Australia’s Kimberley region, in all its brilliance, offers breathtaking views of natural wonders and wildlife. But a trip to Kimberley’s remote Kuri Bay unlocks a private, stunning setting and an exclusive look at the Bay’s rich history of pearl farming.

Kuri Bay is home to one of the oldest pearl farms with ties to Japanese pearling experts dating back to the 1950s. Today, the prestigious Paspaley Pearling Company runs this pearl farm, it’s the largest pearling operation in Australia. The lustrous South Sea pearls harvested here are considered some of the most beautiful pearls in the world. And in person, freshly harvested from the shell, they’re absolutely magnificent to behold.

This extraordinary, included excursion begins with an introduction to your knowledgeable, local guide on a private jetty. In small groups, to keep the experience intimate, a Zodiac boat carries you from the ship through the crystal-blue waters of the Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for tawny nurse sharks swimming along in the clear water as you make your way to shore.

Sturdy footwear and a sunhat are perfect if you choose to take the casual, scenic half-mile walking tour of the grounds. The wildlife of Kuri Bay is a birder’s paradise. Keen birders may spot a red-tailed black cockatoo, blue-winged kookaburra, double-barred finch and many more species that inhabit the Kimberley. Within the gum trees there are more flora and fauna you’ll no doubt want to capture photos of. Turtles or crocodiles might also be spotted in the distance. From the geology to the pristine waters, the land feels like it’s from another time.

Hike up to the look-out point for an incredible, full view of Kuri Bay and a memory you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. Make sure to capture a photo at the top, it’s rare to have a background as show stopping as this.

Even if you choose not to take the walking tour, you’ll still see sights and landscapes that capture the essence of Kuri Bay. All guests are directed to the main grounds that surround a gorgeous pergola. A small welcome center with walls decked with historic photographs details the area’s history of pearling and its special connection to Japanese pearlers.

Past turns to present as you learn about the tremendous care and detail that goes into Paspaley divers hand-selecting each oyster they plan to seed. The seeded oysters are nurtured over two or three years while this wondrous nature-made gem grows inside. The uniqueness of this process and the nutrients in the Kuri Bay water are the secret to making these pearls extraordinarily beautiful.

It’s an ideal educational introduction before your small group gathers around for a live pearl harvesting demonstration. You’ll observe this extremely delicate process—an event not witnessed by many people outside of the industry—and then the fresh pearl will be passed around for each guest to hold and examine. The moment of reveal is full of excitement, even the trained technician doesn’t know what to expect inside until the shell is carefully opened.

This spectacular day continues with champagne and a sampling of the delectable pearl meat from South Sea oysters cultivated and hand-picked right there in Kuri Bay—a true farm-to-table tasting.

It’s a picture-perfect setting for a toast with your fellow guests. Just imagine the Australian sunshine peeking through the trees and the wooden slats of the pergola. The sounds of exotic birds in the distance. The effervescence of the champagne playing off the lustrous, silkiness of the pearl meat. You’ll be quick to notice the oysters are packed with flavors enriched by the ecosystem and purity of Kuri Bay.

The exquisiteness of this day isn’t limited to nature and wildlife. You’ll also be able to see what these delicate gems are skillfully and artfully crafted into. While their high-end boutiques are located in other areas of Australia, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to shop from Paspaley’s world-class collection. Each pearl harvested in Kuri Bay is examined for five specific virtues: luster, complexion, shape, color, and size. Only the most spectacular pearls are selected for Paspaley’s luxurious jewelry collections. It’s truly a unique opportunity to select and purchase a gorgeous keepsake from the place where it was carefully grown and harvested.

After the tour, tasting, and personal shopping experience, guests reboard their Zodiac and return to the ship. From your suite’s veranda, you’ll be able to enjoy the final sights, sounds and scent of Kuri Bay before you set sail again.

Nothing can really prepare you for the beauty you will see on this excursion. For those who want to add to the wow-factor of their Kuri Bay experience, there are optional private flightseeing tours available in historic World War II era floatplanes, Grumman G-73 Mallards. These flights offer a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Bay from above.

The Seabourn Expedition Team is prepared and excited to share the unmatched paradise of Kuri Bay with you. Few get the opportunity to take in the splendor of this magnificent area. With Seabourn, you will enjoy the ultimate luxury experience both on- and offshore.