Broome to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventure

This tour promises an unforgettable peek into one of Western Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders — the Horizontal Falls. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an experience packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and top-notch service.

What truly impresses us? The scenic seaplane flight, the thrilling boat ride through the falls, and the delicious onboard meals. These highlights combine to create a well-rounded day of exploration in the Kimberley.

One thing to consider is the price point of around $986 per person, which might seem high at first glance, but when you factor in the inclusions—flights, boat rides, meals, and exclusive access—the value becomes clearer.

This experience is undoubtedly best suited for travelers seeking a day of adventure, stunning landscapes, and a taste of remote Australian wilderness. If you’re after a mix of adrenaline, natural beauty, and comfortable small-group travel, this tour is likely to tick those boxes.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Scenic Flights: Enjoy a round-trip seaplane journey offering breathtaking views of Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque.
• Thrilling Boat Ride: Experience the fastest boat in the Kimberley for an exhilarating ride through Horizontal Falls.
• All-Inclusive Meals: Have a cooked breakfast or Barramundi BBQ lunch on a floating pontoon, served with tea or coffee.
• Authentic Small-Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.
• Expert Guides and Safety: Knowledgeable guides, safety briefings, and professional crew make the trip both fun and secure.
• Unmatched Natural Beauty: Untouched bays, creek systems, and the iconic Horizontal Falls make for unforgettable photo ops.

The Full Experience: What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Seaplane Flight

Your day begins with hotel pickup (most likely included, as reviews mention it). You’ll be transported to the seaplane base where the adventure kicks off. The scenic seaplane flight is the highlight for many, offering eagle-eye views of the Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque. Reviewers consistently mention how “beautiful” and “spectacular” the scenery looks from above, with some noting that the pilot (names like Dana and Papa John come up) makes the experience both smooth and informative.

The flight is not just about the views; it’s an experience in itself. Expect to see the rugged coastline, tidal flats, and vast waters that define the Kimberley landscape. The flight duration is approximately 30-40 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the grandeur without feeling rushed.

Horizontal Falls Boat Ride

After landing in Talbot Bay, you’ll hop onto the fastest boat in the Kimberley, a turbo-powered vessel that offers adrenaline-pumping rides through the falls. According to reviews, the boat is “so fast,” and guides like Callum and Ben are praised for their knowledge and professionalism. The boat ride through the falls is where the tour earns its “thrilling” reputation—expect churning waters, close encounters with the natural phenomenon, and plenty of opportunities for photos.

The boat is equipped with safety gear, and the crew is described as “very safe” and friendly, making even the most nervous travelers comfortable. It’s important to note that the boat ride might not be suitable for women more than 26 weeks pregnant, so pregnant travelers should check with their doctors first.

Relaxing Bay Cruising and Marine Encounters

Following the adrenaline rush, the tour softens its pace with a cruise around the calm bays and creeks surrounding the falls. This part of the trip lets you soak in the scenery, spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of this remote wilderness.

A unique feature here is the opportunity to swim in a marine viewing platform free from sharks and crocodiles—something many reviewers found “amazing” and “less nerve-wracking” than expected. Fish feeding and shark cage swims are also offered, with some guests noting how “up close” the experience is, thanks to the guide’s expertise.

Meals and Refreshments

The tour thoughtfully includes meals that elevate the experience. Depending on your departure time, you’ll enjoy either a cooked breakfast or a Barramundi BBQ lunch. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food and the service. The breakfast is described as “excellent,” with good coffee, and the lunch on the pontoon is seen as a highlight—fresh, tasty, and beautifully served.

Scenic Return Flight

After a full morning of adventures, you’ll board the seaplane again for the return trip to Broome. Passengers often mention how “spectacular” the views are on the way back, especially around sunset if timing aligns. The flight provides a relaxed end to an action-packed day, with many saying it’s a perfect way to see the Kimberley from above.

The Value of This Tour

While the price might seem steep, the inclusions justify it. You get a seaplane flight, boat ride, meals, and guided attention, all in a small-group setting. Many reviewers describe this as a “great value” for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially considering the remote wilderness and the number of activities packed into a half-day.

It’s also noteworthy that this tour offers personalized attention with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring you get more than just a rushed group experience. The knowledgeable guides and pilots, praised for their professionalism and friendliness, add a layer of comfort and education that many travelers value highly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure suits travelers who crave a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty, along with a desire to tick off a bucket list item. It’s perfect for:

• Adventure seekers wanting a thrilling boat ride and scenic flight
• Nature lovers eager to witness the spectacular Kimberley landscape
• Those looking for a well-organized, small-group experience with excellent guides
• Food lovers who appreciate good meals in remote locations
• Photographers eager for unbeatable scenery shots from both air and sea

It’s ideal for those with a moderate level of fitness, as swimming and boat rides are involved, but the trip is accessible for most. Families with children over 4 years old are welcome, though pregnant women should obtain medical advice beforehand.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At approximately $986 per person, this experience offers significant value considering all inclusions.
• Duration: Around 6 hours, from pickup to drop-off, ideal for a half-day adventure.
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 12 travelers mean more personalized attention.
• Timing: Morning or afternoon departures are available, so choose based on your schedule and preference for lighting (e.g., sunset flights are often praised).
• Clothing: Closed-toe footwear is required, and lightweight, quick-drying clothing is recommended.
• Weight Restrictions: Maximum weight per person is 120 kg (265 lbs), so be prepared to provide your weight at booking.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended for women over 26 weeks pregnant without prior medical approval.
• Weather Dependency: The tour relies heavily on good weather; cancellations are possible, but you’ll be offered another date or a full refund if that happens.

The Sum Up

This tour truly delivers on its promise of adventure, scenery, and exclusivity. The seaplane flight offers some of the best views in the Kimberley, while the boat ride through Horizontal Falls is as exhilarating as it sounds. The added treats of meals on the pontoon and marine encounters round out a well-organized experience.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adrenaline, comfort, and spectacular sights, this trip is a strong choice. It’s especially suited for those who value small-group interactions, professional guides, and authentic wilderness experiences in a remote part of Australia.

While the price might give some pause, most reviewers agree the value of the experience—viewing one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena—makes it worthwhile. This is more than a tour; it’s a chance to see a true natural wonder from multiple perspectives, all wrapped up in a carefully curated adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most reviews mention hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start and end of your day smooth and hassle-free.

How long is the total tour?
Approximately 6 hours from pickup to return, which is enough time for all activities without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Remember, you’ll be on boats and planes, so quick-drying clothes are ideal.

Are meals included?
Yes, a cooked breakfast or Barramundi BBQ lunch is included, served on a floating pontoon with tea and coffee.

What are the safety measures?
Guides and crew are praised for their professionalism and safety consciousness, with safety gear provided for boat rides. Seaplane safety is assured by experienced pilots.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim in a marine viewing platform that’s shark and crocodile free. Some reviews found this to be a highlight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 4 years old. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this Broome to Horizontal Falls adventure offers a remarkable way to experience the Kimberley’s natural wonders. It blends breathtaking flights, adrenaline-packed boat rides, and serene cruising—all curated in a small-group setting for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re after a bucket list highlight or a memorable family outing, this tour delivers a truly distinctive taste of Australia’s wild beauty.