Tag: Scenic flight

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Destinations New Zealand Oceania Reviews

CAPE REINGA, 90 MILE BEACH, AND MORE – An Exciting Fly/Drive Tour

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February 10, 2025 11:31 am February 10, 2025

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From Bay to Cape: Salt Air’s Scenic Fly/Drive Tour to Cape Reinga Offers a Unique Opportunity to Soar Over Northland’s Coastline and Explore the Iconic Cape. If you’re seeking…

From Bay to Cape: Salt Air’s Scenic Fly/Drive Tour to Cape Reinga Offers a Unique Opportunity to Soar Over Northland’s Coastline and Explore the Iconic Cape.

If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind way to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s Northland, Salt Air’s Cape Reinga fly/drive tour presents an unforgettable adventure. This tour merges the thrill of a scenic flight with the close-up experience of a guided drive, highlighting the region’s best from above and below. From the sweeping vistas of Ninety Mile Beach to the spiritual significance of Cape Reinga, this journey guarantees a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll take a refreshing break at Tapotupotu Bay, one of Northland’s pristine beaches, and experience the exhilarating thrill of sandboarding down the towering dunes at Te Paki. Join me as I guide you through the highlights of this excellent tour, offering insights and tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit to New Zealand’s northernmost point.

About Salt Air

Salt Air is a family business that has been operating since December 1992. Its office is in the picturesque town of Paihia, in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Salt Air offers fixed-wing plane and helicopter tours around Northland (the tip of New Zealand’s North Island).

I booked my tour with Salt Air through Grand Pacific Tours, the company I travelled with through New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Grand Pacific Tours recommended a tour with Salt Air as an optional activity in Paihia for those who wanted a unique view of Northland and the Bay of Islands. That was me!

I chose Salt Air’s Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane, which offered scenic views of Northland’s interior, coast, and islands and an immersive experience at Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga Half Day Tour by Aeroplane with Salt Air

Cape Reinga Half Day Tour fly/drive tour route (Salt Air brochure 2022-2023)

Salt Air picked me up from Paihia Wharf with six other passengers at 12.30 pm. We then drove 20 minutes to Kerikeri Airport to begin our fly/drive tour in a seven-seater (plus pilot) fixed-wing plane.

Leaving Paihia on the 45-minute flight to Cape Reinga, Northland’s lush green hills gave way to the west coast’s famous Ninety Mile Beach, a natural wonder showcasing Northland’s rugged beauty. Despite its name, Ninety Mile Beach is only 55 miles (88 kilometres) long. The beach is an official highway best suited for 4WD vehicles driving on the hard-packed sand. However, on the afternoon of my scenic flight, the beach was deserted of cars and tourist buses.

A view of sea, sand, and scrubland taken from the air.

Aerial view of Ninety Mile Beach on Northland’s west coast.

Landing on a grass runway on a hill, we swapped the plane for a minivan, where our pilot became our driver and tour guide. Now, we began our guided vehicle tour, discovering the best the tip of New Zealand’s North Island had to offer.

Our first stop was at Cape Reinga and the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

Cape Reinga Te Rerenga Wairua is New Zealand’s northernmost accessible point and a place where Māori believe the spirits of the dead depart for their ancestral homeland. This dramatic headland, surrounded by wild coastal landscapes, is where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean currents collide.

Perched at the tip of Cape Reinga, the iconic white lighthouse has been guiding ships through these waters since 1941. Its beacon is visible 35 kilometres out to sea. At 165 metres above sea level, the Cape Reinga Lighthouse provides stunning panoramic views of the vast ocean ahead and the rugged coastline. It is one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.

The walk from the Cape Reinga car park to the lighthouse is 800 metres one way along a wide sealed path. Although it’s described as an easy walk, you should know there are some quite steep sections. Along the way, the walk offers magnificent views of the surrounding ocean and landscape as the lighthouse gradually reveals itself.

