Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula: Seaplane, Fast Boat & Pearl Farm

Summary

Kimberley tides, pearl farms and wild flights from Broome

You’ll fly low over wild islands by seaplane, land right on Talbot Bay, speed through Horizontal Falls by fast boat, and share stories with locals over fresh barramundi lunch. Visit Beagle Bay’s pearl-shell church and tour Australia’s oldest pearl farm before flying back to Broome with Kimberley colors still stuck in your head.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to drop out of the sky onto water? I didn’t, honestly — not until our seaplane skimmed over the Buccaneer Archipelago and suddenly we were gliding into Talbot Bay. The pilot (I think his name was Dave?) gave a little wave as we climbed down onto the float — I could smell salt and something almost metallic in the air. There’s a weird hush after landing, just the slap of water against the pontoons and everyone grinning at each other like kids.

Breakfast was early — strong coffee, eggs, toast — but I barely tasted it because I kept staring out at that Kimberley red dirt flashing past on our 4x4 up the Dampier Peninsula. Our guide, Li, knew every bend; she pointed out a boab tree shaped like a bottle and told us how old it probably was (older than anyone in our group by far). At Beagle Bay we saw the Mother of Pearl Church — those shells catch the light in a way that made me stop mid-sentence. Locals waved as we passed through, some kids kicking up dust near the road.

I thought I’d be nervous about the Horizontal Falls part (900hp boat sounds… intense), but honestly? It’s more laughter than fear. The boat roared and spray hit my face — cold and sharp — while everyone whooped as we shot through those narrow gaps. There’s this moment where you’re just hanging on, heart pounding, then suddenly you’re drifting quiet again through creeks with mangroves all around. Lunch was barramundi grilled right there by a chef who joked he’d swap recipes if we could catch him a bigger fish next time.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was last — sun beating down, pearls glinting in rough hands as they showed us how it all works. I tried to pronounce “Goolarabooloo” properly; Li laughed (I definitely butchered it). The flight back to Broome felt slower somehow. Maybe it was just me replaying everything in my head — or maybe that’s what happens when you’ve had a day like this one. Still thinking about that first rush of wind off Talbot Bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horizontal Falls and Dampier Peninsula Tour

• Board 14-seater luxury seaplane
• Fly low over Buccaneer Archipelago
• Land at Talbot Bay by seaplane
• Enjoy BBQ barramundi lunch on houseboat
• Ride 900hp fast boat through Horizontal Falls
• Cruise surrounding bays and creeks
• Swim in croc/shark free cage
• Feed friendly fish
• Fly back to Broome over Cable Beach

Top questions

How long is the Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula tour?

This is an all-day tour departing from Broome with morning pickup and returning in the afternoon or evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Broome for all guests.

What meals are provided during the day trip?

The tour includes breakfast (with coffee/tea) and a BBQ lunch featuring locally sourced barramundi.

Can children join this tour?

Children aged 4 years and older can join but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Are there weight restrictions for the seaplane flight?

Yes, passengers must weigh under 120 kg (265 lbs) for safety reasons; weights are checked at booking and before boarding.

Is swimming allowed during the Horizontal Falls tour?

You can swim safely in a marine viewing platform cage designed to keep out crocodiles and sharks.

Does this day trip include visiting Aboriginal communities?

Yes, you’ll visit Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community and see its famous Mother of Pearl Church.

What is unique about Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm?

Cygnet Bay is Australia’s oldest operating pearl farm; you’ll get a guided tour to learn about pearling history and techniques.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Broome, breakfast with coffee or tea before heading up the Dampier Peninsula by 4x4 with your local guide, entry to Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community to see the Mother of Pearl Church, then a scenic seaplane flight over Buccaneer Archipelago landing on Talbot Bay. Enjoy a BBQ barramundi lunch prepared onboard a houseboat before riding through Horizontal Falls on a fast boat. Relax with cruises through untouched bays and have an optional swim in a protected marine viewing cage before returning to Broome by plane with aerial views of Cable Beach. All entry fees and transfers are covered throughout your journey.