Monkey Mia boat hire unlocks Shark Bay’s turquoise secrets, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Imagine skimming across glassy waters at dawn, dolphins leaping alongside your vessel, or dropping anchor in a secluded bay just for you. With local expertise, top-of-the-line boats, and all the insider tips at your fingertips, Denham Boat Hire transforms a simple outing into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Why Choose Monkey Mia Boat Hire?
When you book with Affordable Denham boat rentals, you’re not just renting a vessel—you’re tapping into decades of local knowledge and an unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, and pure fun:
- Local Expertise & Navigation Advice: Our team knows every sandbank, tidal current, and wildlife hotspot. From sunrise dolphin encounters to dusk turtle hangouts, you’ll hit every highlight without the guesswork.
- Tailored Vessels for Shark Bay Conditions: Each boat is purpose-built for the bay’s shallow flats and unpredictable tides. Whether it’s our flagship Bulawayo Buoy or the nimble 4.0 m Tinny, you’ll have the perfect craft for your plans.
- All-Inclusive Safety & Gear: Life jackets (adult and child sizes), marine radios, EPIRB, flares, first-aid kits, and detailed charts come standard—no hidden extras.
- Eco-Conscious Practices: We partner with conservation groups to minimize our impact: eco-friendly engines, coral-safe sunscreen, and strict leave-no-trace policies ensure Shark Bay stays pristine for generations.
Meet Our Fleet: From Bulawayo Buoy to the 4.0 m Tinny
Bulawayo Buoy – Marineline 6.1 Metre Powerboat
- Rate & Bond: AUD 450/day + AUD 500 refundable bond
- Capacity: 6 passengers (4 adults + 2 children)
- Dimensions: 6.1 m L × 2.46 m beam × 0.36 m draft
- Engine & Fuel: 115 HP Yamaha 4-stroke; 180 L ULP tank
- Electronics & Safety Gear: Raymarine Element 7 chartplotter & GPS, 7″ fishfinder (down/side/3D scan), VHF radio, EPIRB, flares, lifejackets, fire extinguisher
4.0 m Tinny – Compact & Agile (Coming Soon)
- Ideal For: Half-day fishing, quick wildlife runs, family outings
- Capacity: 4 passengers
- Gear Available: GPS, fishfinder, basic safety kit; crab nets and kids’ rods for hire
Whether you’re after a spacious runabout or a nimble tinny, our fleet covers every style of explorer.
Operating Areas & Moorings
With your Monkey Mia boat hire Shark Bay you’re licensed to venture up to 10 nautical miles offshore, unlocking Shark Bay’s best playgrounds:
- Monkey Mia & Denham Sound: Calm, shallow waters perfect for families and first-timers.
- Nanga Bay & Cape Peron: Ideal for snorkeling and spotting rays in seagrass meadows.
- Dirk Hartog Island & Steep Point: Rugged beauty, historic wreckage, and overnight moorings under the stars.
Overnight Moorings are available at Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island , from $50 per hire —sleep to the lull of the tides and wake to seabird calls. Please note: areas such as Turtle Bay and beyond Steep Point require written permission from local authorities.
Essential Boating Tips & Preparation
- Pack Smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, light layers (it can get breezy), swimsuits, towels, and waterproof dry bags.
- Timing Is Everything: Aim for May–August for calmer seas and mild temperatures. Weekdays are blissfully uncrowded—but if you crave solitude, arrive just after Labor Day for near-deserted waters.
- Safety First: Complete our QR-linked induction video before arrival, then walk through rigging, tow-launch methods, and radio protocols in person during your on-site demonstration.
- Launch & Retrieval: Self-managed towing and launching at 17 Capewell Drive, Denham. If you’d like to skip the grunt work, our staff can handle it for a nominal fee.
Fueling, Gear & On-Board Extras
- Fuel Type: Unleaded 91 only. Plan to refuel at one of our recommended stations:
- 24-Hour Fuel Station, Monkey Mia Road
- Shark Bay Fuel & Fishing, Denham Main Street
- Monkey Mia Fuel Station (avoid the IGA; trailer access is limited)
- Fishing Gear: Hire up to 4 adult rods + 4 kids’ rods onboard, plus ice blocks at AUD 5 per 5 kg.