Te Werahi Beach, Cape Maria Van Diemen, with Motuopoa Island on the right – view on the walk to Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

A lighthouse on a hill covered with shrubs, blue oceans, and cloudy sky.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, with 360-degree views, appears on the headland.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse with the yellow signpost showing distances to the South Pole, the Equator, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and more.

The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but a visit to the site is a must-do.

A ten-minute drive from Cape Reinga brought us to picturesque Tapotupotu Bay, where we stopped for tea, coffee, and muffins under the shade of native trees. Tapotupotu Bay provided a tranquil contrast to the dramatic landscapes of the cape. Before heading to our next stop, I took a leisurely stroll along the golden sands of Tapotupotu Beach and cooled my feet in the calm waters.

Tapotupotu Bay for afternoon tea and a walk along the picturesque beach.

The final stop before our flight back to Paihia was the Te Paki Sand Dunes, also known as the Giant Sand Dunes. These massive dunes, some towering up to 150 metres, presented an impressive and unexpected contrast to our earlier experiences on this tour. One of the highlights was the opportunity to go sandboarding down the steep slopes of the dunes. Salt Air provides sandboards for its guests.

Sandboarding down the massive Te Paki Sand Dunes.

The one-hour flight back to Paihia took us down Northland’s spectacular east coast, soaring over several beautiful bays, harbours, and stretches of white silica sand against a turquoise sea.

The vast expanses of brilliant white silica sand on Parengarenga Harbour’s shores are among the world’s purest and were once mined for glassmaking. Flying over Parengarenga Harbour was an absolute joy, as it is remote and can only be seen from the air or sea.

Aerial view of the white silica sands of Parengarenga Harbour.

Before turning inland for Kerikeri Airport, we flew over the breathtaking Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands is a stunning coastal paradise. It is home to an impressive archipelago of 144 islands scattered across crystal-clear waters, ranging from small rocky outcrops to larger, verdant landscapes. Renowned for its turquoise waters, golden beaches, and lush greenery, the Bay of Islands is a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Read my blog post for a detailed review of my sky and sea exploration of the Bay of Islands.

An aerial view of several islands in a blue sea.

Flying over Northland’s stunning Bay of Islands.

Salt Air’s Cape Reinga Tour by Aeroplane was an unforgettable adventure, and I highly recommend it. In just 4.5 hours, I experienced an incredible mix of iconic landmarks, rugged coastlines, tranquil bays, and towering sand dunes – all without feeling rushed.

The scenic flights were just as breathtaking as the ground experiences. From soaring over lush mountain ranges to navigating the length of Ninety Mile Beach and following the spectacular east coast, the ever-changing scenery was mesmerising.

I thank Sam, our pilot, driver, and tour guide, for his outstanding job throughout the afternoon. He multitasked with ease, his knowledge of the area was excellent, and his patience with a diverse group of people was commendable. Well done, Sam!

This tour was the perfect way to discover New Zealand’s Northland, combining exhilarating aerial views with immersive on-the-ground experiences. If you’re looking for a unique, action-packed journey, this is the one you can’t miss!

A Unique Perspective

Aerial view of New Zealand’s Northland en route to Cape Reinga.

View from the Salt Air pilot’s window of the Bay of Islands below.

Aerial view of Northland’s mountainous east coast.

Practical Information

Northland, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, features low elevation and close proximity to the sea, resulting in a mild, humid, and quite windy climate. Summers are warm and tend to be humid, while winters remain mild. Rainfall is generally abundant throughout the year, with sporadic heavy downpours. Nevertheless, dry spells can occur, particularly during summer and autumn. Most parts of Northland receive around 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

While in Paihia, I stayed at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, a comfortable, 4-star resort-style hotel just 0.9 kilometres from Paihia Wharf and the heart of the town. The hotel comprises groups of two-story villas with several rooms on each villa’s two levels. There are no lifts to the second floor. So, if you don’t want to carry a bag up a flight of stairs, ask for a ground-floor room.

