Broome: Whale Watching Sunset Cruise & Boom Net Swim

Summary

Broome sunset cruise with whales, boom net swim and local flavors

You’ll watch humpback whales glide past Broome’s coast as you sip tea or bubbles on a sunset cruise from Cable Beach. Homemade canapés and boom net swimming add fun (and salt spray) before you dry off under open skies. Includes hotel pickup and friendly local crew—expect laughter, ocean air, and maybe even a quiet moment you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus—turns out, Broome’s “island time” is real and I was still hunting for my hat when the driver called my name. He grinned, waved me over, and didn’t seem bothered at all. That set the mood: easygoing, no rush. The sun was already dipping low by the time we reached Cable Beach, painting everything in that lazy gold light that makes you want to just stop and breathe for a second. We climbed onto Ballena (our catamaran—means whale in Spanish, which I only remembered because our guide Li kept repeating it). Shoes off straight away; deck underfoot felt warm from the day.

Li handed out homemade canapés—salty olives, something cheesy I couldn’t pronounce—and poured coffee for anyone who wanted it. I stuck with tea. There was a group from Perth arguing about whether whales or dolphins are smarter (Li diplomatically refused to pick sides). Then someone shouted—“There!”—and everyone shuffled to one side (not gracefully). Humpback whales. Huge but somehow gentle-looking, moving through the water like they owned it. We listened to them through a hydrophone; honestly, it sounded like slow breathing mixed with distant thunder. Not what I expected at all.

I tried boom net swimming even though I’m not much of a swimmer—the water was colder than I thought but after a minute it just felt…fresh? Salty spray everywhere, hair sticking to my face, laughing too hard to care how ridiculous we looked hanging onto that net while Ballena drifted along. The crew kept an eye on us and passed out towels when we scrambled back up shivering but happy.

On the way back, someone opened a bottle of bubbles (BYO except red wine or spirits—they’re strict about that) and we watched the sun melt into Cable Beach. There was this quiet moment where nobody talked; just orange light on water and some seabirds wheeling overhead. I still think about that view sometimes—how small you feel next to those whales and how good it is to just be there, messy hair and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching sunset cruise

• Board the sailing catamaran Ballena
• Enjoy whale watching with hydrophone
• View humpback whales from multiple areas
• Sip drinks from licensed bar onboard
• Return while watching Broome sunset

Top questions

How long is the Broome whale watching sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts about 4.5 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included for this whale watching tour?

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

Can I bring my own drinks on board?

You can bring your own drinks except red wine or spirits; there’s also a licensed bar on board.

Is there food served during the cruise?

Yes, homemade canapés as well as cheese and antipasto platters are included.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses Ballena, a 50-foot sailing catamaran designed for stable viewing of whales.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a toilet available on board for guests’ use.

Is boom net swimming part of this Broome whale watching cruise?

Yes, boom net swimming is included as part of your experience during the cruise.

Are children or people with limited mobility allowed?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or very limited walking ability.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup in Broome by courtesy bus before boarding Ballena at Cable Beach for your whale watching cruise. You’ll get homemade canapés plus cheese and antipasto platters along with coffee or tea served by the crew. Boom net swimming is offered mid-cruise if you’re feeling adventurous, and there’s a restroom available on board throughout your trip.