear in places, and endlessly inviting. The answer depends on which water you mean. The sea, a tidal river, the pool below a waterfall, a freshwater pool higher up and the deck of the ship each come with their own rule, and Western Australia's Parks and Wildlife Service publishes them place by place. Here they are, in plain words.
In short
Western Australia has two crocodiles: the estuarine, or saltwater, crocodile, recorded up to 7 metres, and the smaller Johnston's freshwater crocodile. The state's own guidance is to assume that every water body in the Kimberley holds dangerous crocodiles. Box jellyfish and irukandji are found along the coast, most of all from November to April. A freshwater swim, where an itinerary offers one, is always the expedition team's call on the day.
Two crocodiles, two sets of habits
The freshwater crocodile lives only in Australia. Males reach about 3 metres, it keeps to rivers, creeks and pools, and it is generally shy, though it will defend itself if disturbed. The saltwater crocodile is the animal every rule on this coast is written around. An average male measures 3 to 4 metres and 200 to 300 kilograms, and it lives in estuaries, tidal rivers, river pools, the waters around islands and the coastal water near beaches. It moves comfortably between salt and fresh water, and can turn up a long way inland.
The Parks and Wildlife Service puts its advice in one line worth remembering: assume all water bodies in the Kimberley contain dangerous crocodiles.
Why the sea and the tidal rivers stay off the list
Three reasons stack up. The water a ship anchors in is saltwater crocodile country by definition. The coast carries box jellyfish and irukandji, which can be present all year and peak from November to April. And the tides here are among the strongest in the world, as our guide to Kimberley tides explains, which makes currents in the rivers and around the reefs powerful and fast-changing.
Every Parks and Wildlife page for the places Kimberley itineraries visit repeats the same quiet warning: if you are unsure, stay out of estuaries, tidal rivers and pools, and remember that the absence of a sign means nothing either way.
Place by place
King George Falls
The twin falls drop over sandstone cliffs about 100 metres high into a tidal river inside the North Kimberley Marine Park. Estuarine crocodiles are present in the park, and the advice is to keep your sightseeing well above the waterline. The falls are seen from the boats, and that is where the view is. More on our King George River and Falls page.
Hunter River and Prince Regent
The Hunter River winds through mangroves that are home to large saltwater crocodiles, and the same caution applies throughout Prince Regent National Park, reached only by boat or by air. These are rivers for watching from a Zodiac, and they are among the best places on the coast to do it.
King Cascade and Mitchell Falls
At Maamboolbadda King Cascade the instruction is direct: swimming is not permitted, because large saltwater crocodiles live there, and boats may not anchor in the basin. Mitchell Falls is usually seen from the air on an expedition voyage, and swimming below the falls is not permitted either.
Freshwater pools above the falls
This is the swim most guests picture: fresh water, well above the reach of the tide, with a waterfall at your back. Some itineraries describe one, and when it happens it is a highlight. The official guidance names no pool as guaranteed safe, so each swim is decided on the day, at the site, by the expedition staff who know it, depending on water levels, access and conditions. Some sailings include one; others make up for it with time in the Zodiacs. Our guide to Kimberley waterfalls covers the falls themselves.
On board, between landings
The ships make up for the sea with water of their own. Silversea describes a pool on Silver Cloud, refreshing in warm weather and heated for cooler days, with whirlpools alongside. Ponant lists a pool on both Le Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier, filled with heated sea water. Paspaley Pearl has a jacuzzi on its Sun Deck. For Scenic Eclipse II, we confirm the facilities for your sailing.
Where a specialist makes the difference
If a freshwater swim matters to the way you picture this trip, tell us on the first call. We know which itineraries describe a swim stop and how each of our partners runs its days, so we match you to the sailings that fit and set expectations before you book rather than on board. We also make sure the practical side is covered, from the stinger suit in your bag to the right shoes for wet landings.
The honest answer
- The open sea and river mouths: official guidance points firmly away from swimming, for crocodiles, stingers and tides together.
- Tidal rivers and the basins below falls: advised against everywhere, and prohibited below Mitchell Falls and at King Cascade.
- Freshwater pools above the tide: possible on some itineraries, always the expedition team's call on the day.
- On board: a pool or a jacuzzi, depending on the ship.
- Before you book: we tell you which sailings describe a swim, so the trip matches the picture in your head.
Practical points
- Pack a full-length stinger suit if you plan to swim, snorkel or dive at any point; it is the official advice for this coast. The rest of the list is in our packing guide.
- Remember vinegar. For a box jellyfish or irukandji sting, the first step is to douse the area with vinegar, then seek urgent medical help.
- Keep hands and arms inside the boat, and stay back from the water's edge on landings.
Questions we are asked about swimming in the Kimberley
Can I swim at King George Falls?
The falls drop into a tidal river where estuarine crocodiles are present, and in-water activities are not recommended there. Any swim on that itinerary would take place elsewhere, in fresh water above the tide, at the expedition team's discretion.
Are freshwater crocodiles dangerous?
They are smaller and generally shy, but they can bite if disturbed. The practical rule is the same for both species: give them space, stay out of the water where they live, and follow the expedition team's lead.
When is stinger season on the Kimberley coast?
Box jellyfish and irukandji can be present all year along the Kimberley coast and are most common from November to April. A full-length stinger suit is the official advice for anyone who swims, snorkels or dives, and vinegar followed by urgent medical help for any sting.
Will there be somewhere to swim on board?
On most ships, yes: a pool on Silver Cloud, Le Soléal and Le Jacques Cartier, and a jacuzzi on Paspaley Pearl. We confirm the detail for the ship you choose when we prepare your proposal.
Tell us how you picture your days on the coast, and we will find the sailings that fit. For the boats themselves, read our guide to Zodiac cruising in the Kimberley.