Salt Air’s Cape Reinga fly/drive tour is more than just a journey; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of New Zealand’s stunning Northland region. Every moment is filled with discovery, from the awe-inspiring aerial views during the scenic flight to the cultural and natural wonders explored on land. The refreshing stop at Tapotupotu Bay offers a serene break amidst the adventure, while the thrill of sandboarding down the Te Paki dunes adds a dash of excitement to the day. This tour seamlessly blends the beauty, history, and adventure of the North, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re seeking a unique and enriching way to explore Cape Reinga, Salt Air’s fly/drive tour is absolutely worth taking.

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. Unless otherwise stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2025.

Which part of this tour sounds most exciting to you – the scenic flight, Cape Reinga Lighthouse, relaxing at Tapotupotu Bay, or sandboarding at Te Paki?

I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Please join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

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Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

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10 min read

Destinations New Zealand Oceania Photo Stories Travel Tips, Info and Resources

BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND: How to Explore its Natural Beauty

Joanna Rath

January 13, 2025 11:38 am January 13, 2025

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From Sky to Sea: 15 Photos to Inspire You to See Northland’s East Coast. Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands is…

From Sky to Sea: 15 Photos to Inspire You to See Northland’s East Coast.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands is a breathtaking destination that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and serene charm. With 144 islands scattered across turquoise waters, this coastal paradise offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

On my trip to New Zealand with Grand Pacific Tours, I had the unforgettable experience of seeing the Bay of Islands from two unique perspectives: soaring above it on a scenic flight and cruising its crystal-clear waters by boat. From spotting the archipelago’s lush islands from the sky to passing through the iconic Hole in the Rock on a boat and stepping onto the golden shores of Urupukapuka Island for a tranquil lunch, every moment was a postcard-perfect memory.

In this blog post, I’ll share my journey through 15 stunning photos that capture the essence of the Bay of Islands. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or simply dreaming of a visit, these images will inspire you to explore one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal regions.

About the Bay of Islands

North Island, New Zealand, showing the Bay of Islands on the northern tip (map courtesy of Grand Pacific Tours).

a portion of a map of New Zealand's North Island showing the Bay of Islands. — Bay of Islands detailed map (Google Maps 2025)

The Bay of Islands is a stunning coastal paradise on the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. Renowned for its turquoise waters, golden beaches, and lush greenery, it’s a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.

The picturesque bay is home to an impressive archipelago of 144 islands scattered across crystal-clear waters. These islands range from small rocky outcrops to larger, verdant landscapes like Urupukapuka Island, which offer swimming, hiking, kayaking, and snorkelling opportunities. The waters are teeming with marine life, making the Bay of Islands a prime spot for dolphin and whale watching.

The Bay of Island’s crowning geological feature is the Hole in the Rock, a dramatic sea cave on Motukokako Island. Centuries of wind and water erosion carved this natural wonder, creating a dramatic passage that boats can navigate during calm seas. Passing through the Hole in the Rock is a must-do Bay of Islands experience and offers a sense of awe at nature’s power.

View of the Hole in the Rock, Motukokako Island, from outside the bay after travelling through it on Fullers Bay of Islands’ “Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise”.

Rich in history, the Bay of Islands is also the cradle of Māori culture and European settlement in New Zealand. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed here. Visitors can explore the nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds to gain insight into the region’s cultural and historical significance.

A flag pole dominates a large expanse of green lawn with islands in a bay in the background.

A view of the Bay of Islands from Waitangi Treaty Grounds. I visited Waitangi Treaty Grounds with Grand Pacific Tours. The visit included a guided tour and time to explore on my own.

Located approximately three hours north of Auckland by car, the Bay of Islands is easily accessible and a gateway to some of the North Island’s most captivating adventures. Whether soaring above its glittering waters on a scenic flight or cruising between its islands by boat, the Bay of Islands promises a journey into the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Soaring Above Paradise: A Scenic Flight Over the Bay of Islands

Aerial view of islands of various sizes in a bay.

New Zealand’s Bay of Islands – a breathtaking aerial panorama!

The scenic flight over New Zealand’s Bay of Islands with Salt Air was an unforgettable experience, offering an unparalleled perspective of this spectacular coastal paradise.

