Buccaneer Explorer – Dry Season

If you’re considering a trip to Broome and want a way to truly see the highlights of this remote and rugged part of Australia, the Buccaneer Explorer tour might just be a highlight of your visit. This small-group flight tour promises an impressive mix of aerial views, cultural insights, and natural wonders—all wrapped into about six hours of adventure. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it’s clear this experience offers a unique peek into one of the world’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

What really appeals about this tour are two things in particular: first, the spectacular views from the air—especially of the Horizontal Falls, which many call a natural wonder—and second, the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture at the Ardyaloon Hatchery. While the price of around $616 per person isn’t cheap, many travelers find it worthwhile given the quality of the sights and the expert guides. A small caveat? Since it’s a half-day tour, it’s not the best option if you’re chasing a full-day adventure or looking for a very relaxed pace. But if you’re after a compact, high-impact experience, this one suits travelers who love stunning scenery and are comfortable with flying.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Personal attention and less crowded environments
• Aerial views of iconic sites: Horizontal Falls, Buccaneer Archipelago, Dampier Peninsula coast
• Includes cultural element: Visit to Ardyaloon Hatchery to learn about Aboriginal culture
• Comfortable flight: Typically around four hours of flying with expert pilots
• Value for money: Many reviews praise the scenery and guides, making it worth the cost
• Not ideal for those with limited mobility or fear of flying: Small aircraft and some turbulence may be experienced

What’s Included and How the Day Unfolds

The itinerary is designed to maximize the highlights of this remote part of Australia, and it starts bright and early around 7 am. You’ll meet at the designated pickup point in Broome, and from there, the journey begins with a scenic flight over some of the most inaccessible landscapes in the Kimberley.

Horizontal Falls – The Showstopper

The first stop, and arguably the most talked about, is the Horizontal Falls. These natural phenomena have been called one of the 8th wonder of the world by David Attenborough, and from the air, it’s easy to see why. The tour includes about 5 minutes dedicated to flying over and circling the falls, offering a bird’s-eye view of the rushing water squeezing through narrow gaps in the cliffs.

Many reviews rave about this part of the trip. For instance, one guest states, “Spectacular scenery & good commentary by pilot also spotted several pods of whales quite a long time in a small plane which got very warm inside on the trip home.” The experience of seeing these massive water flows from above is truly unlike anything else.

Buccaneer Archipelago – A Thousand Islands

Next, you’ll fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 1,000 islands made of ancient Precambrian sandstone. This landscape looks like something from a movie set—rugged, dramatic, and surprisingly varied. The flight offers continuous visual treats, with the chance to snap photos of the islands, the coastlines, and the vibrant waters.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm & Indigenous Culture

From the air, you’ll overfly Cape Leveque, known for its striking red cliffs. Here, you’ll land at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, where a brief 3-minute Pearl Discovery Tour provides insight into the history of pearling in the region. Many reviews highlight this as a “well worth it” addition—an opportunity to learn about one of Australia’s most sought-after products and the local industry.

Following the pearl farm, the tour continues with a coastal flight back to Broome, skimming over bays, beaches, and landmarks like Beagle Bay and Willie Creek Pearl Farm. This part of the flight offers stunning views of Broome’s famous Cable Beach and the surrounding coastline, perfect for those who love scenic drives but from the sky.

Optional Swim and Lunch at Jologo Beach

While the main focus is on flying and sightseeing, many guests appreciated the chance to refresh with a swim at Jologo Beach—a quiet, beautiful spot where you can relax after a busy morning. The tour also includes a stop at the Indigenous community of Ardyaloon, where you can learn about local culture and enjoy a provided lunch.

The Experience from Reviews

A consistent theme across reviews is the professionalism and friendliness of the pilots and guides. Guest comments like “Our pilot, Aaron, was extremely professional and safe” and “Tom was an excellent pilot and tour guide” show that safety and expertise are prioritized.

Many reviewers rave about the views. “The scenery was just beautiful,” says one, and others mention spotting whales from the plane, the vibrant water colors, and the sweeping coastlines. Some even describe it as “a bucket list experience,” emphasizing how memorable and photogenic the trip is.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer called out that the aircraft was “old and shabby,” though the tour provider responded that they use a reliable, well-maintained aircraft and that their full-day tours are typically 12 hours long—this half-day is about 6 hours total, so it’s a condensed but intense experience.

Another reviewer pointed out that the tour sometimes feels like it’s “padding out the time,” with extra stops at the hatchery and for swimming, which might not appeal to everyone expecting a more straightforward sightseeing flight.

Is it Worth the Price?

At around $616.83 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but many guests feel the experience offers solid value. The combination of aerial landscapes, cultural insights, and the intimacy of a small group adds up to a memorable day. The reviews support that many consider it an “unmissable experience” and “great value for money,” especially given the quality of the scenery and guides.

For those who love photography, the views from above are exceptional—many mention how they were able to get fantastic shots of the falls, coastlines, and wildlife. Plus, the cultural part at the hatchery adds an educational layer that enriches the trip beyond just the scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Want a high-impact overview of the Kimberley and Broome’s highlights
• Are comfortable flying in small aircraft
• Love rare natural wonders like Horizontal Falls
• Appreciate insightful guides and cultural experiences
• Are prepared for a half-day adventure that’s packed with sightseeing

Conversely, if you’re prone to motion sickness, prefer longer, more relaxed days, or are looking for a more physically active experience, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

The Buccaneer Explorer tour offers a compact yet comprehensive way to see some of the Kimberley’s most famous sights from a unique perspective. The combination of aerial views, cultural insight, and the chance to relax at the beach makes it well worth considering if you’re after a memorable, visually stunning adventure.

While it’s priced accordingly, many find it aligns with the quality and exclusivity of the experience—especially those who delight in dramatic landscapes and expert-guided tours. Expect friendly pilots, breathtaking scenery, and a day that feels both adventurous and enriching.

For those who want to tick off a true Australian icon—Horizontal Falls—from their bucket list, this tour delivers on that promise with a high level of professionalism, safety, and awe-inspiring views.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate; however, it involves flying in a small aircraft and some turbulence, so those with severe motion sickness or mobility issues might want to consider this.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the afternoon.

Does the tour include a meal?
Yes, it includes a lunch at the Ardyaloon Hatchery, along with a stop at Jologo Beach for a swim if you wish.

Can I see whales from the plane?
Some guests have spotted whales during the flight, adding to the excitement of the aerial viewing.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The maximum individual passenger weight is 120kg, but age restrictions aren’t specified—best to check with the provider if traveling with children.

What’s the aircraft like?
The tour uses a Cessna Grand Caravan, which is described as reliable and well-maintained. The seating arrangement can vary based on weight and balance, but the experience is designed to offer excellent views.

How many people will be on the tour?
It’s a small-group experience, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are subject to good weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I book?
You can book through Viator or the provider’s site, often well in advance (average booking is 81 days ahead).

Is the tour worth the price?
Many reviews say yes—especially if you value stunning scenery, expert guides, and cultural insights packed into a half-day. It’s considered a top-tier experience in Broome.

If aerial adventure, natural beauty, and cultural discovery appeal to you, the Buccaneer Explorer in Broome is well worth considering. It’s a condensed, but powerful way to see the Kimberley’s highlights—definitely one to add to the short list of must-do trips in Australia’s north-west.