What is the minimum age to join?

Children must be at least four years old and accompanied by an adult at all times.

How long is the overnight experience?

The full itinerary runs about 19 hours from departure at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm to return; exact timings depend on tidal windows.

Are flights guaranteed?

Flights and departures are subject to weather and tidal conditions; operators may reschedule for safety and will confirm final details after booking.

Can I consume alcohol on the trip?

No. Alcohol consumption is not permitted during the Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay.

What are the aircraft weight rules?

There is a passenger weight maximum of 120 kg and minimum of 15 kg; you must declare weight accurately and may be weighed at boarding. If over the declared weight by more than 2 kg, boarding can be refused without refund.

Overnight at Horizontal Falls from Cygnet Bay: Seaplane, Houseboat & Talbot Bay

Q: Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires basic mobility to board aircraft and manage pontoons.

On the edge of the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia, the Horizontal Falls and Talbot Bay deliver one of the Kimberley’s most physical and cinematic marine experiences. This bookable stay departs from Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm: a short air-transfer and low-level seaplane flight brings you to the narrow tidal gorges where explosive currents force seawater through rock walls, creating the 'falls' that give the place its name. Spend the night on a floating houseboat pontoon, snorkel clear bays, watch the tide carve patterns in the sandstone, and fall asleep under an expansive southern sky. The trip is powered by Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures in partnership with Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. After meeting at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm reception, you board a seaplane for a 1–2 hour flight that feels more like a wildlife survey than transit: islands, pale sandbanks and channel-cut rock unfurl beneath you. On arrival at Talbot Bay a powerboat threads the gorges at speed, then eases into turquoise water where you can swim and snorkel among hard coral plates and reef fish. The houseboat offers doubles-share, air-conditioned cabins, sunset drinks, and a locally-sourced Barramundi dinner before a calm night punctuated by distant gulls. Key scene features: the Horizontal Falls themselves—two narrow tidal passageways cut through ancient sandstone in the Buccaneer Archipelago—and the wide, shallow expanses of Talbot Bay. Geology centers on tidal scouring and iron-stained sandstone ledges; marine life includes reef fish, turtles, and seasonal migratory birds. Children four and older are welcome; safety protocols include strict aircraft weight declarations and a 15–120 kg passenger limit. Note: this experience is not wheelchair accessible and requires basic mobility to board seaplanes and step onto pontoons. Why this trip stands out: few places on Earth let you arrive by seaplane, thread a natural tidal maze by powerboat, sleep on the water, and wake to a breakfast that precedes a scenic return flight. The combination of high-adrenaline transit, quiet snorkeling, and an intimate night aboard a floating pontoon compresses classic Kimberley flavors into a single, readable overnight. Practicalities: the full excursion runs about 19 hours; bookings begin from AU$1,395 per person (final pricing confirmed on booking). Alcohol is not permitted during the tour. A Pearl Farm Harvest Tour is included via promocode for booking before or after your stay. Bring sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen, and a small dry bag; expect variable conditions and follow guides’ instructions at all times. Logistics matter: departures hinge on tidal windows and weather, so flexibility pays. Aircraft weight limits are strictly enforced—declare weights accurately. Travel light in a soft duffel to make seaplane boarding easier, and allow time at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm to join a Pearl Farm Harvest Tour and learn about region's pearling.

About Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm operates on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia, offering a range of pearling and coastal experiences. The farm runs guided pearl farm harvest tours where visitors observe live oyster harvesting, participate in hands-on pearl grading classes, and learn sustainable practices that support pearl cultivation. Sea safari options include the Giant Tides Sea Safari and Island Explorer Sea Safari—two-hour adventures that navigate the region’s powerful tides, intertidal zones and the Buccaneer Archipelago. Visitors can enjoy scenic Pearl Farm Boat Tours and intimate Shell Island Sundowner cruises for sunset views and quiet island exploration.

Cygnet Bay provides practical services such as bus transfers between Broome and the farm, and maintains a Broome showroom for pearl jewellery consultations, harvest demonstrations and grading classes. Retail experiences include pearl jewellery consultations, Lustre High Tea & Shopping, and a range of lunch and dinner reservation options for guests. Cultural and historical context is shared through the Borrgoron Culture & History Tour, led by Terry Hunter, a fourth-generation pearler, which highlights local pearling heritage and connections to the Bardi people.

The farm emphasizes education and transparency by offering expert-led sessions on pearl virtues, grading criteria, and the lifecycle of Australian South Sea pearls. By combining hands-on learning, coastal wildlife viewing and curated jewellery experiences, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm presents an authentic Kimberley pearling destination for curious visitors and collectors. Bookings, transfers and showroom appointments are available from Broome, with options for private tours, group visits and tailored pearl consultations by arrangement on request.

Overnight at Horizontal Falls from Cygnet Bay: Seaplane, Houseboat & Talbot Bay

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