Broome Sunset Cruise: Catamaran, Boom Net & Drinks Included

Summary

Broome’s golden hour by catamaran with ocean swims and local bites

You’ll board a catamaran right on Cable Beach or Roebuck Bay, sip your welcome drink as you watch for dolphins, try swimming in the boom net if you’re game, and snack on local canapés while the sunset does its thing over Broome’s coastline. It’s not just about photos—it’s that feeling when everyone goes quiet for a second because of what’s in front of them.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto Ballena was the mix of salty air and sunscreen—someone laughed that I’d brought my hat but forgot my thongs. The crew was already joking with us before we even left Cable Beach. There’s something about Broome light at this hour, it makes everyone squint and smile at the same time. Our guide, Dave (he grew up here), pointed out a turtle poking its head up right as we started moving. I nearly missed it because I was too busy fumbling with my camera, but he just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll see more.” And he was right.

I didn’t expect to actually get in the water but when they rolled out that boom net—well, peer pressure is real. It’s colder than you think at first, then suddenly you’re laughing because the current tugs at your legs and there’s nothing to do but hang on and look back at Broome getting smaller behind you. Someone’s glass of bubbles caught the last bit of sun and for a second everything felt gold. The canapés came around (local prawns—Li told me how to say it in Yawuru language but I definitely butchered it) and honestly, eating fresh seafood with salty skin is just better somehow.

There were dolphins off Roebuck Bay if you looked close enough. Dave kept pointing quietly so we wouldn’t scare them off. The whole cruise was about 3.5 hours but time got weird—one minute we were talking about footy with another couple from Perth, next thing I knew the sky had gone pink and everyone got quiet for a bit. You could hear just the water slapping against the hull and some distant music from someone’s phone. I still think about that silence sometimes—it felt like Broome itself took a breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise and marine wildlife viewing

• Transfer from Broome accommodation
• Board 42ft sailing catamaran Ballena
• Set sail along Cable Beach or Roebuck Bay
• Watch for dolphins and sea turtles
• Swim in boom net to cool off
• Enjoy welcome drink and canapés
• Relax with drinks from fully licensed bar
• Watch Broome's iconic sunset
• Return to shore and transfer back

Top questions

How long is the Broome sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included for the sunset cruise?

Yes, return transfers from your Broome accommodation are included.

Can you swim during the sunset cruise?

Yes, there’s an option to swim using the boom net attached to the catamaran.

Are drinks provided on board?

You get one complimentary beer or glass of wine or bubbles; more drinks can be purchased from the bar.

What food is served during the cruise?

Light canapés made from locally sourced ingredients are served throughout.

Is this sunset cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do I need to bring anything special for swimming?

Bathers and a towel are recommended if you want to try boom net swimming.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome drink (beer, wine or bubbles), locally sourced grazing board and light canapés served onboard, swimming with the boom net if you feel like it, plus all bar facilities available for extra purchases before returning after sunset.