Broome Activities

Broome activities lean towards the water and the sky: reef fishing charters, whale and dolphin watching, helicopter flights over Cable Beach and sea safaris through the Buccaneer Archipelago. This page groups them by what you want to do, and for guided days out see Broome tours and Broome attractions. The whole town is covered under things to do in Broome.

Reef fishing charters from Broome

The full-day reef fishing charter runs from 7.30am to 3pm on a 65ft vessel, heading further offshore for a wider range of species. A half-day charter is a 5-hour option that also departs from 7.30am.

Fishing gear, morning tea, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks come with each, along with return transfers. Boats leave from Gantheaume Beach or Entrance Point, and the operator describes the trips as suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.

Whale and dolphin watching

Humpback whale season off Broome runs from July to September on the 3-hour whale watching cruise, which has a marine biologist on board, three viewing decks and canapes. Afternoon cruises run from 12pm to 3pm and sunset cruises from 3pm to 6pm, with free pickup from your accommodation.

The sunset coastal cruise with Snubfin dolphins covers Roebuck Bay between 3pm and 6pm, with turtles, manta rays, migratory birds and the occasional dugong. See whale watching in Broome for everything on the water.

Helicopter and scenic flights

A scenic helicopter flight for 2 takes off from the Charter Aircraft Base on Gus Winckel Drive and runs as a 45-minute or 1-hour flight with commentary. It passes Cable Beach, Willie Creek, James Price Point, Roebuck Bay and the red cliffs and lighthouse at Gantheaume Point. A 30-minute helicopter flight is the shorter option.

Longer flights go further. The Horizontal Falls scenic flight for 2 flies a fixed-wing aircraft to Derby, then a helicopter to the falls, in a 6-hour outing that spends much of the day in the air. Air Kimberley's full-day Bungle Bungle flight and tour adds a guided walk in Purnululu National Park. The full list sits under Broome flying experiences.

Sea safaris and cruises

Sea safaris leave from Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, a 2.5-hour drive north of Broome, and each is a 2-hour trip. The Waterfall Reef sea safari visits a tidal reef found only in the Kimberley, the Giant Tides safari heads into whirlpools and standing waves, and the Island Explorer safari looks for turtles, dolphins and sea birds around the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Closer to town, the 3-hour sunset cruise with canapes stays in Roebuck Bay, and a 5-hour mud crabbing cruise runs from town too.

Pearl and Horizontal Falls activities

Pearl activities start with the 1-hour live pearl harvest in the Cygnet Bay showroom in Broome, which ends with a pearl meat tasting. For the Kimberley's biggest drawcard, Horizontal Falls tours from Broome fly by seaplane to Talbot Bay, and the afternoon flight and boat tour departs Broome at about 11.30am.

Planning a day, a week or a family trip

For a single day, pair a 3-hour cruise or flight with a free afternoon, because most activities here run in the morning or the late afternoon. A week gives room for a Cygnet Bay sea safari, a fishing charter and a Horizontal Falls day, spaced between lighter days in town.

Families have plenty of options. Whale watching cruises, fishing charters and pearl tours sell child tickets, and the half-day fishing charter is described as suitable for families. See the FAQs for age limits on the sea safaris.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Broome for a day?

A day in Broome can combine a 3-hour whale watching or sunset cruise, a helicopter flight over Cable Beach, a pearl farm visit or a half-day fishing charter. Most run in the morning or the late afternoon, so more than one activity fits in a day.

What are the best things to do in Broome with kids?

Whale watching cruises, fishing charters and pearl tours in Broome sell child tickets, and the half-day fishing charter is described as suitable for families. The Waterfall Reef and Giant Tides sea safaris are not suitable for children under 5 years old.

When can you go whale watching in Broome?

The Broome whale watching cruise with Absolute Ocean Charters runs from July to September each year, with afternoon cruises from 12pm to 3pm and sunset cruises from 3pm to 6pm.

Do you need fishing experience for a Broome reef fishing charter?

No. The Broome reef fishing charters are described as suitable for beginners and experienced anglers, and all fishing gear is supplied. Morning tea, lunch and return transfers are also included.

Where do Broome helicopter flights depart from?

The scenic helicopter flight for 2 departs from the Charter Aircraft Base on Gus Winckel Drive, and passengers on the Horizontal Falls scenic flight are weighed before boarding for safety.

How far is Cygnet Bay from Broome?

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, where the Waterfall Reef, Giant Tides and Island Explorer sea safaris start, is a 2.5-hour drive north of Broome. The farm is 2WD accessible, though the final 3km driveway is a pindan dirt road.

Is the live pearl harvest in Broome wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The 1-hour live pearl harvest in the Cygnet Bay showroom in Broome is wheelchair accessible and described as suitable for all ages.

Pick a fishing charter, a flight or a cruise and book your Broome activity online.