Monkey Mia on the beautiful West Australian coast is famous for wild dolphin encounters. Located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area it’s one of the most well known dolphin encounter destinations. This stunning beach with its turquoise waters and shallow waters is the ultimate place to see wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. If you’re heading to Monkey Mia, knowing the entry fee, activities and facilities will help you make the most of this special place. For an easy and organized journey, consider joining Perth Day Tours to experience the best of Monkey Mia and its surroundings.
Entry Fees and Day Permits
The entry fee to Monkey Mia goes towards the conservation of the park and the protection of its wildlife, including dolphins and other marine animals. Current entry fees are:
- Adults: $15 per person (daily)
- Children (6–15 years): $5 per person (daily)
- Children under 6 years: Free
- Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): $35 (daily)
- Annual Park Pass: Available for frequent visitors.
These fees include a day permit for the visitor centre, dolphin feeding and beach facilities. For longer stays consider a multi day pass or annual park pass.
Included with Your Entry Fee
The day entry fee includes:
- Dolphin Feeding and Interaction
Watch the natural behaviour of the common bottlenose dolphin during the daily dolphin experience, including up close views of friendly dolphins and their calves. The experience includes dolphin feeding times where park rangers guide the beach interaction program. - Visitor Centre and Displays
Learn about the cultural history and ecology of bottlenose dolphins, their social structure, communication methods and dolphin behaviour. The centre also looks at the threats to dolphins and how to observe them safely. - Wildlife Beyond Dolphins
Besides dolphins, Monkey Mia is a haven for marine life, bird life and fish species. The sea life in the area attracts visitors who want to get amongst nature. - Beach Facilities
Chill out with cold drinks, use the barbecue facilities and enjoy the resort style swimming pool. Soft sand tracks and nearby sand dunes are perfect for beach walking. - Activities
Water skiing, swimming or beach fishing on the eastern side.
Accommodation Options and Prices
Monkey Mia has something for every budget:
- Backpacker dorms for solo travellers.
- Beachfront for those who want views.
- Commercial for families or film crews.
- Unpowered campsites and commercial camping for the adventurous.
Prices vary but you’ll pay per night depending on the type of accommodation. Eg adult/night from basic dorms to resort style rooms.
Dolphin Feeding: The Highlight of Your Visit
Dolphin feeding is the main event at Monkey Mia. Here’s the details:
- Dolphin Feeding Times: Daily from 7:45 am to 12:00 pm with up to 3 feedings. Get there early to get a spot for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Dolphin Feeding Booking: No booking required but limited spaces so get there early.
- Interaction Guidelines: Follow park rules to ensure the dolphins natural behaviour is preserved. Getting the dolphins closer is a privilege and you must respect their boundaries.
Other Activities and Things to See
Monkey Mia Tour is not just about dolphins. It’s an adventure and relaxation destination:
- Wildlife Cruises and Boat Encounters Take a wildlife cruise to see the marine life and have boat encounters with dolphins. Public boat parking and a boat ramp make it easy to get in the water. Be mindful of boat noise, as it can disturb the dolphins.
- Bush Walking and Beach Fishing Walk the soft sand of the walking trails or try your hand at beach fishing—a favourite activity for those looking for a quiet afternoon.
- Family Facilities Beach gear, resort-style pool, picnic areas, barbecues and plenty of space to relax.
- Eco Tourism Adventures: Learn about the ecology of bottlenose dolphins and the cultural history of Shark Bay through interpretive programs.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Monkey Mia is a conservation park so we protect our natural resources and wildlife. The dolphin experience program reminds you to approach dolphins with care as dolphins from boats can be disturbed by too much noise or activity.
The park also promotes eco friendly practices: reduce waste, use the beach with care and follow guidelines for wildlife interaction.
Monkey Mia’s beach, shallow waters and daily dolphin experiences make it one of Australia’s favourite destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the wild bottlenose dolphins or the blue waters, Monkey Mia will deliver the experience of a lifetime. Book a guided trip to Monkey Mia and the Shark Bay World-Heritage Area with Autopia Tours, who offer expert-led Monkey Mia Tours and eco-tourism experiences.
FAQ
What are the dolphin feeding times?
7:45 AM – 12:00 PM, three sessions daily. Get there early to see the dolphins.
Do I need to book the dolphin feeding?
No, but limited spaces available, get there early.
What facilities are there for families?
Barbecue facilities, picnic areas and resort-style pool.
Is there any accommodation nearby?
Yes, dorms, beachfront accommodation and campsites (no facilities).
What other wildlife can I see?
Marine life, bird life, fish. Tiger sharks and other marine creatures.
