Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise Broome: Rare Wildlife Tour

Spot snubfin dolphins and dugongs on a small-group cruise through Roebuck Bay

A morning or afternoon eco cruise from Broome aboard a 50-foot catamaran with a live English-speaking guide, searching Roebuck Bay's pristine waters for Australia's largest population of snubfin dolphins, along with dugongs, turtles, shorebirds and bottlenose dolphins. The boat carries a small group, offers plenty of shade and viewing areas, and includes courtesy pickup from Broome accommodation; sightings vary by day and are not guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise Experience

• Board the Ballena eco-tourism vessel
• Cruise Roebuck Bay waters
• Search for Snubfin Dolphins
• Spot marine life including dugongs and turtles
• Enjoy a warm cuppa with crew commentary
• Swim in boom net if conditions allow
• Return to Broome

The Experience

The cruise runs about four hours from Broome, departing from Entrance Point with boarding 20 minutes before departure. You'll travel on Orcaella, a spacious 50-foot catamaran built for wildlife watching, with shaded areas throughout and a toilet on board. The crew are experienced in reading the water and know where snubfin dolphins, dugongs and other marine life tend to gather in Roebuck Bay—the same waters Sir David Attenborough visited to film. A warm drink and snacks come with the ticket.

What you're actually looking for are the snubfin dolphins, a rare species found in Australian waters, along with dugongs, sea turtles, shorebirds and bottlenose dolphins. The sightings shift day to day depending on tides, weather and where the animals are feeding, so there's no guarantee which species you'll see. The small-group format means the boat doesn't crowd—you get real viewing space and a guide who can answer questions as the morning unfolds.

Swimming in the boom net is available if conditions and wildlife sightings allow it, so check with the crew once you're aboard. Courtesy bus transfers run from all accommodation places in Broome, or you can self-drive to Entrance Point. The boat has a toilet and air conditioning, and you're welcome to bring your own drinks in a cooler bag if you'd like something beyond what's provided.

What’s included

• Snacks and a warm drink.
• live English-speaking guide.
• courtesy pickup from Broome accommodation.
• all fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned seating.
• toilet on board.
• swimming in the boom net (subject to conditions and wildlife sightings).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Broome Whale Watching

Is this one for you?You get a morning or afternoon on the water with a small group and an experienced crew who know where to find snubfin dolphins in Roebuck Bay, which is what makes the rare sightings possible without the hassle of arranging your own boat or guide.

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Top questions

What are snubfin dolphins and where do they live?

Snubfin dolphins are a rare species found in Australian waters, and Roebuck Bay near Broome holds Australia's largest population of them. The cruise searches the bay's pristine waters specifically for these dolphins, though sightings vary depending on the day's conditions and where the animals are feeding.

Is the boat suitable if I get seasick or prefer calmer water?

Orcaella is a 50-foot catamaran with plenty of shade and viewing areas, and Roebuck Bay is generally calmer than open ocean, but the boat does move through the water to search for wildlife. If you're prone to seasickness, mention it when you book so the crew can advise on the best spots on deck and timing for that day.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Swimming in the boom net is available, but it depends on conditions and wildlife sightings that day. Ask the crew once you're aboard whether it's safe and possible on your departure.

What's included in the ticket price?

The cruise includes snacks, a warm drink, the guide, all fees and taxes, air-conditioned seating, a toilet on board, and courtesy pickup from your Broome accommodation. You can also bring your own drinks in a cooler bag if you prefer.

How early do I need to arrive?

Boarding commences 20 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive by then. If you're using the courtesy bus transfer from your accommodation, confirm the pickup time when you book.

What if I don't see dolphins on the day I go?

Wildlife sightings vary each day and are not guaranteed. The crew knows where snubfin dolphins, dugongs, turtles and bottlenose dolphins typically gather in Roebuck Bay, but the animals move with tides and feeding patterns. You'll still cruise the bay and see whatever marine life is present that morning or afternoon.