We spend a lot of time and effort ensuring that all our tours are meticulously planned and prepared for our guests’ enjoyment. There is only a handful of things you will need to bring when going on our tour:
Guests are also welcomed to bring additional alcohol for their overnight stay.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable level of health and fitness to undertake the Tour. You are required to have a reasonable level of mobility, to be able to board and alight aircraft using stairs, embark and disembark from vessels and to maintain balance on pontoons. Due to space restrictions onboard our aircraft, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. We recommend that all pregnant women discuss whether it is safe for them to participate in the power boat activity with their doctor. Notwithstanding, we do not recommend that women who are more than 26 weeks pregnant participate in the power boat activity.
If you have doubts about your ability to undertake the Tour, please contact us to discuss your circumstances prior to making a Booking.
For further details on our Health & Fitness requirements including Existing Medical Conditions, New Medical Conditions and Non-Disclosed Medical Conditions please see our Terms and Conditions.
Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, Lalang-garram/Horizontal Falls Marine Park was established in 2016 as part of the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
Here in the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, the powerful and fast-moving tidal currents squeeze through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, pushing the water into rapids and whirlpools that rush through the twin gaps at an astonishing rate, producing waterfall-like flow turned on its side. This natural phenomenon is called the Horizontal Falls and it is only accessible by air or boat.
Horizontal Falls flow every day but the strength of the flow is tidal dependent.
Tides are a cyclical natural occurrence that typically has 4 movements in 24 hour period – tide comes in until peak height is reached, tide goes out until lowest point is reached, and the same repeats itself. Tide cycle is on average 10-12 days, which is when Horizontal Falls flow is visible. At Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures we divide the tide cycle into 3 key periods – spring tide, mid-tide, neap tide.
We do not operate our tours during neap tides as that is when the body of water flowing through the Falls is at its minimal and the Falls flow is not obvious to a naked eye.
The power of the Horizontal Falls water flow is determined by fluctuating tidal movements. During mid tide dates, the tidal movements are less notable, meaning the horizontal waterfalls are relatively serene making for a more scenic boat cruise and an opportunity to take in spiritual and historical significance of the area in a more relaxed setting. Please note – respecting local Indigenous beliefs, we only traverse the Wide 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. During mid tide days, there will also be less water movement visible in the narrow gap. The experience of the Falls flow will differ from tour to tour every day as we operate in an environment that is different every day.
Please note that mid tides are listed on the below calendar as slow water dates.
Tour Name | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
---|---|---|
Horizontal Falls Luxury Overnight Stay ex Derby | 5th May | 21st September |
Horizontal Falls Luxury Overnight Stay ex Broome (via Derby) | 5th May | 21st September |
Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Derby | 5th May | 21st September |
Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Broome (via Derby) | 5th May | 21st September |
Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula Full Day Tour | 20th April | 11th October |
Horizontal Falls Half Day Tour ex Cygnet Bay | 5th May | 22nd September |
Horizontal Falls Overnight Stay ex Cygnet Bay | 5th May | 21st September |
Horizontal Falls Half Day ex Derby | 5th May | 22nd September |
Horizontal Falls Half Day ex Broome (Morning) | 6th April | 8th November |
Horizontal Falls Half Day ex Broome (Afternoon) | 20th April | 11th October |
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