Nicknamed 'the Horries' and known as Garaanngaddim to the Aboriginal community, the Horizontal Falls are located in the Lang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park. The North Lalang-garram Marine Park lies between Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park and the North Kimberley Marine Park and covers about 110,000 hectares. Lalang-garram is a Dambimangari name that evokes the saltwater as a spiritual place of great natural abundance.
A unique experience which demonstrates the awesome power of the Kimberley tides.
The second largest tides in the Southern Hemisphere push huge amounts of water through two narrow passages, creating the horizontal waterfall effect. This one-of-a-kind waterfall attraction is not accessible by road or vehicle. To experience it, opt for half-day or full-day seaplane tours, full day cruise, overnight stays, helicopter flights, or small plane tours.
Additionally, you might choose to experience one 'leg' of the journey by 4WD bus, enjoying the sights of the Dampier Peninsula along the way. These are full day Fly/Drive or Drive/Fly tours and include a visit to Beagle Bay and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. It is always a great idea to call the Broome Visitor Centre on 08 9195 2200 to explain the various options for your preferred travel dates.
Horizontal waterfall in the Buccaneer Archipelago
The Lang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, specifically within Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Get up close to the beauty of the Kimberley with a multi-day, extended cruise that includes a visit to Talbot Bay, or visit by seaplane and land at the Horizontal Falls floating pontoon base to enjoy a thrilling boat ride close to the rushing water torrents. Guests can also choose to get close to the Horizontal Falls with a day cruise departing Broome or Cygnet Bay.
Common questions about Horizontal Falls tours
How do you get to Horizontal Falls?
Most visitors fly into Broome, our beautiful coastal town located around 220 kilometres away from the Horizontal Falls.
Tours depart from Broome, Derby and Cygnet Bay.
Departures from Broome, you can join a half day, full day or overnight stay with travel options including seaplane, 4WD/seaplane, scenic flights by small plane, helicopter or a day cruise by boat. Some (limited) Ex-Broome tours may include a bus transfer to Derby to join the tour departing from the Derby base. The day cruise includes a bus transfer from Broome to the vessel departure at Cygnet Bay or you can also choose to meet the cruise departure at Cygnet Bay.
Departures from Derby, which is closer to the Horizontal Falls, include seaplane tours with a landing at talbot bay, scenic flights by small plane or larger Cessna depending on booking numbers (either a non-stop or half day/full day with a landing at Cygnet Bay) and also non-stop tours by helicopter,
Departures from Cygnet Bay include the day cruise, Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Cygnet Bay, Horizontal Falls Highlights ex Derby (by helicopter),
How long does the flight to the Horizontal Falls take?
The time varies depending on on whether you choose a scenic flight option or a seaplane adventure. For seaplane adventures, the flight from Broome to Talbot Bay lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the flight from Derby takes around 40 minutes.
Scenic flight options include full day tours and half day tours by small plane. These vary in length and duration. The full day and half day options usually include a landing near Cygnet Bay or Ardyaloon (not at the Talbot Bay base).
We also have a non-stop flyover options, without a landing. This is great for those who are short on time - usually around 2.5 hours in duration.
Helicopter flights (fly-overs) are also available departing from Broome and Derby. Max 3 guests.
What does AM or PM mean?
Half day seaplane tours are available to depart in the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM).
What time do the half day tours depart?
For Ex Broome tours in the morning AM: pickups from 5am, depart 6am and return by ~11am (drop offs 11am - 11.30am).
For Ex Broome tours in the afternoon PM: pickups from 11am, depart 12pm and return ~5pm (drop offs from 5pm - 5.30pm).
For Ex Derby half day tours: pickups from 7.45am, depart 8.30am and return ~2pm (drop offs from 2.-2.15pm).
For Ex Cygnet Bay half day tours: meet at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm reception 7.45am, departure 8.30am and return ~2pm.
Can I do a full day tour by road only?
No, as the seaplane adventures base in Talbot Bay is a floating pontoon, and is not accessible by road. However, there is a Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula Tour that offers a Fly/Drive or Drive/Fly option. This full day tour allows you to fly from Broome by seaplane direct to Talbot Bay, and return to Broome by 4WD bus, via the Dampier Peninsula. This tour is also available in reverse Drive there/Fly back. Tour inclusions are the same for both full day tours, and it comes down to your preference to fly in the morning or afternoon (and availability of course). The overland portion of the trip includes a visit and tour of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, and also a stop at Beagle Bay to see the famous Mother of Pearl Church.
What food and drink is available on a seaplane adventure?
For full day seaplane tours, breakfast and lunch are included.
For half day tours departing Broome, either breakfast or lunch is provided depending on your departure (AM or PM).
For half day tours departing from Derby, lunch is provided.
For half day tours departing Cygnet Bay, lunch is provided.
For safety reasons, no alcohol is to be consumed on day or half day tours.
--For overnight stays--
This operator has recently been granted new liquor licence for our main pontoon flotilla, as well as Jetwave Pearl houseboat, which houses luxury tour guests.
Horizontal Falls Overnight tour (main pontoon) Bar opens at 5pm. Local beers, premium WA wines and basic spirits available for purchase. Guests are required to bring credit/debit card for purchases, cash is not accepted. BYO is no longer allowed.
Luxury Overnight Stay (Jetwave Pearl) All inclusive – alcoholic beverages included in the tour and served during evening service only. Local beers, premium WA wines and basic spirits are complimentary. Glass of Bollinger (French) Champagne served during pre-dinner drinks service. BYO is no longer allowed.
