Located on Western Australia's Shark Bay, this coastal spot is known for wild bottlenose dolphins that swim to shore daily. Visitors can wade into the clear waters to see them up close.
At Monkey Mia, wild bottlenose dolphins swim to the shore up to three times daily, continuing a tradition that began over 50 years ago. In this coastal village within Western Australia's Shark Bay Marine Park, you can watch dugongs feed in seagrass meadows, spot sea turtles from the jetty, and learn about Aboriginal culture along the Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail. The clear waters of Shark Bay support rich marine life, while inland paths wind through distinctive red sand dunes.
Meeting the Dolphins
The dolphin encounters happen between 7:45 AM and noon, with rangers supervising each interaction. You should arrive by 7:30 AM to attend the essential briefing at the boardwalk near the visitor center. The rangers select a small number of visitors to hand-feed the dolphins, following strict guidelines that ensure the dolphins maintain their natural hunting behaviors. Only five adult females receive food, and they get no more than 10% of their daily needs.
Marine Life Watching
You'll see dugongs grazing in the seagrass beds, sea turtles swimming under the jetty, and rays gliding through the clear water. Shark Bay supports over 10,000 dugongs, making it one of the largest populations in the world. Join the morning wildlife cruise on the Aristocat 2 catamaran at 10 AM from the Monkey Mia jetty to explore deeper into the marine park. The 18-meter vessel holds an exclusive license to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia exclusion zone.
Walking the Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail
The Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail stretches 3 kilometers in a loop from the visitor center. As you walk across red sand dunes and along the shoreline, you'll find information panels explaining the local ecosystem and Aboriginal cultural connections. Look for western grasswrens darting between bushes and pelicans patrolling the beach during early morning walks. The trail name comes from Malgana language, meaning 'walking Peron.'
Getting to Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia sits 900 kilometers north of Perth and 24 kilometers from the town of Denham. You can drive the sealed road from Denham in about 20 minutes, and the route accommodates caravans. Regular flights connect Perth to Shark Bay Airport, which is a 10-minute drive from both Monkey Mia and Denham. The park charges entrance fees: $15 for adults, $5 for children (6-15 years), and $35 for families (2 adults, 2 children).
Research and Conservation
Marine biologists from Australia, North America, and Europe have studied the local dolphin population since 1984. Their research focuses on dolphin behavior and biology, making Monkey Mia an important site for marine mammal science. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manages the marine park, implementing strict guidelines for wildlife interactions to protect the ecosystem.
