Experience more of the region with these Karratha tours

Many things draw people to holiday in Karratha. From its warm weather and laid-back lifestyle, to the stunning rock art, the swimming holes, and the glittering blue waters of the Dampier Archipelago, there’s plenty to explore.

And while it’s fun to plan your own adventure, booking a tour is a great way to get out and see the region. There are a range of companies offering Karratha tours, who can plan the entire experience for you, allowing you to see and do things you otherwise wouldn’t have known about.

Karratha fishing tours

One of the big reasons that people love coming to Karratha is the fishing. There are a huge variety of fish that inhabit the coastline, so for avid anglers, a fishing charter is one of the best ways to get out on the water.

And sure, you can hire a boat yourself. But without local insight, you’re essentially fishing blind.

There are a number of Karratha fishing tours to choose from, with local operators offering a range of charters, ranging from one-day to eight-day trips, or longer.

Looking to spend more time fishing? Blue Lightning Fishing Charters are a family-owned and operated business, and take you to one of Karratha’s best fishing spots just off the Dampier Archipelago: the Montebello Islands.

Running between August and October when the weather is at its best, they offer a selection of five, seven, or eight-day fishing trips, and custom trips as well, where you live aboard the boat and spend your days jigging, reef fishing, and deep sea sport fishing.

You don’t need to know where the best spots are—they do it all for you. With specialised equipment, bait, lures, and ice all provided, this is an easy way to plan your day on the water.

The best way to book your tour is to get in touch via their website.

Karratha rock art tours

The rock art scattered around Karratha and the Burrup Peninsula is some of the most abundant in Australia. The area is said to contain over one million petroglyphs, estimated to be up to 40,000 years old, serving as an enduring expression of the land’s traditional custodians, the Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi, the Yaburara-Mardudhunera and the Woon-goo-tt-oo people.

Experiencing it first-hand is an awe-inspiring experience, providing a tangible link to the past through traditional stories and Dreamtime mythology. These aren’t just artistic expressions; they’re repositories of cultural knowledge, reflecting the continuity of traditions passed down through generations.

Ngurrangga Tours

Ngurrangga Tours provide Aboriginal cultural tours of Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi traditional country in Karratha, allowing you to get up close to the significant rock art of Karratha and learn about its importance. An Aboriginal owned and operated company, you’ll hear stories and history about the petroglyphs created by the Yaburrara people, in the world’s largest outdoor rock art gallery.

Available from mid-January 2024 onwards, rock art tours run Tuesdays and Thursdays, and cost between $100 and $120 depending on the tour you take.

Tours of the Dampier Archipelago

Outside of the red dust of Dampier, and just a little way north across the ocean, you’ll find the Dampier Archipelago. Made up of 42 islands and islets, with crystal clear water, it’s home to hundreds of species of fish, along with dugongs, turtles, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins.

It’s an idyllic paradise that’s just waiting to be explored, whether by boat—or by the air.

Dampier Archipelago boat charters

Boat charters give you the opportunity to explore the Archipelago. You’re out on the water, feeling the ocean spray on your cheeks and the sun on your shoulders, the water just waiting for you to either throw a line into, or jump in and swim.

Taking a boat tour of the Dampier Archipelago lets you experience snorkelling, diving, and swimming, with a boat crew providing exceptional food, drinks, and—if you’re lucky—commentary to highlight the beauty of what you’re seeing and experiencing. You might even be lucky enough to drop anchor and set foot on the islands yourself.

Karratha tours like these are dependent on the tides, however, so depending on the day, you may not get to experience the islands.

Helicopter and plane tours

Alternatively, you can see Karratha from the skies, and see the stunning blue water from above.

Helicopters and seaplanes take you up and around for a low scenic flight over the top sites around the Burrup Peninsula. Depending on the tour operator, you may even have the opportunity to experience a seaplane landing.

Rather than getting up close, it’s a way to see the full canvas that makes up the Dampier Archipelago. You’ll see the colours, the land and sea, and the contrasting beauty that you don’t get down at sea level. They’re the perfect option for those that want to see it all, but don’t necessarily want to go snorkelling or swimming.

There are a range of excellent operators available, so find the one that suits you—or speak to our friendly staff to get their favourite picks—and then get ready for a different kind of Karratha experience.

Start your tour at our Karratha accommodation

Whether it’s seeing the ancient rock art, spending time on the water, or experiencing the region by air, Karratha tours are a fantastic way to experience our beautiful town. And when looking to book any of these Karratha tours, make sure you’ve got somewhere comfortable to stay.

The Karratha International Hotel provides a range of inviting rooms, with all the modern conveniences that make your stay truly feel like a holiday. Got a bit more time to spend? Lounge by the pool, or enjoy world-class Italian food at our on-site restaurant Luce Bar e Cibo.

Book your stay with us here.