Non-Stop Flight, No Landing

Broome Aviation's three-hour scenic flight stays airborne the whole way out, crossing the Horizontal Falls and the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago before turning back to Broome.

Overview

Broome Aviation runs it, and the whole experience is billed at around 3 hours door to door. You are picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan, taken to the departure lounge at 2 Gus Winckel Road, flown over the falls, and returned to the same point afterwards.

The headline sight is Horizontal Falls, a tidal phenomenon whose behaviour depends on the tide. Because of that, departure times and the flight route can shift slightly to catch the water at its most active, and the operator suggests asking about tidal activity on your travel date when booking. The route also takes in Cable Beach from the air.

The flight suits travellers who want to see both named sights in one outing without landing. Headsets let you hear the guide clearly, water is provided, and all taxes, fees and handling charges are included in the listed price. A minimum of 4 passengers is needed for a departure to confirm, so solo travellers and pairs may be waitlisted until numbers fill.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupAn air-conditioned minivan collects you from your Broome accommodation; pickup and drop-off are included in the price.
2. Check in at Broome AviationThe departure lounge sits at the Charter Aircraft Base, 2 Gus Winckel Road, Broome. The tour ends back at this same meeting point.
3. Scenic flight over Horizontal FallsThe aircraft passes over Horizontal Falls for 2 minutes. This is a flyover only, with no landing, and admission is free.
4. Cable Beach from the airThe route continues over Cable Beach for 2 minutes, again without landing, with free admission.
5. Return and drop-offThe flight returns to Broome and you are transferred back to your hotel, completing the roughly 3-hour experience.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points are worth knowing before you book, since this is a tide-dependent flight with a passenger minimum.

• Tide timing. Horizontal Falls is a tidal phenomenon, so departure times and the route may vary slightly to suit the water movement. Ask the operator about tidal activity on your travel date when booking, so you know what to expect from the spectacle below.
• Passenger minimum. All bookings require a minimum of 4 passengers to confirm. If numbers are not met, you are waitlisted until the departure fills, and the listing notes you would then be offered a different date, experience or a full refund.
• Group feel. The aircraft carries a maximum of 15 travellers, so expect a shared flight rather than a private charter. One reviewer described the trip as very well organised with friendly, knowledgeable staff, which matches the tone of the operation.
• Weather dependence. The flight needs favourable weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund, and the operator advises dressing appropriately for all weather conditions.
• Photos and comfort. Have your camera ready for the passes over the falls and Cable Beach, since time over each sight is brief. Bottled water is provided and headsets let you hear the guide clearly.
• With kids. Infants under 3 travel on laps at infant rates provided they do not occupy a seat, and the tour is pushchair accessible, though the aircraft itself is not wheelchair accessible. Most travellers can participate.

Common issues. The biggest catch is the 4-passenger minimum: if the flight does not fill, you are waitlisted rather than confirmed, which can disrupt tight schedules. The falls are viewed for only about 2 minutes on each named sight, so anyone expecting a prolonged hover or a landing will be disappointed. Weather can force cancellation, and the tide controls how dramatic the falls look on the day. Cancellation fees are steep close to departure, with 50% of the tour cost lost for cancellations 1 to 7 days out and no refund for later cancellations. The aircraft is not wheelchair accessible, and intoxicated passengers are refused boarding with no refund.

Before You Book