Both Diversity II and Diversity III have earned loyal followings among Kimberley travellers, and it’s easy to see why.
With just twelve guests onboard, exceptional food, experienced crew and an active style of adventuring, both vessels offer an intimate way to experience one of Australia’s most remote and spectacular regions.
At first glance, the two sister ships can appear very similar.
In many ways, they are.
The real differences aren’t found in the destinations visited or activities offered, but in the amount of onboard space, cabin features and the overall atmosphere each vessel creates.
What both vessels do well, where they differ, and how to decide which one is the better fit for your style of travel. Clear, honest guidance so you can choose the ship that suits you; not just the one that looks good in the brochure.
Before comparing the differences, it’s important to understand what remains consistent across the fleet.
Both vessels accommodate a maximum of twelve guests, creating a highly personalised experience that feels very different from larger Kimberley expedition ships. You are not just leaving with memories, but a new group of friends.
Crew members regularly rotate between the vessels, meaning service standards, guiding and food quality remain remarkably consistent regardless of which boat you choose.
The philosophy is also the same.
Days are centred around exploring and immersing clients in the Kimberley; rather than spending a lot of time onboard. Fishing, swimming, waterfall visits, scenic tender excursions, wildlife encounters, indigenous art viewing and exploring remote Kimberley waterways are all part of the experience.
Food is another standout.
Meals are freshly prepared by experienced chefs using quality produce, with plated breakfasts, lunches and dinners rather than buffet-style dining. Many guests comment that the food is one of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
For travellers choosing between the two vessels, it’s worth remembering that the core Kimberley experience remains very similar onboard both.
Despite carrying the same number of guests, the vessels feel noticeably different once you’re onboard.
Diversity III is the newer and larger of the two vessels, offering more interior and exterior space throughout. Larger, more spacious cabins, and for those who like to spread out – their premium cabin – the Flybridge King Ensuite – Features a King bed! This is a hard to come by feature when Kimberley cruising.
Diversity II is smaller and slightly more compact, creating an atmosphere that many guests describe as relaxed, social and easy-going, while still offering a luxurious retreat after a day out on the water.
Neither approach is better. It simply comes down to the type of environment you prefer during your time in the Kimberley.
As the newest addition to the fleet, Diversity III builds on the successful formula established by Diversity II while adding more space and refinement throughout the vessel.
The wider catamaran design creates a noticeably more spacious feel in both the communal areas and cabins.
One of the biggest differences is the separation between the lounge and dining areas. This provides additional places to relax throughout the day and gives the vessel a more open feel overall.
Cabins are larger, all feature televisions, and the ensuite bathrooms are particularly impressive, with modern finishes and standard household-style toilets.
The standout feature for many guests is the upper sundeck. With barbecue facilities and uninterrupted 360-degree views, it’s a popular spot for sunset drinks, scenic cruising and watching the Kimberley’s spectacular landscapes unfold around you.
For travellers who appreciate a little more room to spread out and a more contemporary onboard experience, Diversity III will often be the preferred choice.
While Diversity III may be the newer vessel, Diversity II remains incredibly popular in its own right.
As the original vessel in the fleet, it helped establish the intimate expedition style that Diversity has become known for.
The experience onboard feels slightly more compact, but many guests enjoy the relaxed and sociable atmosphere this creates.
The open-plan lounge and dining area naturally encourages guests to spend time together, while the spacious aft deck often becomes the heart of the vessel during meals and evening drinks.
Cabin layouts are practical and comfortable, with a mix of double and twin-bed configurations. Unlike many expedition vessels, the twin cabins feature single beds rather than bunks, making them particularly appealing for friends travelling together.
Perhaps most importantly, Diversity II often represents excellent value for money.
Travellers still enjoy the same small guest numbers, experienced crew and active Kimberley exploration, often at a lower price point than its newer sister ship.
If you’re looking for a Kimberley cruise where you spend plenty of time off the ship, both Diversity vessels deliver exceptionally well. Being close to the smallest ship offerings in the area, the vessels can easily navigate many of the narrower river systems, hidden coves and remote coastal areas that are harder for larger ships to navigate.
