Want to cruise the Kimberley? Here's the only guide you need

Teeming with rivers and waterfalls and surrounded by ocean, the Kimberley is best explored afloat. The famous Horizontal Falls is only one of the mind-boggling spectacles of this mysterious, almost mythical land. Montgomery Reef appears to rise out of the sea when the tide rapidly drops, like a daily magic trick of nature. Most of the wildlife - crocodiles, sharks, whales, turtles and dugongs - is underwater, beneath ever-changing scenes of red sandstone gorges, white-sand beaches, wildflowers, mangroves, rainforest and sacred caves of Indigenous rock art. A Kimberley cruise reveals all of these natural wonders in one unforgettable trip.

The Kimberley is the northernmost region of Western Australia, stretching across the top of the country to the border with the Northern Territory. The Indian Ocean is on its west, the Timor Sea is north and the Pilbara's Tanami and Great Sandy deserts are to the south. More than 420,000 square kilometres, this massive destination is twice the size of Victoria.

The most popular time to visit the Kimberley is during winter (June, July and August). To see the waterfalls in full force, it is necessary to visit closer to the wet season in March or early April. Although it will be very humid during these two months, the payoff is witnessing gushing cascades, swollen billabongs and lush scenery. No cruises operate from November to February.

The Kimberley is renowned for its huge tidal variations, so a cruise is the best way to watch the high and low tides in action. Cruising is also easier, safer and smoother than driving. Unaffected by flooded roads in the wet season and sailing through places that other vehicles cannot reach in the dry season, cruises have ultimate access. An impressive range of small ships and yachts is available for adventurous travellers, according to your budget and travelling style.

There are subtle differences between the itineraries and vessels based in the Kimberley, which can be crucial to your enjoyment. For example, not every cruise line offers the opportunity to swim, some have shared bathrooms, while others have butlers. If your main goal is catching barramundi, be sure to book a cruise with fishing permits and equipment, such as True North. If you want to cool off in a (croc-free) creek or take a dip at a beach, choose a ship with fewer than 40 passengers. If mobility is an issue, opt for a ship with exploration vessels that are easily boarded from the flat surface of a marina deck, such as Coral Expeditions.

Most ships accommodate up to 100 people and some carry only a dozen guests. Larger ships, from 120 to 264 passengers, are operated by Scenic, Silversea, Swan Hellenic, Heritage Expeditions, Ponant and Coral Expeditions, although the latter two companies each have a smaller ship in their fleet for a more intimate experience.

Cruises are usually eight to 18 days long, with a few exceptions. Local operators spend more time in the heart of the Kimberley, sailing between Broome and Wyndham, while larger, international ships tend to start or end in Darwin to embark on coastal cruises. Regardless of the route, every cruise visits the main attractions, such as the Horizontal Falls, King George Falls, Montgomery Reef and Indigenous art sites.

The most luxurious feature is an onboard helicopter, which is used (at additional cost) for scenic flights. However, cruise lines can also hire helicopters or seaplanes from local operators, so nobody misses out on the amazing aerial views. The triple-tiered Mitchell Falls is one of the most popular tours by air.

Locally owned, Aussie-crewed expedition yachts (12 to 36 passengers) offer different experiences because their shallow draft allows navigation into rivers that bigger ships cannot access. True North's vessel nudges into King George River Falls, providing a refreshing shower for anyone standing on the bow. Passengers are taken to rockpools and on a heli-picnic to a secluded swimming spot under a waterfall. Also consider Great Escape Cruises, Ocean Dream Charters and Kimberley Quest - their vessels are equipped with helicopters (or at least a helipad) and fishing gear. More affordable alternatives include Eco Abrolhos and Kimberley Expeditions' Reef Prince.

Mid-size ships offer a more familiar cruise-like routine but no swimming or fishing; however, you can relax in air-conditioned comfort with a cold beer or wine, which are complimentary during lunch and dinner. APT's 99-passenger Caledonian Sky is locally owned and staffed by international crew. Coral Expeditions' crew are Australian and its ships have larger exploration boats with toilets and a roof for sun protection.

For elegant decor, butler service, spa treatments and included alcohol, splurge with a luxury cruise on Silversea's 144-passenger Silver Explorer or one of the three ships run by Ponant. For the first time, a three-masted tall ship, Le Ponant, will be based in the Kimberley from April to October this year.

From next year, Scenic Eclipse II will offer the most luxurious experience, with its two helicopters, poolside bar and a spa where you can cool off with cold therapies or relax in the aromatherapy steam room equipped with an ice fountain.

Coral Expeditions has a wide range of accommodation categories so it's possible to book a more affordable porthole cabin on the lower decks. Couples can also save thousands of dollars by sailing in the off-peak months of April or October.

Another option is to book a boat with shared bathrooms, such as Discovery One or Odyssey Expeditions. Unreel Adventures' King Tide has bunk-style sleeping quarters. If you really want to rough it, sleep in a swag on the deck or camp on a beach with One Tide Charters. Other top-value vessels, with fewer than 12 passengers, include Kimberley Pearl and Diversity II.

A Kimberley cruise is nothing like a family-friendly cruise to the South Pacific and may not appeal to younger children who love swimming, snorkelling and running around freely, but it's a brilliant way to learn about nature, history and Indigenous culture. According to Sam Patton, product manager for Cruise Traveller, most cruise lines welcome children aged 12 and over. Heritage Expeditions' 152-passenger Minerva will take kids from 10 years old for 20 per cent off the adult fare.