What is the minimum age for a seaplane adventure to the horizontal falls?
Children must be four years or older.
Passenger weights for seaplanes?
Maximum of 120kgs and minimum of 15kgs.
Do these tours cater to dietary requirements?
Yes, one of the steps in our booking process is to ensure your dietary needs are advised. Online, you will be asked to enter your dietary needs for each guest before you checkout.
Are marine park fees included?
For seaplane tours and the day cruise, the marine park fees are included in the tour price.
Can I swim at the Horizontal Falls?
No. The seaplane tours offer a swimming experience in the onboard marine viewing platform to see the local Tawny Nurse Sharks safely. Be sure to pack a towel and swimwear/change of clothes.
Do tours operate on neap tides?
Seaplane tours do not operate during neap tides.
Day cruises and scenic flights over the falls do operate on neap tides.
Below are the neap tide dates for 2025 marked in red = no seaplane tours available on these dates.
Green indicates mid tides and tours will operate. During mid tides dates, the tidal movements are different to spring tides and there is not as much white wash but the flow is still there, making for a scenic boat cruise and an opportunity to take in spiritual and historical significance of the area in a more relaxed setting. Water movement may be slow, from time-to-time, even on dates not designated as ‘mid tide’ dates due to the changing times of daily tidal movements. Even so, the Horizontal Falls is a natural phenomenon which is dependent on tides. The experience differs from day-to-day and time-to-time. Although your Tour will include a power boat experience through the location of the Horizontal Falls, we cannot guarantee and we expressly disclaim any guarantee that your Tour through the Horizontal Falls will be at a time when water movement is to your preference.
Scenic flights, helicopter tours, day cruises and more will operate on dates that may include mid or neap tides.
Update: Last day of the season for seaplane tours is now 29 October 2025.
How long does the day cruise by boat take to get to the Horizontal Falls?
The day cruise to Horizontal Falls typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the falls, depending on the departure point and the specific route taken. The journey often includes scenic views of the stunning coastline, gorges, and other natural landmarks along the way.
What accommodation is available at the Horizontal Falls base in Talbot Bay?
For luxury overnight stays (by seaplane) you will enjoy an air-conditioned ensuite cabin on board the Jetwave Pearl. For overnight stays (by seaplane), an air-conditioned cabin on the houseboat or Barrashack is provided. Overnight stays at Cygnet Bay may also be available - please get in touch with the Broome Visitor Centre if you are wanting a package.
What meals are included in the DAY CRUISE option?
4-Course breakfast and 7-Course degustation lunch. The day cruise offers a kids menu, alternative menu and the standard menu. There is also a licensed bar onboard. Selected premium beverages are included in the day cruise.
What type of boat is the DAY CRUISE on?
The day cruise vessel Ohana is a purpose-built (84 foot) luxury expedition vessel. Off-boat excursions are in a state-of-the-art Australian military-built speed boat.
Do I get to go through the falls by boat?
Please note that Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure boats only traverse the wider gap (first set of Falls) and do not go through the narrow gap (second set of Falls) however guests will see the narrow gap at a safe distance. Terms and conditions apply for all tours, and ultimately conditions need to be safe for the operator to go through the gap.
Do I get to go through the falls by boat on the DAY CRUISE?
The day cruise expedition vessel will get 'up close' to the falls, but does not go through either gap.
When do DAY CRUISES usually commence for the 2025 season?
First cruise is scheduled for 4 April 2025. Check with us for any updates.
When do DAY CRUISES usually conclude for the 2025 season?
Last cruise is scheduled for 4 October 2025. Check with us for any updates.
Where do the DAY CRUISE depart from?
You can choose to depart from Broome, with a scenic drive by bus to meet the tour departure at Cygnet Bay. Or, you can choose to depart from Cygnet Bay.
When do SEAPLANE TOURS usually start for the 2025 season?
Bookings are open from 16th March 2025 onwards for the below tours
- Broome to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventure AM (morning)
Bookings are open from 25th April 2025 onwards for the below tours
- Broome to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventure PM (afternoon)
- Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula Tour Fly/Drive
- Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula Tour Drive/Fly
- Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury Stay ex Derby
- Horizontal Falls Luxury Overnight Stay ex Broome via Derby
Bookings are open from 9th May 2025 onwards for the below tours
- Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Broome
- Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Cygnet Bay
- Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Derby
- Cygnet Bay to Horizontal Falls Half Day Adventures
When do SEAPLANE TOURS usually conclude for the 2025 season?
Usually late October or early November. Check with us for any updates.
Book and extended or luxury Kimberley Cruise that includes a visit to the Horizontal Waterfalls!
The Broome Visitor Centre are the Kimberley cruise experts and we can tell you which extended, multi day cruises include the Horizontal Waterfalls. Whether you get up close and cruise by or participate in the tour, a luxury cruise will show you much of this beautiful region. Cruises departing from Broome and also travelling to Broome are available. Email or call us to learn more. We keep track of all cruise availability and cabin types, pricing and much more....
Book your tours locally at the Broome Visitor Centre
Booking with the Broome Visitor Centre ensures expert advice relating to Horizontal Falls tours. Our friendly team will make sure you’re well-informed, gather all the necessary details, and offer advice to enhance your tour experience.
Call the Broome Visitor Centre on 08 9195 2200 or email our team [email protected]
