Willie Pearl Lugger Cruises
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Join us for an afternoon cruising the crystal blue waters off Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay aboard one of Australia’s oldest operating Pearl Luggers, ‘Willie’. Learn about the pearling history, which put Broome on the map, and get your feet wet as you board Willie for an afternoon of fun and relaxation. You can jump in the boom nets, help pull up the sails or just take in the incredible sunset with a drink in hand.
Willie Cruises and its experienced crew offers people the opportunity to experience the blue waters of Broome in Australia’s north west aboard ‘Willie’, the last operating pearl lugger in Australia. ‘Willie’, a 67’ Gaff Rig Schooner modelled on the designs of early 1900 pearl luggers was built to fish for mother of pearl shell Pinctada Maxima, the shell which put Broome on the map and shaped the history of the region as it is today.
Sailing between Roebuck Bay and the idyllic Cable Beach, ‘Willie’ allows you to see how a traditional gaff rigged sailing vessel operates with all sails heaved up manually just as our forefathers did, whilst taking in the beautiful sunset. With plenty of comfortable seating options aboard, anyone can enjoy the calm waters and natural beauty of the coastline surrounding Broome.
To make your cruise with us completely stress free we will pick you up in our courtesy bus from your location and give you a brief tour and history on route to the beach. Once there you will be able to kick off your shoes and feel the beautiful sand of Cable Beach, and wet your feet in the warm Indian Ocean as you make your way to our waiting tender which will transfer you to ‘Willie’.
You can completely relax hearing stories of the rich history and culture of the area, and enjoy the delightful complimentary food served by our crew and chilled beverages of your choice from our well stocked open deck bar. Our crew will happily point out the abundance of marine life from turtles, seas snakes, dolphins and the mighty humpback whale, to dugongs, manta rays and the plethora of pelagic fish – all in a day aboard Willie Cruises.
Book online below for Broome 2025 season from April 20th onwards
Cancellation Policy:
• Broome Sunset Cruises: cancellations made more than forty-eight (48) hours prior to departure date may be made without penalty and a full refund will be given to the customer. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of departure date will result in loss of total costs.
• Broome & Perth Private Charters: cancellations made more than six(6) months prior to departure date (as logged in operator’s booking system) may be made without penalty and a full refund will be given to the customer. Cancellations made within six (6) months of departure will result in loss of specified deposit and cancellations made within two (2) weeks prior to departure will result in loss of total costs.
The operator has the right to retain all deposits received up to the amount of the cancellation fee and invoices will be issued for any further amounts outstanding.
• Weather Cancellations: cancellations made by the operator due to weather conditions will entitle the customer to a full refund of the Fare Price. Please note that if the customer made the booking for a cruise or private charter through a booking agent all refunds of deposits and booking fees are to be obtained directly from the booking agent. Such booking agent may at their discretion retain a booking fee less than or equal to 100% of the total price.
• Other Cancellations: cancellations may be made at the operator’s discretion due to mechanical breakdowns which may result in the vessel being unable to operate. If this occurs the customer will receive a full refund of Fare Price. Please note that if the customer made the booking for a cruise or private charter through a booking agent all refunds of deposits and booking fees are to be obtained directly from the booking agent. Such booking agent may at their discretion retain a booking fee less than or equal to 100% of the total price.
• Failure to Board: It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that they arrive on time at the nominated point of pick up by the courtesy bus or for the departure of the tender for boarding of the vessel. Failure to do so will mean that the passenger forfeits the full fare price to the operator.