Taking off from Paihia, the heart of the bay, the bay’s dramatic coastline opened up below, with rugged cliffs plunging into the sea and secluded beaches gleaming in the sun. Flying higher, a breathtaking panorama of 144 emerald islands scattered across sparkling turquoise waters unfolded in a mesmerising patchwork of colour.

The flight offered a fabulous perspective of the bay’s vast expanse, where the intricate patterns of the islands, each different from the other, were laid before me. From this vantage point, I could appreciate how the Bay of Islands has captured the hearts of so many visitors. The aerial journey offered a sense of awe and wonder, making it a truly unique way to experience the beauty and grandeur of this remarkable part of New Zealand.

The Bay of Islands’ dramatic coastal landscape is best viewed from the sky.

An image showing green coastal hills with a beach cove.

The Bay of Islands has a subtropical climate. It is dotted with secluded bays and perfect beaches.

Boats are moored in a bay of an island. — One of the many secluded coves in the Bay of Islands accessible only by boat.

A pilot's view of islands in a bay. — The Salt Air pilot has an enviable view of the islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands’ spectacular coastal landscape.

Islands in the Bay – a patchwork of colours.

The Bay of Islands' rugged coastline and islands scattered in the bay.

A scenic flight over the Bay of Islands – a genuinely unique experience.

A Scenic Voyage: Cruise Around the Bay of Islands

Islands of various sizes encircle a large body of water.

On a scenic cruise, the stunning landscape of the Bay of Islands unfolds before you.

A scenic cruise on a purpose-built catamaran through New Zealand’s Bay of Islands with Fullers Bay of Islands’ “Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise” was a captivating journey through one of the country’s most picturesque coastal regions. Departing the delightful town of Paihia, the boat sailed across the calm, turquoise waters past the lush green islands that dot the bay, each with its own unique charm and character.

The cruise sailed past pristine beaches and secluded coves, offering stunning views of the diverse landscapes that make up this natural wonder. Along the way, dolphins played in the boat’s wake and swam beside it.

One of the highlights of the cruise was navigating through the iconic Hole in the Rock, a dramatic sea cave on Motukokato Island. As we passed through this natural formation with its sheer cliffs, the thrill of this close encounter with nature was unforgettable.

Stopping at Otehei Bay on Uruprkapuka Island, the Bay of Islands’ largest island, there was time to relax, walk along the unspoiled beach, and have a delicious lunch at the fully licenced Otehei Bay Café before continuing the scenic cruise.

Throughout the journey, the serene beauty of the Bay of Islands unfolded, creating a peaceful and immersive experience. The cruise offered new sights and perspectives at every turn, making it a perfect way to explore this must-experience destination’s stunning landscapes and marine life.

The Bay of Islands’ 144 islands are dotted across sparkling turquoise waters, each with its unique shape and charm.

A cave has eroded at sea level through the cliff. — Approaching the Hole in the Rock, Motukokako Island, off Cape Brett Peninsula.

Inside a hole in a cliff, with the sea on the other side. — Travelling through the Hole in the Rock on Fullers Bay of Islands’ luxury catamaran.

A sail boat is moored at a beach surrounded by forest.

The Bay of Islands is a paradise for boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, and exploring, with a secluded cove around every corner.

People swimming and sailing at a beach surrounded by several islands.

At Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, we left the cruise for a couple of hours for lunch at Otekei Bay Cafe and to explore the island.

Practical Information

The Bay of Islands has a subtropical climate with generally favourable weather year-round. Summer temperatures average 24°C, while winter temperatures average 16°C. Rain can be severe in the winter months of June, July, and August, with an average of 16 days of rain followed by 11 days of rain in Spring (September, October, and November).

My scenic flight over the Bay of Islands with Salt Air was just a small portion of a half-day scenic tour that also included flying over Ninety Mile Beach on Northland’s west coast, walking to Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea and Indian Ocean meet, afternoon tea at Tapotupotu Bay, and sandboarding down the Te Paki Sand Dunes.