- Bait & Provisions: Fresh bait from Shark Bay Fish Factory (open daily 7 am–7 pm). BBQ hampers and gourmet picnic baskets can be pre-ordered.
- Cleaning Service: AUD 80 ensures your boat receives professional detailing post-trip—so you can focus on memories, not maintenance.
Top 10 Bucket-List Boat Experiences
- Sunrise Dolphin Safari: Glide quietly as the sun rises; 6:30–8:00 am draws the most playful pods.
- Full-Day Fishing Expedition: Target prized mulloway near Faure Island or snapper off Cape Peron with experienced gear and tips.
- Secret Snorkel Bays: Discover Little Lagoon’s seagrass beds or marvel at coral gardens off Cape Roseate.
- Steep Point Overnight: Moor under the Milky Way, wake to sea lion calls, then fish at dawn’s first light.
- Dirk Hartog Island Photo Cruise: Capture historic shipwreck remnants, nesting seabirds, and untouched white sands.
- Sunset Champagne Picnic: Anchor on a private sandbar for chilled champagne and gourmet local produce.
- Eco-Explorer Conservation Tour: Led by marine biologists, get up close with dugongs, turtles, and migratory birds.
- Family Treasure Hunt: Use our waterproof treasure maps to guide kids through snorkeling and shoreline scavenger hunts.
- Beachside BBQ Bash: Fire up portable grills at Nanga Bay—supplied with everything from tongs to artisan sausages.
- Photography Masterclass: Pair with a local photographer for golden-hour tips—perfect reflections, wildlife framing, and drone basics.
These curated adventures highlight the diverse magic of Shark Bay, all accessible via your Monkey Mia fishing charters.
History & Conservation: Protecting a World Heritage Gem
Shark Bay was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, celebrated for its extraordinary marine life and geological features. From the ancient stromatolites of Hamelin Pool to the endangered dugong populations, this region demands careful stewardship.
Monkey Mia Boat Hire operates with respect for the local environment and marine habitats. We acknowledge the important work of groups such as the Shark Bay World Heritage Advisory Committee and the RSPCA’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program, who help protect vital ecosystems like seagrass meadows and support marine wildlife conservation efforts.
While we are not formally partnered with these organisations, we encourage all visitors to be mindful stewards of this unique environment and follow best practices when exploring Shark Bay.
Conservation in Action:
- Dugong Monitoring: Tracking populations via aerial surveys and on water monitoring .
- Turtle Nest Protection: Beach patrols and hatchling support.
- Stromatolite Research: Funding studies at Hamelin Pool.
By choosing local boat hire, you can help understand and see thsee wonderful aminamls upclose and personal
Local Attractions Beyond the Bay
While the water is the star, Shark Bay’s hinterland offers treasures:
- Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: Wander boardwalks above living fossils dating back 3.5 billion years.
- Shell Beach: Stroll on pure white sand made of billions of tiny cockle shells.
- Denham Town: Discover local galleries, the Shark Bay Pearls museum, and freshly shucked oysters at the fish factory.
- Eagle Bluff Boardwalk: Birdwatch from a clifftop vantage point overlooking vibrant coral undersea.
Pair a boating day with these land-based wonders for a full Shark Bay itinerary.
Photography & Wildlife Watching Tips
- Golden Hour Mastery: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset for soft light and long shadows.
- Proper Gear: Bring a telephoto lens (200–400 mm) for dolphins and dugongs; a GoPro with float mount for underwater shots.
- Approach Respectfully: Maintain a 50 m distance from dolphins and 100 m from dugongs—let them initiate interaction.
- Use Polarizers: Cut glare on the water’s surface to reveal underwater life.
These practices ensure stunning images without disturbing the wildlife.
