Kalbarri Rock Lobster Pot Pull Tour: Haul the catch yourself

Haul lobster pots yourself and learn how Western Australia's most prized seafood gets caught

A rock lobster pot pull tour in Kalbarri puts you on a boat at the marina where you haul in pots, re-bait them and reset them back into the ocean with the crew's guidance. The tour runs 1–2 hours depending on the catch rate, and you can take home any Western Rock Lobster you pull up. An English-speaking guide leads the hands-on experience and shares local knowledge about how the industry works.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kalbarri Rock Lobster Pot Pull Tour

• Board boat at Kalbarri Marina
• Venture through river mouth into ocean
• View Kalbarri coastal town from ocean
• Pull lobster pots and retrieve catch
• Re-bait and re-set lobster pots
• Return to marina with catch
• Option to take Rock Lobster home

The experience

You board the boat at Kalbarri Marina and head out through the river mouth into the ocean. From the water you see the coastal town from a completely different angle: the perspective most locals never get. The crew handles the navigation. Your job is to help haul the pots, see what's inside, and learn the re-baiting and reset process that keeps the operation going. What you catch on the day depends on the ocean, so tour times run between 1 and 2 hours.

The work is straightforward and the crew walks you through every step. You're not watching a demonstration. You're pulling the pots yourself, handling the lobsters as they come up, and understanding the grading that happens right there on deck. Western Rock Lobster is some of the world's most premium wild-caught seafood, and seeing how it moves from the ocean to the table gives the whole industry a shape you can't get from a restaurant menu.

If the catch is good and you want to take lobster home, you have the option. Otherwise you head back to the marina with the knowledge of how it all works and the memory of pulling something real from the water. The boat can work up to 12 pots, so the crew adjusts the pace based on what's happening that day.

What’s included

• Hands-on hauling of lobster pots.
• guidance and local sea knowledge from the crew.
• the option to take home fresh Western Rock Lobster if the catch allows.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 06:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 29

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Reefwalker Ocean Discovery Kalbarri

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the crew's instructions without translation. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages: children ride in a pram if needed, and the work itself is straightforward enough that you're learning by doing, not straining.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): 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. No refund if you cancel.

What do I actually do on the rock lobster pot pull tour?

You haul the pots up from the ocean yourself with the crew's help, see what's inside, then help re-bait and reset them back down. It's hands-on work, not watching from the side.

How long does the Kalbarri lobster tour take?

The tour runs between 1 and 2 hours depending on the catch rate and how many pots come up full. The crew adjusts the pace based on what the ocean gives up that day.

Can I take lobster home after the tour?

Yes, you have the option to take home any Western Rock Lobster you pull up. It's not guaranteed (the catch depends on the day), but if there's lobster in the pots, it's yours to keep.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Kalbarri Marina. You board there and head out through the river mouth into the ocean.

What language is the guide in?

The guide speaks English and shares local knowledge about the rock lobster industry and how the catch is graded and handled.