How long is the cruise?

The tour runs approximately 90 minutes, timed to coincide with sunset.

Humpback whales are commonly sighted between late June and early October, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Are there safety rules onboard?

Yes — lifejackets are provided; no smoking or vaping is allowed and crew will brief safety and viewing etiquette prior to departure.

Can the tour be cancelled for weather?

Yes — tours may be cancelled or rescheduled for poor weather; operators typically offer alternatives or refunds.

Can I bring children?

Children are welcome, but parents should supervise them around deck edges and follow crew safety guidance.

Where Industry Meets Whales: Sunset Cruise at Hampton Harbour, Dampier

Q: Where do we board the tour?

Boarding is at the Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club in the coastal town of Dampier.

On a 90-minute Sunset Tour through Hampton Harbour, visitors sail from the Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club in Dampier to where the Dampier Archipelago meets the infrastructure of the Port of Dampier. This stretch of Western Australia’s Pilbara coast is a study in contrasts: bulk export terminals and iron‑rich berths sit alongside tidal channels, mangrove edges and low rocky islands that host one of the region’s richest marine ecosystems. Board the vessel Sailfish and settle into an informative cruise that moves at a respectful pace. Guides point out the huge scale of operations — conveyor belts, loading arms and salt and LNG facilities — while also scanning for wildlife. Between late June and early October, humpback whales are the main spectacle; mothers and calves sometimes rest in the calmer harbour waters, and the crew will pause for a quiet, regulated watch when conditions allow. Sea birds wheel above tankers; dolphins and turtles are occasional visitors, and the islands show hard, red Pilbara rock that records ancient geologic processes. The scene asks for attentive observation. As the sun descends, light sharpens the rust-red of the Pilbara coastline, outlines the jagged profiles of the Dampier Archipelago, and pools gold across working decks and reflected water. Photographers will find dramatic parallels: industrial silhouettes framed against island shorelines, or a lone whale arching in front of a loading terminal. The tour balances interpretation — why the harbour evolved into a global bulk-export hub — with a conservation-minded approach to wildlife encounters. Practical notes matter: departures vary with sunset, and boarding is at the Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club in the coastal town of Dampier, about 20 km from Karratha. No smoking or vaping is allowed onboard. Tours can be cancelled for poor weather; when that happens providers typically offer rescheduling or refunds. The trip runs about 90 minutes, making it an excellent evening outing for families, photographers and anyone curious about the meeting point between heavy industry and a biodiverse seascape. This Sunset Tour is special because it reveals a working harbour as a living ecosystem — an industrial landscape where endangered species persist and seasonal migration turns port channels into temporary sanctuaries. For visitors to the Pilbara who expect only red rock and mining, the cruise reframes the coastline as a complex place of commerce, culture and surprising marine life. Expect tight safety briefing before departure; lifejackets are provided, and crew will outline viewing etiquette for wildlife and restricted zones near operational berths. The 90‑minute format gives time to absorb changing light without committing a whole day, and the tour makes a memorable early evening for travelers passing through Karratha or staying in Dampier. Bookings are seasonal and tied to sunset times, so reserve in advance.

About Pilbara Dive and Tours Pty Ltd

Pilbara Dive and Tours Pty Ltd is a Dampier, Western Australia-based dive operator offering guided dives, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises and private charters across the Dampier Archipelago. The company runs specialized dive trips including the Ultimate Dive Tour and the Samson Wrecks deep dives, plus snorkeling and sightseeing cruises, sunset tours at Hampton Harbour, and bespoke private boat charters. Pilbara Dive and Tours delivers PADI Open Water Diver courses on scheduled dates, combining pool, shore and boat dives with professional instruction to certify new divers.

Trips concentrate on the Dampier Archipelago and surrounding waters, home to more than 650 fish species, turtles, dolphins and vibrant coral reefs. Seasonal whale sightings (notably June–October) are common on dive and snorkeling trips, and many tours pass island coastlines and historic wreck sites. Small-group departures prioritize personalized attention, flexible itineraries and safer, higher-quality experiences for participants.

Safety, local knowledge and environmental awareness are integral to each excursion: boats operate from Dampier and follow established safety and marine protection practices. The company’s instructors and crew guide advanced dives such as the Samson Wrecks two-deep-dive itinerary, and structured PADI training courses run over three days. Private charters provide tailored options for snorkeling, scenic cruises or whale watching suited to groups of varying sizes.

Pilbara Dive and Tours is featured on The Adventure Collective, making it easy for travelers to compare trips, view schedules and book experiences exploring the Pilbara’s rich marine environment. Booking and up-to-date scheduling information is available through The Adventure Collective listing online today.