Horizontal Falls & Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour from Broome

Horizontal Falls tidal phenomenon flight and pearl farm landing experience

A six-hour aerial and ground tour from Broome that flies over the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay, and pearl farming waters before landing at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula for a farm tour and lunch. The route follows tidal activity, so departure times and flight paths vary to match the day's conditions. Hotel pickup and drop-off, headsets to hear the pilot, breakfast or lunch depending on the tour time, and all landing fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Horizontal Falls2m
2. Cable Beach2m

Explore islands and pearl farm

• Depart Broome and fly over Chinatown
• View Roebuck Bay and Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Farm
• Fly over Dampier Peninsula and Buccaneer Archipelago
• See Horizontal Falls from the air
• Fly past Talbot Bay and Paspaley Pearling Empire
• Visit family-owned Pearl Farm on Dampier Peninsula
• Enjoy Pearl Farm tour and gourmet lunch
• Return flight viewing Lombadina, Beagle Bay, and Cable Beach

The experience

The day starts with a flight out of Broome over Chinatown, Roebuck Bay and the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Farm before heading toward the Dampier Peninsula. As the aircraft climbs over millions of hectares of station land, the pilot shares the area's history and Aboriginal heritage. The Kimbolton Ranges come into view (ancient relics of a Devonian reef system), and then the thousands of islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago spread below. You pass over pristine pearl farming waters where only a handful of pearl farms are visible from the air.

The Horizontal Falls appear ahead, positioned so you get a clear window view of this tidal phenomenon. The falls are a fast-moving flow through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range, located in Talbot Bay. Because Kimberley tides can reach ten metres, a peak tide creates a significant difference in sea level on either side of each gorge, which produces the rushing water and the illusion of waterfalls. The direction of the flow reverses with each tide change. Flying on, you see the hundreds of oyster lines of the Paspaley Pearling Empire and the red rock cliffs of Cape Leveque meeting white sandy beaches.

You land at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, a family-owned operation on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula run by the Brown family since 1946. A farm tour walks you through the story of Australian pearling from its Indigenous roots through four generations of the family's work. A gourmet lunch follows. On the return flight to Broome, you pass over Lombadina, Beagle Bay, James Price Point, Pender Bay, Willie Creek and Cable Beach from above before landing back at your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Broome.
• headsets to hear the pilot.
• breakfast on morning tours or lunch on afternoon tours.
• light refreshments.
• bottled water.
• the pearl farm tour and gourmet lunch at Cygnet Bay.
• all landing and facility fees.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• all taxes and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years): free · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Broome Aviation

Is this one for you?The six-hour commitment leaves room for other activities earlier or later in the day, but the tidal timing means you cannot choose your exact departure. Ask about conditions on your date when booking to fit it into the rest of your Broome itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years): free; Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 6 days before the start.

What is the Horizontal Falls and why does it reverse direction?

The Horizontal Falls is a tidal phenomenon in Talbot Bay where fast-moving water flows through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range. Kimberley tides reach up to ten metres, creating a large difference in sea level on either side of each gorge. This difference produces the rushing water and reverses the direction of flow with each tide change.

Can I choose what time the tour departs?

Departure times vary to match tidal activity on the day of travel, so the flight route and timing are adjusted to show the Horizontal Falls at its best. Ask the operator when booking about tidal conditions for your chosen date.

What happens at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm?

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, run by the Brown family since 1946, offers a tour that covers the history of Australian pearling from its Indigenous beginnings through four generations of the family's work on the Dampier Peninsula. After the tour, you have a gourmet lunch at the farm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Broome are included. Headsets so you can hear the pilot clearly during the flight are also provided, along with breakfast or lunch depending on whether you take a morning or afternoon tour.

How long is the entire tour?

The tour runs six hours from pickup to drop-off, covering the flight over the Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls, the pearl farm visit and lunch, and the return flight over the Dampier Peninsula and Cable Beach.

What should I bring or wear?

Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. The tour is subject to favorable weather. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.