Seaplane From Derby, BBQ Lunch

Derby sits close to the action, so the seaplane hop to Talbot Bay takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes. That leaves most of the six hours for the power boat ride through the falls and a BBQ lunch.

Overview

This half day trip from Derby packs a seaplane flight, a fast boat ride through the Horizontal Falls, shark feeding and a BBQ lunch into about 6 hours. Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures runs it with hotel pickup and drop-off in Derby included, so the day starts and ends at your accommodation. A maximum of 12 travellers joins each departure.

The round-trip scenic seaplane flight carries the group to the falls, with reviewers describing the views over the Kimberleys as a highlight in itself. From there the pace picks up: a power boat ride runs through the falls, and a slower cruise covers the surrounding bays and creeks. Back at the pontoon there is a BBQ lunch with tea and coffee, shark feeding, and a chance to swim from the marine viewing platform. The return leg is another scenic seaplane flight.

It suits travellers who want the falls experience in a single day. Reviewers repeatedly praise the organisation, the pilots and boat crews, and the food, with dietary needs catered for if flagged at booking. The main criticism is that time on the pontoon feels rushed, which is worth knowing going in.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in DerbyThe tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and travellers are collected from their Derby accommodation.
2. Scenic seaplane flightA round-trip seaplane flight carries the group out to the falls, with reviewers praising the scenery along the way.
3. Horizontal Falls, 4 hoursAdmission is included. The stop covers power boat runs through the falls, a cruise through bays and creeks, shark feeding, swimming from the marine viewing platform and a BBQ lunch with tea and coffee.
4. Return flight and drop-offThe seaplane flies the group back to Derby, where hotel drop-off completes the roughly 6 hour day.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what matters before booking, from the listing rules and from what past travellers have reported.

• Weight limits. Seaplane safety rules cap each passenger at 265 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Each traveller's weight in kilograms must be given at the time of booking.
• Footwear. Closed-in shoes are required, and thongs are not allowed. Wear something secure that can handle boarding the seaplane and the boat.
• Fast pace. Several travellers said the pontoon portion feels rushed, with back-to-back activities from arrival to departure. If you prefer slow travel, be aware the schedule is tight by design.
• Food. Lunch is a BBQ with tea and coffee, and reviewers praise the food. Special dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking.
• Kids and ages. The minimum age is 4 years and children must be accompanied by an adult. The listing says most travellers can participate.
• Tides matter. One reviewer caught both the outgoing and incoming tides by luck and suggested researching tide tables before choosing a date. What you see on the day can depend on the tide.

Common issues. The tour needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers to run; if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. The listing is explicit that the tour is not wheelchair accessible. One reviewer reported a group member unable to attend due to illness not receiving a refund, so the cancellation terms deserve a read before booking. Several reviewers also felt the whole visit was too rushed. The boat ride through the falls may not suit women past 26 weeks of pregnancy, and the operator can change or cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances.

Before You Book