This post has focused on the spectacular Bay of Islands – experiencing it by air and sea. In February 2025, I am covering the rest of the Salt Air tour I took, publishing a post that takes you over Ninety Mile Beach, up to the tip of New Zealand, and more. Stay tuned!

Exploring New Zealand’s Bay of Islands from both the sky and the sea was an unforgettable journey showcasing the region’s unique beauty. Every moment celebrated nature’s miracle, from the awe-inspiring aerial views to the up-close encounters with its iconic islands.

The Bay of Islands offers a fabulous adventure if you want to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s coastal splendour. Whether you take to the skies, cruise through its waters, or simply relax on its golden shores, this destination promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to plan your next trip? Please share your favourite way to explore coastal destinations in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to embark on our next adventure!

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. Unless otherwise stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2025.

Like this post? Save it for Later!

Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

CAPE REINGA, 90 MILE BEACH, AND MORE – An Exciting Fly/Drive Tour. With Salt Air, soar over Northland’s Ninety Mile Beach and the Bay of Islands and explore the iconic lighthouse and Giant Sand Dunes – a truly unforgettable adventure.

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12 min read

Australia Oceania Reviews

HOW TO SEE HORIZONTAL FALLS AND EPIC TIDES, AUSTRALIA

Joanna Rath

August 22, 2022 1:12 pm August 22, 2022

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Take An Amazing Scenic Flight And Awesome Sea Safari Northern Western Australia has some of the best unique experiences you will find in Australia. Air Kimberley’s Cygnet Bay Explorer…

Take An Amazing Scenic Flight And Awesome Sea Safari

Northern Western Australia has some of the best unique experiences you will find in Australia. Air Kimberley’s Cygnet Bay Explorer full-day tour covers several bucket list activities in the Kimberley region. Be prepared for a scenic flight over the Horizontal Waterfalls and the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago, a visit to a hatchery managed by the Bardi-Jawi people, a pearling industry discovery tour and a fast boat cruise amongst giant whirlpools and standing tidal waves in the world’s largest tropical tides. So, where am I taking you? Read on to discover and learn more about your next Australian adventure.

Over the past 12 months, I have tried twice to join a tour over and through Horizontal Falls in Western Australia. However, on both occasions, the company cancelled the tour. The first cancellation in 2021 was because the seaplanes could not take off due to low cloud cover. The second cancellation (June 2022) occurred when a fast boat had an accident going through the Horizontal Waterfalls, and all fast boat tours through the falls were temporarily suspended.

When I recently found myself in Broome again, and my second-attempted pre-booked Horizontal Falls tour was cancelled, I was resigned to my disappointment. However, one day nosing around the resort lobby, I came across an Air Kimberley brochure. I discovered they did a similar full-day tour that included a flyover of the Horizontal Falls and a sea safari, not through Horizontal Falls, as I had wanted, but out to the giant tides off the Kimberley coast.

The Air Kimberley tour cost, at $985.00, was slightly less than what I was to be refunded from the cancelled tour. I figured, what did I have to lose? And I wasn’t returning to Broome for a third attempt at the Horizontal Falls tour.

Air Kimberley’s tour price covered hotel transfers, flights, morning tea and lunch, and third-party tours at Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

So, what did I find in that Air Kimberley brochure? Before I answer that question, you probably wonder why seeing Horizontal Falls was so important to me.

Last year, when organising my first ever trip to the Kimberley in northern Western Australia, Horizontal Falls was on my must-see list for several reasons.

Sir David Attenborough has described the falls as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, and I thought I needed to see this unique natural attraction that deserved such high praise.

The Horizontal Falls are created by a rare ocean phenomenon where powerful, fast-moving 10- to 12-metre-high tidal currents squeeze through two narrow gorges at an astonishing rate, producing waterfalls turned on their side (literally, horizontal). I love waterfalls but have only seen ones with vertical drops. So, I knew I had to see this wonder for myself.

Horizontal Falls is in the Buccaneer Archipelago, an untouched region of more than 1,000 islands off the coast of Western Australia. These largely uninhabited islands are known for their rugged terrain, areas of rainforest, and pristine, white sand beaches – a landscape I was keen to photograph from the air even though it would seriously test my camera skills.