Fishing (for those who wish to) remains one of the fleet’s standout experiences. If you have dreamt of catching a big wild Barramundi – this one is for you. The ship’s experienced crew will guide you to the best spots and supply the equipment, giving keen anglers the chance to put their fishing skills to the test! Or, plenty of instruction for beginners. Reef fishing and catch and cook experiences are also available.
Unlike some larger expedition vessels, fishing isn’t simply an optional extra. It’s a genuine part of the experience for those who wish to participate.
The fleet’s six-metre expedition tenders also allow for highly personalised excursions.With only a handful of guests per tender, experiences often feel more immersive and flexible, whether you’re exploring narrow waterways, visiting waterfalls or spending time on the water fishing.
Being smaller, both Diversity vessels can easily access many of the narrower river systems, hidden coves and remote coastal areas that are harder for larger ships to navigate.
Once again the flexibility of a smaller vessel can make the experience feel more spontaneous and immersive. Travellers who enjoy staying active, getting out and exploring each day and making the most of their time in the Kimberley tend to get the most from both vessels.
For many travellers, there isn’t a wrong choice.
Both Diversity II and Diversity III offer intimate guest numbers, exceptional food, experienced crew and plenty of opportunities to experience the Kimberley in an active and immersive way.
Diversity III offers more space and a slightly more refined onboard experience.
Diversity II delivers much of the same experience in a smaller and often more affordable package.
The best choice ultimately comes down to how much importance you place on additional space and onboard amenities.
For travellers focused primarily on actively exploring the Kimberley, either vessel can deliver an exceptional adventure.
The key is choosing the one that best matches how you like to travel. While the landscapes are unforgettable, it’s often the memories made with fellow guests, crew and newfound friends that become the most treasured part of the journey.
or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.
Why?
Because choosing the right Kimberley cruise isn’t just about picking a well-known name — it’s about making sure it’s the right fit for how you like to travel.
We offer independent, expert advice to help you make that decision with confidence.
And if you do decide that one of the Diversity vessels is the right option for you, we also include a few additional benefits when you book through us
or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.
Diversity II
Diversity III
12 guests
12 guests
Relaxed, intimate and social. The original vessel in the Diversity fleet with a friendly and easy-going atmosphere
Contemporary, intimate and comfortable. A spacious catamaran offering a more refined onboard experience while maintaining small guest numbers.
Freshly prepared plated meals served in a communal setting. Indoor and outdoor dining available, weather permitting.
Chef-prepared plated meals served in dedicated dining and lounge areas, with outdoor dining opportunities when conditions allow.
Three six-metre expedition tenders carrying small groups for fishing and daily exploration. *Note these are not covered.
Three six-metre expedition tenders designed for fishing, waterfall visits and small-group exploration. *Note these are not covered.
Active Kimberley cruising focused on fishing, swimming, shore excursions, wildlife encounters and remote waterway exploration.
Active Kimberley cruising focused on fishing, swimming, shore excursions, wildlife encounters and remote waterway exploration.
Six stylishly appointed ensuite cabins including double and twin-bed configurations. Twin cabins feature single beds rather than bunks.
Six spacious ensuite cabins featuring televisions, plush premium bedding and modern bathrooms. One King, Four queens and one Twin offering featuring two large king single beds.
Comfortable and practical luxury retreat with a focus on the Kimberley experience.
The epitome of Luxury – Comfortable, stylish and contemporary, with generous living spaces and a dedicated sundeck offering panoramic Kimberley views.
Soft drinks, mixers and non-alcoholic beverages included. Guests pre-order alcohol prior to departure.
Soft drinks, mixers and non-alcoholic beverages included. Guests pre-order alcohol prior to departure.
Travellers seeking an intimate Kimberley expedition with excellent food, active exploration and strong value for money.
Travellers wanting an intimate Kimberley expedition with additional space, comfort and contemporary onboard features.
Guests who enjoy an active style of travel and prioritise experiences over onboard features.
Guests who enjoy active exploration but appreciate extra room to relax and unwind between adventures.
I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.
If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.
Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.
It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.
Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.
We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.
With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?
It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.
