Broome: Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise & Roebuck Bay Wildlife

Summary

Broome’s rare snubfin dolphins playful mornings on Roebuck Bay

You’ll join a small group on a relaxed catamaran cruise through Broome’s Roebuck Bay, searching for rare snubfin dolphins with a local guide who knows every ripple of these waters. Sip tea as you watch for turtles and shorebirds, laugh at spontaneous moments with fellow travelers, and soak up that salty morning air — it stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous stepping onto a boat in Broome — but there I was, clutching my coffee, half-awake and squinting at the pinkish light over Roebuck Bay. The catamaran was bigger than I’d pictured, but still felt friendly. Our guide (I think her name was Mel?) grinned as we shuffled aboard and pointed out the safest spots to stand if you’re like me and get a bit wobbly with waves. She handed out mugs of tea that smelled faintly of eucalyptus. There’s something about early mornings by the sea that just makes everything sharper — even the laughter from the crew sounded different, lighter maybe.

We set off looking for snubfin dolphins — apparently they only live around here, which I didn’t know until Mel started telling stories about them. She had this way of pausing mid-sentence when she spotted something moving in the water, so everyone would freeze too. It took a while before anyone saw anything except seabirds (and one very hopeful turtle), but then suddenly someone yelled “there!” and we all crowded to one side. The dolphins popped up so close you could see their odd little foreheads. They moved quietly, almost shy compared to bottlenose dolphins I’ve seen elsewhere. I caught myself grinning for no reason at all.

The sun got higher and the water turned this weird glassy blue-green that made it hard to tell where sky stopped and sea started. We drifted past mangroves while Mel explained how dugongs sometimes feed here — no luck spotting one today, but honestly just being out on Roebuck Bay felt good enough. A couple of kids tried saying “snubfin” in their best Aussie accents (not great), which made everyone laugh again. There was talk of swimming in the boom net if conditions were right — not today though, since some dolphins were still nearby and they didn’t want to disturb them. Fair enough.

I keep thinking about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of water against the hull and someone whispering “look.” It wasn’t dramatic or anything — just real, you know? If you’re after a day trip from Broome that doesn’t feel rushed or staged, this snubfin dolphin eco cruise is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 after cruise

Top questions

How long is the Snubfin Dolphin Eco Cruise from Broome?

The tour lasts for a morning or afternoon session; exact timing depends on departure schedule.

Is hotel pickup included in this Broome dolphin cruise?

Yes, courtesy bus transfers are available from all accommodation places in Broome.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Swimming in the boom net is offered if conditions allow and wildlife sightings permit.

What wildlife might I see besides snubfin dolphins?

You may spot dugongs, turtles, shorebirds, and bottlenose dolphins; sightings vary each day.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the catamaran.

Is food provided during the cruise?

Snacks are included as part of your tour experience.

Is this dolphin cruise suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You can self-drive to Entrance Point or use included transfers; departure points may vary.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or self-drive options to Entrance Point, snacks onboard the spacious 50-foot catamaran with shaded viewing areas, all entry fees and taxes covered, guidance from an experienced local crew throughout your snubfin dolphin cruise across Roebuck Bay, access to restrooms onboard, plus swimming in the boom net when conditions allow before returning back to Broome.