Horizontal Falls is remote, accessible only by air or boat. I find ‘remote’ appealing – the more difficult it is to get to see or do something, the more I want to go.

And lastly, seeing Horizontal Falls came highly recommended by friends and Facebook groups.

Did my flight over Horizontal Falls meet all my expectations? You will have to read on to find out.

Cygnet Bay Explorer

And now, back to my question about what I found in the Air Kimberley brochure.

I found, booked, and went on Air Kimberley’s Cygnet Bay Explorer full-day tour, leaving from Broome.

“Enjoy an adventure packed day experiencing the best of the Kimberley – Overfly the Horizontal Falls, Buccaneer Archipelago, visit Ardyaloon Community and the giant tides and shimmering pearls at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.”

While you can check out the details of this tour for yourself by clicking on the link, there were two very different events I was eager to experience – the scenic flight over Horizontal Falls and the sea safari out to the giant whirlpools. But I am getting ahead of myself. What did the tour entail?

I was picked up from my accommodation at 6.30 am and driven to Broome International Airport, where Air Kimberley is based. Four other people (two couples) joined me on the tour. After our flight safety briefing, we boarded a small aircraft (eight-seater, including the pilot) for the 2-hour flight up the Kimberley coast for our flight over the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls.

The Buccaneer Archipelago is a group of 1,000 small islands covering 50 square kilometres, located at the head of King Sound near the Kimberley town of Derby.

The archipelago is a magnificent raw landscape that you can only truly appreciate from the air. While boat tours around the islands offer visits to the beautiful coves and beaches, you would not get the perspective given by a scenic flight of the vastness of all those islands that seem to go on forever.

The wing of a plane is seen flying over a group of islands — Scenic flight with Air Kimberley over the Buccaneer Archipelago

A large group of many small islands in a blue sea — The islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago

I must admit, I was underwhelmed with Horizontal Falls. I had read so much about the power of the tides running between the cliffs, causing the water to appear like a horizontal waterfall, but ‘power’ was not evident from the plane. Instead, what I saw was more like Class 1 or 2 rapids.

Aerial view of two horizontal waterfalls — Scenic flight with Air Kimberley over the Horizontal Waterfalls

I suspect the wonder of Horizontal Falls and the power of the tides are best experienced from a fast boat through the waterfalls rather than a scenic flyover.

When we landed at the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery & Aquaculture Centre, run by the Bardi-Jawi people on One Arm Point, I asked the pilot if we were not allowed to fly lower over Horizontal Falls. I thought lower would give a better ‘feel’ for the powerful tides. Apparently, there is a height pecking order, with helicopters flying at the lowest altitude, seaplanes next level up, and light aircraft (our plane) flying the highest.

When I got home and reviewed my photos more closely, I felt the image below revealed the power of the running tide more clearly than my eyes could discern. What do you think?

Close up aerial view of a horizontal waterfall

Can you ‘feel’ the power of the Horizontal Falls in this photo?

I had joined a guided tour of Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery on a previous visit to Broome in 2021. However, on this occasion, morning tea of fruit salad, cake, and juice was provided by Air Kimberley.

From Long Arm Point, it was a short, six-minute flight to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, where the activities included the Pearl Discovery Tour and a Sea Safari. At Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Air Kimberley’s involvement was limited to getting us to the pearl farm, seeing we joined the Pearl Discovery Tour, paying for lunch, ensuring we were on the fast boat for the Sea Safari, and flying us back to Broome.

Air Kimberley’s Cygnet Bay Explorer tour price included the tours at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

Pearl Farm Discovery Tour

My previous visit to Broome in 2021 included the Pearl Farm Discovery Tour at the family-owned Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. However, I continue to be fascinated by the history of pearling in the Kimberley.

Reading tip: If you are interested in learning more about a significant chapter in the Kimberley’s pearling industry, I recommend reading The White Divers of Broome by John Bailey, telling the true story of a fatal experiment.

The tour commenced with an information session on the history of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and the pearling industry in what appropriately appeared to be an old school classroom. A live pearl harvest followed the history lesson.

I took this photo of the harvested pearl on my previous visit to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

The tour concluded with an in-depth session on how pearls are graded.

The Pearl Farm Discovery tour was followed by lunch at the onsite restaurant.

Twice I lunched at the Cygnet Bay Homestead Restaurant with a tour group when the set menu was seafood. On both occasions, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was advised of my seafood allergy, and, on both occasions, this information seems to have been lost in translation. The outcome was eating a meal after everyone else had finished because they had nothing prepared for me. I found the restaurant’s forgetfulness disappointing.

Sea Safari

After lunch, we climbed aboard the fast boat for our Giant Tides Sea Safari. During this cruise, we would “feel the power of the world’s largest tropical tides with giant whirlpools and standing waves” created by millions of tonnes of water squeezing between the rocky islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm writes about their Sea Safari tour:

“Feel the power of the world’s largest tropical tides as you cruise amongst the giant whirlpools and standing tidal waves. Venture into Escape Passage, recently described by scientists as the fastest ocean currents in the world!

The tides on this section of the Kimberley Coast are particularly large due to the area’s geography. When the sun and moon align on a spring tide, the ocean is pulled towards the north-west of WA and Indonesia, gathering speed as it reaches the shallow continental shelf and bottlenecking as it passes between Australia and Indonesia, creating the exhilarating whirlpools and standing waves we see on the tour.”

Whirlpools and standing waves in the ocean — Sea Safari amongst giant whirlpools and standing tidal waves

A boat drives close to a whirlpool — Sea Safari with Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

A photo of a frothing, agitated sea — Fast boat amongst standing waves on a Sea Safari

A whirlpool in the sea — Fast ocean currents create whirlpools and standing waves

My photos can’t express the sense of adventure experienced and don’t do justice to all you see. The whirlpools are probably best viewed from the air.

The Sea Safari was an experience I find difficult to describe as there just don’t seem to be the right words to express how I felt as we powered through the whirlpools and standing waves created by the forceful tides. But let me try. It was a thrilling, exhilarating, exciting, fun, and awesome adventure. To best sum up my feelings, I was disappointed when it was time to return to land. I immediately wanted to go back out again, but there was a plane waiting for me to take me back to Broome.

Beware: You will get wet. How much so will depend on where you are sitting in the boat. Two young girls sitting at the front of the boat got drenched. I was sitting at the back of the boat directly in front of the driver and experienced what I would best describe as several large, fat rain drops.

The flight along the Kimberley coast back to Broome took us over the magnificent red cliffs of James Price Point, famous for its 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints (but that’s another trip).

Aerial view of red cliffs meeting sand and sea. Forest lies behind the red cliffs.

Scenic flight with Air Kimberley over James Price Point

It was a long (approximately 11 hours), enjoyable, satisfying, and exhilarating day providing several unique experiences and so worth it. I can not fault Air Kimberley’s relaxed professionalism, guiding, and communication.

The tour was an excellent itinerary, well organised, kept on time without feeling rushed, and value for money. Without hesitation, I recommend Air Kimberley to readers.

Before our transfer back to our respective hotels, Air Kimberley presented each passenger with special gifts as mementos of our Kimberley adventure – a tour photo, a souvenir Passport & Tour Map to the Kimberley, an Air Kimberley stubby cooler, and a complimentary beer voucher from Matso’s Brewery in Broome. I am not letting out any secrets here, as Air Kimberley lists the gifts on their website.

In this post, I have shared my experience of Air Kimberley’s full-day Cygnet Bay Explorer tour up the Kimberley coast over the Horizontal Falls and 1,000-islands Buccaneer Archipelago and onward to a fantastic sea safari adventure in the world’s largest tropical tides. It was a chance meeting with a brochure that brought me to Air Kimberley – one that was to my benefit and yours.

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel.

Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Does Horizontal Falls deserve Sir David Attenborough’s description of “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”?