A Hands-On Adventure in Broome: The Crabbing & Wildlife Cruise
If you’re heading to Broome and looking for something a little different, this Broome’s only Crabbing Adventure & Wildlife Cruise promises a memorable mix of wildlife spotting, hands-on crabbing, and stunning coastal views. While I haven’t personally done it, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions highlight how it can be a fantastic experience—especially if you enjoy being out on the water and trying your hand at catching your own seafood.
What really appeals is the chance to cruise through Roebuck Bay on a comfortable catamaran, soaking in the scenery while learning about local wildlife and catching Kimberley Mud Crabs. Plus, the onboard treats like snacks, coffee, and freshly cooked crab make this more than just a boat trip—it’s a culinary adventure too.
One thing to keep in mind is that, like many outdoor tours, weather conditions play a part; cancellations due to weather are possible but are handled with full refunds or rescheduling. Given the small group size—max 14 people—you’ll get a more personal, engaging experience, which can be a real plus.
This tour is ideal for travelers who love a mix of nature, activity, and good food, especially if you’re curious about local wildlife or want a fun, interactive way to spend half a day. It’s not specifically tailored for families with very young children, but older kids with an interest in wildlife and boating could enjoy it too.
Key Points
- All-inclusive experience with snacks, coffee/tea, and freshly cooked mud crab included.
- Small group size (max 14) for a more personal and relaxed vibe.
- Five-hour duration offers a well-paced taste of Broome’s waters and wildlife.
- Hands-on crabbing with expert guidance, making it engaging and educational.
- Wildlife spotting includes dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, and sea snakes.
- Courtesy transfers from and to your accommodation make logistics smoother.
What makes this tour stand out?
This crabbing and wildlife cruise offers a genuine taste of Broome’s coastal environment. You’ll start your adventure with a hotel pick-up, which is a real convenience—no stress about finding your way to the boat. Once aboard the 42-foot catamaran, known for its stability and comfort, you’re in for a treat of breathtaking views over Roebuck Bay.
The route takes you through Roebuck Bay Marine Park, where the views of mangroves, Pindan rock formations, and turquoise waters are captivating. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot marine life like snubfin dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, and even sea snakes, making the trip as much about wildlife observation as it is about crabbing.
Planning more time in Broome? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The crabbing experience
The core of the tour is the hands-on crabbing. You’ll learn how to place and pull crab pots in the mangrove creek system—an activity that’s both fun and a little suspenseful. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of activity and want to get their hands dirty. One guest said, “I enjoyed putting in the pots, pulling the pots, and the excitement of wondering if we had caught a crab.”
Your crew members are experienced and will guide you through the process, making it accessible even if you’ve never crabbled before. The highlight? Pulling the pots and discovering your catch—there’s a genuine thrill in seeing whether your efforts pay off. As one reviewer put it, “We caught 7 keeper crabs on our trip, and the fresh crab was delicious.”
The onboard feast and drinks
Once your crabs are collected, they’re cooked onboard with a signature chili-tomato sauce. It’s a pretty special moment to enjoy your freshly caught seafood, especially since the crab is served hot and seasoned just right—many reviews rave about the taste. You’ll also be treated to morning tea, which includes fresh fruit, croissants, and your choice of tea, coffee, or juice.
For those who wish, there’s a licensed bar offering cocktails, letting you unwind and take in the stunning scenery. The combination of good food, drinks, and beautiful surroundings makes for a relaxing yet engaging experience.
The vibe and group size
One of the things that stand out is the small group aspect—up to 14 people, which keeps things intimate and friendly. You’ll get more personalized attention and likely more interaction. Reviewers mention enjoying the crew’s friendliness and expertise, describing them as “top class.”
Practicalities and logistics
The tour lasts around five hours, making it a good half-day activity that balances adventure and relaxation. The courtesy bus transfers are a thoughtful touch, removing the hassle of logistics. The price point at $179 seems fair considering the inclusions—crab, snacks, drinks, and the memorable hands-on experience.
While the price is modest, it’s worth noting that the tour offers genuine value, especially with the opportunity to learn crabbing techniques and enjoy a delicious seafood meal you contributed to catching.
The downsides and considerations
Weather can impact the tour, which is common for outdoor activities. One guest shared their disappointment when the trip was canceled due to weather—an unavoidable risk. Also, as with any small-group experience, it might fill up quickly, so booking in advance is wise.
While the tour isn’t explicitly designed for children, families with older kids interested in wildlife and boating might find it enjoyable. It’s probably less suitable for very young kids due to the activity level and outdoor setting.
Who is this tour best suited for?
If you’re someone who enjoys interactive activities, loves wildlife, and wants to taste fresh seafood that you’ve helped catch, this tour will hit the mark. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging half-day out on the water, with plenty of opportunities to learn and explore.
Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to spot dolphins and other sea creatures, while foodies will enjoy the onboard crab feast. If you’re traveling with friends or a small family and appreciate a personal touch, the small group setting enhances the experience.
This tour is also a good pick if you like to try local activities—crabbing is a uniquely Broome experience, and doing it on a boat with expert guides makes it all the more memorable.
Final thoughts
This crabbing voyage in Broome offers much more than just catching crabs. It’s about soaking in the spectacular scenery, learning about the local ecosystem, and enjoying a fresh seafood meal you helped create. The combination of wildlife spotting, hands-on activity, and good food makes for a well-rounded adventure that’s both fun and educational.
The small-group setting, friendly crew, and inclusion of snacks and drinks make it feel more like visiting friends than a typical tour. It’s a great option for travelers who want a genuine, active, and tasty experience that captures the essence of Broome’s waters.
If you’re after a laid-back, authentic taste of local life on the water—this tour is likely to deliver. Just keep an eye on the weather and book ahead to secure your spot.
Broome’s only Crabbing Adventure & Wildlife Cruise
“An amazing day, friendly crew and a great group of potential crabbers. I enjoyed putting in the pots, pulling the pots and the excitement of wonde…”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered—just confirm if your accommodation is on the list when booking.
What’s included in the tour?
All necessary crabbing equipment and bait, morning tea, snacks, tea/coffee, and freshly cooked Kimberley Mud Crab are included.
Are drinks available onboard?
Yes, there is a licensed bar serving cocktails, along with tea, coffee, and juice. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.
How long does the tour last?
Plan for around five hours, which covers cruising, crabbing, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the onboard meal.
Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children interested in wildlife and boating may enjoy it. Very young children might find it less suitable.
What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 people, making it an intimate experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour might be canceled if weather conditions are unsafe. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This Broome crabbing adventure is a genuine and enjoyable way to spend half a day, especially if you like hands-on activities, wildlife, and fresh seafood. It combines education, fun, and relaxation in a way that many travelers have found memorable.