Monkey Mia is a marine-lovers paradise, with sandy beaches and ocean cruises for the whole family to enjoy.
For a complete guide to marine fun, we’ve put together a list of the best tours and experiences in Monkey Mia guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Tour a pearl farm
Shark Bay has a long and interesting history of pearl farming thanks to the shallow and fertile waters. In fact, the first pearls to be discovered in Western Australia were in Shark Bay, and the black pearls from this area are now highly sought after.
Departing from the beach at Monkey Mia, Shark Bay Eco Tours offer the chance to cruise to Blue Lagoon Pearl Farm for an in-depth look at the industry. Once there, visitors will learn all about the process of pearling, and even view finished products such as pearl jewellery and stones. On the boat ride over, you may even spot turtles, dolphins and sharks in the surrounding water.
Cruise with dolphins
Perfect Nature Cruises are the only licensed tour group in the Monkey Mia Marine Park Reserve. Stepping on board an 18 metre catamaran, visitors will be taken out into the open waters to search for dugongs, dolphins and other endangered species.
The tours often come across whales, manta rays, turtles, tiger sharks and other marine life, although it’s dugongs that keep people coming back time and time again. These shy animals are most active between August and May, sometimes popping up for fresh air near the boats.
Each catamaran is fitted with views and vantage points all across the vessel. The tours are BYO, and catering facilities ensure the experience is relaxed and enjoyable. With indoor and outdoor seating, visitors can head out onto the water no matter the weather
Immerse in Indigenous culture
Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures are dedicated to sharing Indigenous history and culture through a variety of tours in rural Australia. The Shark Bay World Heritage Tour is a three-day walking tour across two world heritage national parks and led by an Indigenous tour guide who explains what the region means to local Nhanda and Malgana people, including the story of ancient creation. After trekking through Wilybifi (Francois Peron National Park) and Wirruwanna (Dirk Hartog Island National Park), the tour group will hop aboard a marine safari to explore the waters of Shark Bay.
Also included is a Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour, where participants can sit around the campfire and listen to the beautiful sounds of the didgeridoo while stargazing. All meals and national park fees are included in the trip. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers the chance to understand Indigenous culture and explore the stunning landscape surrounding Monkey Mia like never before.
Talk with marine experts
Ocean Park Aquarium is an eco-friendly aquarium located on the shores of Shark Bay. Here, you can see Australia’s unique marine life up close. Watch stingrays, sharks and tropical fish as they glide through the waters, and learn all about this impressive World Heritage Site.
All throughout the day, marine scientists run tours which teach visitors about the wildlife and ecosystems surrounding them. These scientists also host feedings and animal interactions for guests to enjoy. On tour, you will learn all about the beauty and incredible power of marine life in Monkey Mia.
And, after a long day of exploring, you can head to Oceans Restaurant for an array of light and satisfying meals. With a view over the marine park, it’s a great place to rest your legs and unwind with a drink.
Go island-hopping
Just off the coast of Monkey Mia lies Dirk Hartog Island, a heritage listed area with crystal clear water and breathtaking views. From Monkey Mia airport, it’s a short 20 minute flight to this coastal oasis. Or, Island Life Adventures hosts daily tours departing from Denham.
A day on tour includes a 4WD adventure past the blow holes, a trip to the marine sanctuary in search of sharks, turtles and dolphins, and a visit to the historical shearing shed. Visitors can also try a refreshing gin and tonic with the island’s own Inscription Gin, and are encouraged to kayak and SUP along the pristine beaches.
If you’re hoping to stay longer, Dirk Hartog Island is home to an eco-lodge, with private villas facing the sea. Staying here, you will be treated to locally sourced amenities, all-inclusive gourmet meals, and access to all island tours and experiences. This includes the popular sundowner experience, where visitors are invited to stand atop a 600 foot cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean as the sun dips below the horizon.
Take a self-guided tour
Of course, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy Monkey Mia and its surroundings. There are several walking trails throughout the area that offer breathtaking views over the ocean, and the chance to spot marine life from dry land.
The Wulyibindi Yanayina Trail starts from the middle of town, winding through the red sand dunes and past the coastline. It’s the ideal way to see the landscape of Monkey Mia, and only takes about an hour to complete.
On the Denham Discovery walk, you will be taken past sites offering insight into the history of Shark Bay, including its Indigenous peoples, early pioneers, pearlers, prisoners and more.
Can’t get enough of these tours and experiences in Monkey Mia? Check out what else there is to see and do in the Gascoyne region.
