Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Pearl Farm Bay Cruise

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A 1.5 hour scenic cruise through the waters of Cygnet Bay out to the pearling longlines, where the oysters hang beneath the surface growing the next crop of Australian South Sea pearls.

Days

1.5 hours

Age

Children 25 kg and over, with an adult

Group size

4 to 22 people

Start / finish

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm / Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Boat, with an amphibious vessel transfer; make your own way to the pearl farm

Meals

No meals are listed as included; bring your own refreshments

Route

Map of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Pearl Farm Bay Cruise

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Included experiences

Cygnet Bay — scenic cruise
Pearling longlines — see South Sea pearl oysters growing
Skipper commentary — marine life, reefs and tides

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Pearl Farm Bay Cruise

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Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AND BOARDING AT CYGNET BAY

Check in at reception at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, on the Dampier Peninsula about two hours' drive north of Broome. The Brown family has farmed pearls here since 1946, and the bay is named after the Cygnet, the ship that brought the English buccaneer William Dampier to this coast in 1688. Its Bardi Jawi name is Borrgoron. Getting aboard is part of the fun: because the tides here are so big, you may climb into an amphibious boat that drives down the beach and into the water, then step across to the tour boat.

OUT TO THE PEARLING LONGLINES

The skipper heads across the bay to the pearling longlines, rows of floats strung out across the water. Hanging beneath them are panels of Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oyster in the world and the shell behind Australian South Sea pearls. Each oyster has been seeded by hand and spends about two years slowly coating a nucleus in layer after layer of nacre. You see how they're suspended and cared for, and hear why healthy oysters matter to the bay: each one filters seawater all day as it feeds.

TIDES, REEFS AND MARINE LIFE

Cygnet Bay opens onto King Sound, where the tides are among the largest anywhere in the tropics, rising and falling more than ten metres between high and low water. Your skipper explains how those tides shape the reefs, the mangroves and the way the farm works, and talks about the marine life that uses the bay. Keep an eye out for turtles surfacing for air and for dolphins. It's a relaxed trip, so bring a small esky with your own drinks and snacks and enjoy the red cliffs and turquoise water.

BACK TO THE FARM

After your time on the water you return to the farm. If you'd like to see what happens to the oysters once they come out of the bay, the land-based Pearl Farm Harvest Tour pairs well with this cruise and is often booked as a package.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm reception. Check in 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Minimum age: Children must weigh at least 25 kg and be with an adult.
Fitness: A moderate level of agility is needed, as you may board an amphibious vessel and transfer on the water to the tour vessel. Not wheelchair accessible; let us know about specific accessibility needs in advance.
Please note: Weather dependent, with a minimum of 4 seats booked to confirm a departure. If cancelled for weather or minimum numbers, you get a full refund.
Cancellation: No refund for cancellations within 48 hours of the start time.

What to bring

Bottle of water
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera

What is included

Visit to the pearl farm longlines
Scenic cruise of Cygnet Bay
Expert commentary on local marine life, reefs and tidal phenomena from the skippers

Not included

Refreshments — you're welcome to bring a small esky on board

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

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Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

The whole team was fantastic. On the Pearl Farm Bay Cruise we were lucky to see a crocodile sunning herself on a ledge, and the Harvest Tour taught us so much about the bay's pearling history.

Kerrie Smith Verified· Travelled 28th June 2026

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