Sample Itineraries
🎣 1-Day Explorer (Self-Drive)
📍 Departure: Monkey Mia Boat Ramp
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6:30 AM – Depart from Monkey Mia Boat Ramp
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7:00 AM – Morning fishing session around Foura Island
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11:30 AM – Pull into a quiet northern cove at Foura Island for a scenic lunch stop (BYO or pre-packed hamper)
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1:30 PM – Cruise over to Cape Rose (4–6m depth) for wildlife spotting – dolphins, turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, and more
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3:30 PM – Moor up in a calm, shallow bay nearby for a relaxing afternoon swim
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5:00 PM – Return to Monkey Mia, rinse off, and enjoy your evening
🐠 2-Day Family Adventure
📍 Departure: Denham Boat Ramp
Day 1: Bottle Bay & Brights Reef Safari
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Depart Denham and head north along the coast
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Stop at Big Lagoon for incredible scenery and squid fishing
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Continue to Bottle Bay to admire the contrast of red cliffs and turquoise waters
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Drop in at Brights Reef for snorkelling, diving, and fishing
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Wildlife spotting throughout the day – tiger sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles
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Lunch onboard in a sheltered bay
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Cruise back to Denham by evening
Day 2: Dirk Hartog Island Discovery
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Early start to Dirk Hartog Island, a hotspot for epic reef fishing
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Chase coral trout, pink snapper, cod, and more
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Keep watch for manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and whale sharks (in season)
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Snorkel and swim in reef-protected bays
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Picnic lunch and relaxing return to Denham by sunset
🧭 3-Day Boys’ Fishing & Camping Adventure
📍 Departure: Denham Boat Ramp | Sleep Onboard at Steep Point
Day 1: Dirk Hartog East ➤ South Passage
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Launch early from Denham
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Cruise the east side of Dirk Hartog Island, casting lures at reefs and spotting wildlife
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Fish shallow reef edges for baldchin groper, coral trout, and snapper
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Head south to South Passage, dive or fish the ledges
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Moor up overnight near Steep Point – cook up your catch and enjoy the serenity
Day 2: Offshore Pelagic Mission
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Early morning Spanish mackerel troll and pelagic fishing
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Target tuna, GTs, cobia, and red emperor
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Snorkel, swim, and fish until late afternoon
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Return to Steep Point mooring for a second night under the stars
Day 3: Last Ledge, Cruise Home
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Final fishing session along Dirk Hartog’s southern points
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Leisurely lunch onboard while heading back
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Return to Denham late afternoon with full eskies and great stories
💡 Optional Add-Ons
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Rod, reel & tackle hire
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Snorkelling gear hire
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BBQ food packs or pre-made hampers
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Fuel top-up service on return: $100 + fuel used
FAQ
Do I need a licence to hire a boat?
Yes a skippers licence is required for self-drive vessels—just a standard driver’s licence for towing the trailer.
What’s included in the hire price?
Life jackets, navigation charts, marine VHF radio, EPIRB, flares, basic safety gear, and induction.
Can I bring pets?
Yes—our Bulawayo Buoy welcomes pets. Please advise on booking so we can prepare life jackets.
What if the weather changes?
Safety comes first. We monitor conditions closely and can reschedule if winds exceed 20 knots or seas become unsafe.
How far can I travel offshore?
Up to 10 nautical miles without written permission; special permits required for Turtle Bay and beyond Steep Point.
Are children safe on board?
Absolutely—child-sized life jackets are supplied for childern 5 and up , under 5 must supply your own , secret treasure maps, and shore support ensure a fun, worry-free day.
How do I pay?
50% deposit to secure your date, balance plus AUD 500 bond on pick-up. Refunds processed within 10 working days after inspection.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Full refund if cancelled 30+ days out. Cancellations 10–29 days incur the deposit; under 10 days forfeit deposit + AUD 100 admin.
Can I hire additional equipment?
Yes—snorkel kits (AUD 30), fishing rods (AUD 20 per), ice blocks (AUD 5/5 kg).
Is there a cleaning fee?
An optional $80 cleaning fee is available if you’d prefer us to clean the vessel after your hire.
Alternatively, the vessel must be returned in the same clean condition it was hired in.
If the boat is returned dirty and the optional cleaning fee was not pre-paid, a $120 cleaning fee will be charged.
📞 Bookings & Info
Monkey Mia Boat Hire Shark Bay
Departures from Monkey Mia & Denham Boat Ramp
📱 Phone: 0487 421 690
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: monkeymiaboathire.com
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