Buccaneer Archipelago: Horizontal Falls Flight & Pearl Farm Lunch

Summary

Circle the Horizontal Falls then land for pearls lunch & Kimberley coast views

You’ll fly above wild Buccaneer islands, circle Horizontal Falls from above (tide permitting), walk Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm with a local guide, enjoy a fresh lunch and swim on site, then return along Kimberley’s coastline—all fees included. Expect raw beauty, friendly locals, and moments you’ll remember long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, the morning started with me fumbling my sunglasses right as we boarded the little plane in Broome—classic. Our pilot just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you won’t need them in here yet.” The air inside was cool but I could already smell that faint mix of jet fuel and red Kimberley dust clinging to everyone’s shoes. We lifted off and the world just fell away, all those wild shapes of the Buccaneer Archipelago below looking like someone spilled a thousand green marbles into turquoise water. I kept craning my neck for the Horizontal Waterfalls—our guide called them “the 8th Natural Wonder” with this sort of proud shrug, like he’d heard it a hundred times but still believed it.

We circled low over the falls (they really do look horizontal, somehow), and I could see white water squeezing through those ancient rock gaps. It’s tide-dependent so you never know what you’ll get—they told us that up front—but even when it’s not raging, it’s weirdly hypnotic. There was a moment where nobody spoke, just camera shutters clicking and that dull roar coming up through the windows. Afterward we flew past Koolan Island—someone pointed out old mining scars—and then over Cape Leveque’s red cliffs. The light made everything look almost painted. At Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Li met us with this easy smile and handed out cold water before our tour. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “Pinctada maxima”—I probably butchered it.

The pearl farm tour was more interesting than I expected (I thought it’d be all sales pitch but nope). We learned how they seed pearls—tiny bits of shell tucked into oysters—and saw some workers sorting them by hand. There was this salty tang in the air mixed with something sweet from flowering trees nearby. Lunch at their restaurant was simple but fresh—local fish, crunchy salad—and we had time for a quick swim in their pool after. Honestly, floating there under that wide sky felt surreal after all that flying.

The return flight hugged the coast along Beagle Bay and Willie Creek; I kept spotting empty beaches that looked impossible to reach any other way. When we landed back in Broome my shoes were still dusty and my head buzzing from everything we’d seen. Not every bit went perfectly (my sunglasses are probably still under seat 3A), but I still think about that view over the falls—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Horizontal Waterfalls and Pearl Farm

• Overfly Horizontal Waterfalls
• Pass Buccaneer Archipelago islands
• Take Pearl Discovery Tour at Cygnet Bay
• Overfly red cliffs at Cape Leveque
• Return flight along Dampier Peninsula coast

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Horizontal Falls tour?

No, hotel pickup is not mentioned; you meet at Broome airport for departure.

How long is the flight from Broome to Horizontal Falls?

The exact flight time isn’t listed but expect several scenic segments between Broome, Horizontal Falls, Cape Leveque, and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

Is lunch provided during the Buccaneer Archipelago day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s on-site restaurant.

Can you swim at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm during this tour?

Yes, there is time for a refreshing swim in their on-site swimming pool after lunch.

Are entry fees or taxes included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What happens if tides are low at Horizontal Waterfalls?

The amount of water flowing is tide dependent; sightings may vary but flights always circle the site regardless of tidal conditions.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What should I bring on this day trip from Broome?

Bottled water is provided; bring sun protection and advise dietary needs in advance for lunch arrangements.

What’s included

Your day includes scenic flights over Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls with all entry fees covered, a guided pearl farm discovery tour at Cygnet Bay led by local staff, bottled water throughout the journey, a fresh lunch at the pearl farm’s restaurant plus time to swim in their pool before your coastal return flight to Broome.