If you’re visiting Western Australia and looking for a scenic, relaxing way to end your day, this 3.5-hour sunset cruise from Broome is worth serious consideration. Priced at around $102 per person, it offers a chance to soak in breathtaking coastal views from a 42-foot catamaran, enjoy complimentary local canapés, and sip wine or beer from a fully licensed bar. The experience begins with hotel pickup, includes a short tour, and concludes with a return transfer, making it a seamless addition to your Broome itinerary.
What we love most about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with comfortable, intimate vessel cruising—it’s a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. The opportunity to swim from Cable Beach through the boom net, available April through early October, adds a fun, interactive element that keeps the cruise lively. Plus, the friendly crew and the attention to detail make it clear this is well-run and focused on guest enjoyment.
A potential consideration is that drinks are available for purchase, so if you’re particular about your beverages, you might want to budget accordingly. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, which might limit some travelers. This cruise seems best suited for those who enjoy relaxed, scenic experiences with a touch of fun in the water, especially couples and small groups looking for romance or a memorable sunset.
Key Points
- Spectacular Sunset Views: The cruise offers panoramic vistas of Broome’s coast, perfect for photographers and romantics alike.
- Comfortable Catamaran: Traveling aboard a spacious 42ft vessel, you’ll enjoy a stable and smooth ride suitable for all but the most mobility-challenged.
- Interactive Swimming Net: The boom net delivers a thrilling way to cool off—especially popular during the season from April to October.
- Quality Food & Drinks: Complimentary canapés and a bar offering mango daiquiris, cocktails, beer, and wine provide a treat for your palate.
- Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and tender transfers from Cable Beach make the journey stress-free and enhance the overall experience.
- Authentic Local Vibe: The crew’s friendly attitude, combined with the chance to learn about Broome’s coastline, adds a personal touch that enhances value.
An In-Depth Look at Broome’s Iconic Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Planning more time in Broome Australia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Setting the Scene: Why a Sunset Cruise?
Broome is famed for its spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean, and what better way to see them than from the water? This cruise allows you to linger in the magic hour, with the sky transforming into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. Unlike land-based viewpoints, the boat’s vantage point gives a unique, unobstructed perspective, combining stunning views with a relaxed, social atmosphere.
The Starting Point: From Hotel to the Water
Your journey begins with hotel pickup, which is included in the ticket price. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often giving a brief tour of Broome’s coastline en route to Cable Beach. This small touch adds a layer of context and makes the transition from your accommodation to the boat seamless.
The Beach Experience: Wading to the Catamaran
Once at Cable Beach, you’ll wade through warm Indian Ocean waters, wetting your feet before transferring onto the vessel by tender. This part of the experience sets a casual, intimate tone—it’s a chance to feel connected to Broome’s natural environment. As you step aboard the spacious catamaran, you’ll immediately notice its stability and comfort, designed to accommodate groups without feeling crowded.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Journey Itself: Cruising Along the Coastline
Traveling along Broome’s pristine coastline, you’ll enjoy narration from guides about the area’s history, wildlife, and geography—a feature highly praised in reviews. The boat is big enough to offer plenty of space, but small enough to feel personal. The best part? You can kick back with a drink in hand and take in the panoramic views.
The Highlight: Sunset and Photography
As the sun begins to dip, the entire scene becomes more vivid. The sky’s colors are mesmerizing, and you’ll find yourself reaching for the camera repeatedly. Several reviews highlight the “spectacular sunset” as the main draw, with one reviewer noting it as “spectacular!!” and “the sunset was fantastic.”
Interactive Fun: Jumping into the Boom Net
From April to early October, guests can enjoy the boom net, a large, stretchy net suspended off the side of the boat, perfect for cooling off and having fun. We loved the way this element adds a playful, interactive aspect to the cruise. However, some reviews mention that getting on and off the net can be a bit tricky, especially for those with limited mobility.
Food and Beverage: Canapés and Cocktails
Throughout the cruise, you’ll be served mouth-watering local canapés—a grazing board that many find sufficient and tasty. The onboard bar offers mango daiquiris, cocktails, beer, and wine for purchase, which guests generally find to be good quality. While drinks are described as “great,” a few reviewers mention the price as being a bit high, so budgeting for drinks is advisable.
Return and Reflection: Wading Back to Shore
At the end of the cruise, guests are tendered back to the beach and then transferred to their hotels. The process is smooth and well-coordinated, with the guides ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
Authenticity and Value
From the reviews, it’s clear that the crew’s friendliness and attentiveness significantly enhance the experience. Many travelers describe the staff as “amazing,” “obliging,” and “friendly,” which creates a welcoming atmosphere. The overall value is high, given the included hotel transfers, the scenic cruise, complimentary canapés, and the fun of swimming from Cable Beach.
Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying
What to bring: Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and some cash or credit card for drinks. Warm clothing or a jacket might be wise if the evening gets cool. Because you’re boarding and disembarking independently, comfortable footwear is helpful.
Timing: Check availability for the starting times, but generally, the cruise coincides with sunset hours—so plan accordingly.
Seasonal considerations: The boom net is only available from April to early October, so if that’s a priority, book during those months.
Mobility: This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those who can’t board and disembark independently.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This cruise is perfect for couples seeking a romantic sunset experience, groups of friends looking for a fun and relaxed outing, or anyone wanting a scenic, water-based perspective on Broome’s coastline. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate good food, friendly service, and a dash of interactive fun with the swim net.
Final Thoughts
Broome’s Iconic Catamaran Sunset Cruise packs a lot into a short time—spectacular views, friendly guides, tasty canapés, and the chance to cool off in the Indian Ocean. It’s a great way to end a day exploring the area, combining natural beauty with a touch of luxury and fun. While drinks cost extra and accessibility is limited, the overall experience offers genuine value for travelers seeking a memorable sunset in one of Australia’s most unique coastal towns.
For those who love a relaxed, scenic outing with good company and stunning vistas, this cruise hits the mark. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to see Broome from a fresh perspective while enjoying the comforts of a well-organized, friendly tour.
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including hotel pickup, transfer, and the actual boat time.
What is included in the price?
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 3-hour cruise, tender transfers to and from the beach, canapés, and access to the boom net when conditions permit.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase onboard, including beer, wine, cocktails, and mango daiquiris.
Is there a dress code?
Comfortable casual attire is fine. Bring warm clothing or a jacket for cooler evenings, and don swimwear if you plan to swim.
Can I participate in the swimming?
Yes, you can use the boom net to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water, weather permitting. Be aware that getting on and off the net may be tricky for some.
Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s generally suitable for those able to board and disembark independently. Children and seniors should be comfortable in a boat setting and be okay with outdoor elements.
Can I do this tour if I have mobility limitations?
Unfortunately, no. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those requiring assistance with boarding or disembarking.
What about the weather?
The cruise relies on good weather for safety and enjoyment. If weather conditions are poor, you might find the cruise postponed or canceled, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the experience worth the price?
Most reviewers feel it offers good value, especially considering the scenic views, friendly service, and included transfers. The opportunity to see wildlife and enjoy a relaxed evening on the water makes it a memorable part of your Broome trip.
In summary, Broome’s Iconic Catamaran Sunset Cruise offers a delightful combination of natural beauty, engaging activity, and friendly service at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for those wanting a memorable, relaxing evening with a touch of adventure—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to add a special moment to their Broome adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here: