REVIEW · BROOME AUSTRALIA
Broome’s Iconic Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Broome Tours Wa · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Broome’s sunset on water is hard to top. This 42ft catamaran ride lets you watch the sky change while you stay comfortable onboard, with hotel pickup that drops you back after the cruise and a boom swimming net when conditions allow. If you want a fun, social way to do sunset that still feels relaxed, this one fits well.
I especially like how the trip mixes classic Broome moments with simple comfort: you get canapés and grazing board to snack on, plus a licensed bar for cocktails, beer, and wine. One watch-out: the onboard food is designed as snacks, not a full meal, so if you’re a big eater, you might leave wanting more.
The cruise runs about 210 minutes and includes tender transfers between shore and boat. It’s not wheelchair-friendly, and you’ll need to be able to board and get off the vessel under your own steam.
In This Review
- Key Points to Know Before You Go
- Sunset Over Roebuck Bay: The Catamaran Angle That Matters
- Hotel Pickup to Cable Beach: Easy Access to the Good Part
- Onboard Comfort, Canapés, and the Bar That Sets the Mood
- The Boom Swimming Net: The Seasonal Fun You’ll Remember
- How the 3 Hours Actually Feel (A Simple Walkthrough)
- What You Can Spot During Sunset (From Whales to Turtles)
- Price and Value: Is $109 Worth It for Broome?
- Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Skip It
- Should You Book the Broome Catamaran Sunset Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Broome catamaran sunset cruise?
- What does the $109 per person price include?
- Are drinks included?
- Is the boom net available all year?
- Where does the cruise start?
- What should I bring?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Is the cruise refundable if plans change?
Key Points to Know Before You Go
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- 42ft catamaran comfort with a short, easy transfer from your hotel and a tender ride to the beach
- Canapés and grazing board plus time to relax while the sunset builds
- Licensed bar where you can order cocktails like the famous mango daiquiris
- Boom net swim typically runs between April and early October, depending on conditions
- Friendly crew energy, with names like Tess, Jess, Lloyd, Nick, and Xavier popping up in the way people describe the team
- You might spot wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and whales during the cruise
Sunset Over Roebuck Bay: The Catamaran Angle That Matters
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Broome does sunset in a way that feels both postcard and real life. What makes this cruise different from a basic boat tour is the pacing: you’re not rushing from one stop to another. Instead, you settle in, snack, and watch the light move across the water while you’re still in that easy, floating rhythm.
The catamaran itself helps. At 42ft, it’s large enough to feel stable and comfortable, but still sized for that social, “everyone’s doing the same thing” vibe. It’s the kind of setup where you’ll feel like you can just take part, whether that means chatting with new people or keeping your camera ready for the sky.
Hotel Pickup to Cable Beach: Easy Access to the Good Part
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This is a big value point for you if you don’t want to organize transport. The cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Broome, and along the way you get a short tour that helps you understand what you’re seeing before you even hit the sand.
The plan also nudges you into the right mindset fast. You’ll get to Cable Beach, kick off your shoes, and walk in the warm Indian Ocean as part of the transfer experience. Then you move via tender to the waiting catamaran.
Two practical things to keep in mind:
- You’ll want to be comfortable with a casual, sandy, wet-foot arrival.
- You’ll also want to manage your own steps on and off the boat, since you need to be able to board and disembark by yourself.
Onboard Comfort, Canapés, and the Bar That Sets the Mood
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Once you’re aboard, the whole experience settles into “snack and sip while the world softens.” Included with the cruise is a canapés and grazing board spread, plus time to relax on deck.
The bar is fully licensed, and this is where you can really steer the vibe. Drinks are not included, but the menu choices are fun and straightforward: you can buy mango daiquiris, other cocktails, beer, and wine. A licensed bar also means service is built for the cruise flow, not a single last call moment.
One thing I’d call out for value: the snacks are meant to keep you comfortable during the 3 hours, not replace dinner. In practice, that can work perfectly if you’ve already eaten earlier or you like light grazing. If you’re the type who expects a proper meal on a paid cruise, plan to supplement with drinks or a meal before you go.
The Boom Swimming Net: The Seasonal Fun You’ll Remember
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If you’re looking for a cruise with a hands-on moment, the boom net is the reason. When conditions permit, you can use the boom swimming net to cool off and swim while the boat is out on the water.
Timing matters. The boom net is typically available between April and early October, so it won’t be a year-round feature. That seasonal window is a big deal because it turns the cruise from “watch the sunset” into “experience the sunset.”
Even if you don’t swim, you’ll still feel the energy around it. People tend to line up for a quick go, take photos, and then return to deck for the next color change in the sky. If you’re planning to swim, bring swimwear and a towel, and consider warm layers too, since it can cool down quickly once the sun drops.
How the 3 Hours Actually Feel (A Simple Walkthrough)
This cruise is listed at 210 minutes, so it’s long enough to enjoy the full transition from late afternoon to night. Here’s what the flow usually feels like:
1) Pickup and short briefing
You’re collected from your Broome hotel, then you get a quick orientation tour on the way to the beach. It’s not a long lecture, but it helps you pick up context fast so the coastline and landmarks feel less random.
2) Cable Beach + tender transfer
You walk in the sand at Cable Beach, then head out by tender to the catamaran. This is also when you’ll start thinking about comfort: shoes can stay off longer than you expect, and you’ll want your camera and phone where you can grab them quickly.
3) Cruise out on the water
Once onboard, you settle in and start working through the canapés while you scan the water and sky. You can order drinks from the licensed bar, and the deck becomes your home base while the sunset approaches.
4) Boom net time (when conditions permit)
If the sea and conditions cooperate, you’ll get a chance to use the net. It’s one of those “everyone talks about it afterward” parts because it turns the trip into a physical memory, not just a photo.
5) Sunset and the last glow
As the light shifts, the mood typically becomes quieter and more cinematic. This is when the catamaran’s gentle motion and open deck matter most.
6) Return by tender and hotel drop-off
At the end, you go back to shore via tender and then return to your hotel in Broome.
What You Can Spot During Sunset (From Whales to Turtles)
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Broome waters can be alive, and people often connect this cruise with wildlife moments. Sightings mentioned include dolphins, turtles, and whales, including humpback whales.
A helpful way to think about it: you’re going for the sunset first. Wildlife is a bonus that can make the experience feel extra special, but it’s never something you should count on. Still, the way the cruise is timed and paced gives you time to look, not just glance.
If you want the best chance of spotting something, stay on deck with your eyes up. Photos are great, but moving your attention between water and sky is what helps you catch brief appearances.
Price and Value: Is $109 Worth It for Broome?
At $109 per person for a 3-hour cruise, this sits in the “worth it if it matches your priorities” category. Here’s what you’re paying for, specifically:
Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 3-hour cruise
- Tender to and from the beach
- Canapés and grazing board
- Boom net use when conditions permit
Not included:
- Drinks (you can purchase beer, wine, cocktails, and mango daiquiris)
So the real question is your expected spend and appetite. If you’re happy with snacks and you like a couple of drinks while you relax, it often feels like a solid deal because the transport and the premium sunset setting are built in. If you expect a full dinner, you might feel like the food is light for the price, and you’d need to eat before the cruise.
Also note one more practical value point: some people find drinks cost more than they expected. If you’re trying to control your budget, decide ahead of time whether you’ll buy just beer/wine, or if you want cocktails too.
Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Skip It
This is a strong pick if you:
- Want a romantic sunset without complicated logistics
- Like social energy, music, and the chance to meet people during the cruise
- Would enjoy the boom net swim, especially if you’re visiting between April and early October
- Prefer an included transfer setup, from your hotel to Cable Beach and back
It may be less ideal if you:
- Need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
- Don’t feel comfortable boarding and disembarking on your own, since you must be able to do it independently
If you want a quiet, no-frills nature-only boat ride, you might find this too lively. But if you want a sunset cruise that mixes relaxation with one standout activity (the net), it’s a great fit.
Should You Book the Broome Catamaran Sunset Cruise?
I’d book it if your goal is a smooth afternoon that ends with a proper Broome sunset, plus a fun chance to swim when the boom net is running. The included pickup, tender transfer, and snacks remove most of the hassle, and the licensed bar gives you the option to make it a celebration without needing to plan anything.
I’d pause if you’re the type who wants a full meal included or you’re on a tight drink budget. In that case, eat first, then treat the canapés as just that, and decide how many drinks you want before you’re halfway through.
If you’re coming during the boom net season, it’s the extra “do” factor that turns this into more than a view.
FAQ
How long is the Broome catamaran sunset cruise?
The cruise duration is 210 minutes, which is about 3 hours.
What does the $109 per person price include?
It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the 3-hour cruise, tender transfers to and from the beach, canapés and grazing board, and use of the boom net when conditions permit.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks are available for purchase from the fully licensed onboard bar.
Is the boom net available all year?
The boom net is available when conditions permit, and it’s specifically noted as running between April and early October.
Where does the cruise start?
It includes pickup from your hotel in Broome, with the transfer to Cable Beach before boarding the catamaran.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and payment options like a credit card and cash. A jacket is also recommended.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Is the cruise refundable if plans change?
Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.




