In the heart of Shark Bay, Monkey Mia is famous for its dolphin experience and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here, you can get up close and personal with wild dolphins as they interact with you on the beach. Located in Shark Bay Marine Park, a World Heritage site, this area is home to dolphins and so much more wildlife and scenery.
Whether you’re a nature nut, an animal lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Monkey Mia has it all. This guide will help you get the most out of this special place, including how to plan your visit, what to expect during the daily dolphin experience and what else to see in the area.
A Glimpse into Natural Behaviour
The Monkey Mia Dolphin experience is one of Western Australia’s most famous wildlife encounters. For over 50 years friendly bottlenose dolphins have been visiting the shores of Shark Bay to interact with humans, a bond that has led to a managed feeding program. It all started when local fishermen would offer a fish from their catch to the dolphins, a tradition that has evolved into a world famous attraction.
The dolphins that visit Monkey Mia are all wild, in their natural environment. Some of the dolphins have been coming for generations, with mother dolphins teaching their calves the way to the beach. The dolphins’ social structure is entire families of dolphins, so each visit is a chance to see them interact. These are not trained animals, but wild animals that choose to interact with humans of their own free will. That makes every encounter feel real and special, as well as a rare glimpse into dolphin behaviour.
Dolphin Feeding: A Managed Experience to Protect Wildlife
At the heart of the Monkey Mia Dolphin experience is the feeding. This is a managed activity. The Department of Parks and Wildlife manages the program to ensure the dolphins are safe. Only a small amount of fish is given out during each session so the dolphins can still hunt and forage in the wild. Park rangers monitor these dolphin interactions so you can get up close to the dolphins while keeping their natural behaviour intact.
Visitors can’t touch or swim with the dolphins as this could disrupt their daily routine or introduce diseases to the dolphins. The feeding is limited to specific times – generally between 7:45 am and 12 noon. During this time, lucky visitors will be chosen to participate in the dolphin feeding, where they get to offer the dolphins a small amount of food. This managed feeding means the dolphins stay independent while you have an ethical animal experience.
Shark Bay: A Wildlife and Marine Life Paradise
Monkey Mia is in Shark Bay Marine Park, a beautiful spot with crystal clear blue water and incredible marine life. The shallow waters around Monkey Mia are perfect for dolphins as they can hunt and socialise here. Other marine life that call this area home include manta rays, dugongs and turtles. You can see all this and more on a wildlife cruise, which takes you into the waters of Shark Bay and up close to the region’s most amazing animals.
The region is of great importance to marine conservation. Shark Bay is one of the world’s largest non-invasive dolphin research sites and has given scientists a window into dolphin behaviour that has led to many breakthroughs. The research done here has increased our understanding of dolphin social structures, communication, and foraging habits. Monkey Mia is a hot spot for marine biology research.
Entry Fees, Accommodation and Travel Tips
When visiting Monkey Mia, you will need to consider the entry fees for the reserve. These fees help support conservation and research in the area. The current entry fees get you access to the beach and viewing areas where you can watch the daily dolphin viewing experiences. Additional costs may apply if you want to do guided Monkey Mia tours or other activities such as wildlife cruises or scenic flights over Shark Bay.
Monkey Mia is driveable, 10 hours from Perth along the Coral Coast with stunning views along the way. If you prefer to fly the Shark Bay Airport in Denham is 30 minutes from Monkey Mia and is a great option for those with limited time.
Accommodation is plentiful, from camping at Denham Seaside Caravan Park to more luxury at the eco-lodges and hotels nearby. Whatever your budget you’ll find something to suit. Many of these accommodation options are right on the beach and have a boat ramp carpark so you have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Beyond Dolphin Encounters
While the dolphins are the main event at Monkey Mia, the Shark Bay region has heaps more to see and do. Francois Peron National Park is just a short drive away and has some of the most spectacular scenery in the area – towering sand dunes, deep red cliffs and hidden beaches. It’s a four wheel drive and walking enthusiasts paradise with trails like the Wulyibidi Yaninyina Trail offering stunning views of the region’s natural beauty.
For those interested in Shark Bay’s cultural history, the Wula Gura Nyinda eco-cultural tours offer guided tours that showcase the indigenous culture of the area. Visitors can hear the family stories of the local Malgana people, their connection to the land and how they have lived in harmony with the marine and terrestrial environments for thousands of years.
Scenic flights over Shark Bay Road and the Zuytdorp Cliffs give you a bird’s eye view of the area’s natural beauty – the white sandy beach meeting the deep blue Indian Ocean. You’ll also see some of the region’s most iconic wildlife – wild bottlenose dolphins and dugongs.
Wildlife Conservation and Respect
Monkey Mia is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a key part of global conservation. The dolphins that come to the shore are part of a managed program that protects their habitat while allowing visitors to interact in a responsible way. The dolphin population is monitored by scientists and dolphin volunteers who track the health and behaviour of these magnificent creatures. This balance ensures the dolphins remain wild and healthy and not over-interacted or dependent on human food.
As a visitor, you play a big part in this conservation. Always follow the guidelines of the marine biologists and park rangers, respect the dolphins’ space and enjoy your encounter knowing you are helping to preserve one of the world’s most special places.
Monkey Mia is a special place to connect with wild dolphins while respecting their environment. Whether you come for the dolphins, the wildlife experiences or the stunning beauty of Shark Bay, your visit will be an adventure to remember.
FAQ
What time should I get there for the dolphin feeding?
Get here between 7:45am and 12noon as this is when the dolphins usually visit. Dolphin feeding times can vary but mornings are usually the busiest.
Do I need to book in advance to see the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
No booking is required for the dolphin experience, but an entry pass is required to enter the Monkey Mia Reserve. Entry fees currently include access to the beach and the dolphin feeding area.
Can I touch or swim with the dolphins?
No, touching or swimming with the dolphins is not allowed. They are wild animals, and we want to preserve their natural behaviour for the conservation program.
What else can I do at Monkey Mia?
Besides the dolphin experience you can do wildlife cruises, scenic flights, fishing tours or explore the nearby Francois Peron National Park for hiking and four-wheel driving.
What accommodation is nearby?
Camping, eco-lodges and beachfront hotels. Something for everyone. Undefeated. (Note: I kept the last part as it’s a common Australian phrase)