by Monkey Mia, on the east coast of Shark Bay, Western Australia, is a top tourist spot for wild dolphins, marine life, turquoise water and white sand beaches. This seaside town offers a memorable experience with daily dolphin appearances, stunning coastlines and endless activities. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a nature nerd, Monkey Mia has something for everyone!
Monkey Mia Dolphins
One of the main attractions in Monkey Mia Reserve is the dolphin experience. Lucky visitors can see resident dolphins popping up in the shallow water during the feeding sessions run by rangers. The feeding program is designed to have a minimum impact on the dolphins’ natural behaviour.
Tip: Book a Monkey Mia tour that includes this wildlife experience and other activities in the area.
Monkey Mia Beach
The beach at Monkey Mia has calm blue water perfect for swimming and sunbathing. With shallow water it’s a great spot for families with kids. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while taking in the Indian Ocean views.
Shark Bay Scenic Flight
For a bird’s eye view, book a Shark Bay Scenic Flight with Shark Bay Aviation. From up high you’ll see the array of blues in the ocean, spot sharks, manta rays and even see Steep Point, Australia’s most western point.
Flight options:
- 2 hour flight for the full tour
- 30 minute drive from Monkey Mia to Shark Bay Airport for departure
Francois Peron National Park
A 30 minute drive from Monkey Mia is Francois Peron National Park a 4wd paradise. Red cliffs meet turquoise water, a photographer’s dream.
Things to do:
- Kayak Big Lagoon
- Visit Peron Homestead for an Aboriginal culture experience
- Spot wildlife emus and kangaroos
Many Monkey Mia tours include a stop at Francois Peron National Park so you can explore the unique landscapes of Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
In Hamelin Pool these 3,500 million year old stromatolites are some of the oldest life forms on earth. The activity of stromatolites is a rare look at early life on earth.
Fun fact: Hamelin Pool is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shark Bay.
Coastal Loop Adventure
The Coastal Loop has some of the most spectacular views in North West Australia. Must see’s include:
- Eagle Bluff – Great for spotting shark species in the shark population below.
- Zuytdorp Cliffs – Rugged landscapes.
- Useless Loop – A salt mining town with stunning views.
If you are coming from Perth consider booking Perth tours that include Monkey Mia tours so you can see these coastal wonders easily.
Ocean Park Aquarium
For a close up look at marine life visit Ocean Park Aquarium and see shark species, manta rays and other animal life. The guides will tell you about the local shark population and conservation efforts in Shark Bay Marine Park.
Best for: Families looking for holiday fun with accessible facilities.
Cruise Around Nature on the Aristocat 2
Join a 1.5-hour cruise on the Aristocat 2 and cruise around Shark Bay Marine Park. You might see friendly dolphins, dugongs, and turtles.
Best cruise options:
- Sunset cruise for amazing views
- Wildlife cruise to see marine life
Many Monkey Mia tours include these cruises so its easy to see the marine life of the area.
Pinnacles National Park on the Way
If you’re driving from Perth to Monkey Mia a stop at Pinnacles National Park is a must. The Pinnacles National Park tour takes you through the unique limestone formations that create a surreal desert landscape.
Tour Tip: Many Pinnacles Tours include stops at Monkey Mia so you can see both in one trip.
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
For a comfortable stay the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort offers accommodation in Monkey Mia from budget rooms to beachfront villas. Bathroom facilities and full range of amenities available.
Included Meals: Breakfast is available with your booking.
Dolphins of Monkey Mia Research Foundation
For those interested in marine conservation a visit to the Dolphins of Monkey Mia Research Foundation is a must. Learn about the great work done to protect wild dolphins and their habitat.
Final Thoughts
Monkey Mia in Western Australia is a must see if you want an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature, marine life and adventure. Whether you’re having the dolphin experience, a scenic flight, cultural tours or water skiing there’s no shortage of things to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Monkey Mia?
Monkey Mia is located in Shark Bay, Western Australia and is a 10 hour drive from Perth or a 2 hour flight to Shark Bay Airport. Many visitors also do Perth tours that include Monkey Mia.
When is the best time to visit Monkey Mia?
The best time to visit Monkey Mia is from April to October when the weather is mild and marine life, including friendly dolphins are more active.
Do I need to pay entrance fees to visit Monkey Mia?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter Monkey Mia Reserve which helps support conservation and the dolphin feeding program.
Can I swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
No, swimming with the dolphins is not allowed to have a minimal impact on their natural behavior. But you can watch them up close during the feeding sessions.
What other attractions can I visit near Monkey Mia?
Besides Monkey Mia Beach and the dolphins you can visit Francois Peron National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Ocean Park Aquarium and Eagle Bluff. Many Monkey Mia tours include these in their itineraries.
