Monkey Mia, in the beautiful Shark Bay World Heritage Area of Western Australia, is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins. Famous for its daily wild dolphin interactions, you can see these playful buggers up close in their natural environment. The turquoise water and beaches of Monkey Mia are the perfect backdrop for this amazing experience. But what’s the best time of year to visit Monkey Mia for dolphin watching? This guide will tell you the best months to visit, what to expect and top tips to make it unforgettable.
Best Time of Year for Dolphin Watching
Dolphins are present at Monkey Mia all year round but some months are better than others. The May to October period is considered the peak season for dolphin watching due to good weather, calm seas and more frequent sightings.
Why May to October is Best
1. Consistent Sightings
While dolphins can be seen all year at Monkey Mia, the May to October period has more consistent sightings. During this time dolphins are more active closer to shore, especially in the mornings. The cooler weather and less tourists make it easier to see them without obstruction. As one of the largest non-invasive dolphin research sites, Monkey Mia is a unique window into dolphin behaviour, where you can observe their natural behaviour in a protected natural environment.
2. Good Weather
The weather during these months is dry, mild and sunny. Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) so it’s perfect for beach time or a boat cruise. The dry climate means fewer rainy days so more chance of a successful dolphin watching experience. You can also enjoy the coastal views, white cockle shells and sand dunes of the nearby Francois Peron National Park.
3. Calmer Waters for a Better View
Calmer seas means better visibility so you can see dolphins swimming near the surface. Clear water is good for both those on shore and those on cruises or guided Monkey Mia Tours. Clear water also means you can see other marine life that may be present, manta rays, dugongs and marine mammals.
Dolphin Watching Experience at Monkey Mia
Morning Dolphin Feedings
The best part of Monkey Mia is the daily dolphin feedings. Every morning a small pod of wild dolphins swim to shore and visitors get to see them up close. Park rangers supervise the feedings to make sure the dolphins are treated with respect. You might see the local dolphins, including the playful females and bottlenose dolphins as they swim up to shore to get a small bucket of fish. This is often the highlight of many people’s Monkey Mia Trip and a great spot for photos.
Guided Tours and Cruises
As well as the shoreline dolphin experiences, Monkey Mia offers guided wildlife cruises and boat tours. These Perth Tours give you the opportunity to see dolphins swimming in open water. Many tours operate May to October and get you up close and personal with dolphins and other marine life like dugongs, manta rays and marine mammals. Some tours also visit Eagle Bluff, Dirk Hartog Island and the coral reefs of Shark Bay Marine Park. For the adventurous, a 4 day trip to explore Shark Bay’s wilderness can be a once in a lifetime experience.
What to Expect Each Month
May
May is the start of the prime dolphin season. The weather is cooler and dryer with temperatures around 22°C (72°F). The water is calmer and there are fewer people than during the peak tourist months. This is a great month for those who prefer a more relaxed experience. You can also visit Peron Homestead and see the stromatolites, 3,500 million year old formations found in Hamelin Pool.
June
June is still great for dolphin watching. It’s not part of the Australian school holidays so there are fewer people. The chances of dolphin sightings are still high and there’s less distraction when you get up close to the dolphins. You may also see other marine life like dugongs, manta rays and turtles.
July
July is winter in Australia but the weather at Monkey Mia is mild with temperatures around 21°C (69°F). It’s cooler but the clear blue skies and calm water makes for a perfect dolphin watching experience. There may be a few more people due to the Australian school holidays but this also means more tours and wildlife experiences are available. Tours may also visit Kalbarri National Park for extra adventure.
August
August is a great month for dolphin spotting. Temperatures start to rise and the skies are clearer. Dolphins are very active and visitors have a good chance of getting up close. End of August marks the start of spring and it’s a perfect time for nature lovers to visit. It’s also a good month to explore the nearby coastal scenery, white sand beaches and sand dunes in Francois Peron National Park.
September
By September the weather warms up and spring is in full swing. Temperatures are around 25°C (77°F) and marine life is more active. This is one of the best months for guided tours as the warmer weather brings more marine life to the area. Dolphins are often seen close to shore and guided cruises are in full swing. It’s also a good time to visit the Peron Homestead Precinct and learn about the region’s history.
Tips for Dolphin Watching at Monkey Mia
- Get There Early: The best dolphin interactions are during the early morning feeding sessions. Get there by 7:30 am and you’ll get a front row seat to see the dolphins swim up to shore.
- Follow the Rules: Trained park rangers manage the dolphin feedings to ensure it’s done ethically. Follow their instructions and don’t touch the dolphins.
- Book in Advance: If you’re doing a wildlife cruise or guided tour, book in advance for May to October period.
- Dress Comfortably: Mornings can be cool so wear layers you can remove as the temperature warms up.
- Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the magic of dolphins swimming up to shore. Bring a camera with a zoom lens.
Other Wildlife
While dolphins are the star of the show, Monkey Mia is home to an abundance of marine and land wildlife. During your visit you may also see:
- Dugongs: These gentle, slow moving creatures are often seen grazing on seagrass beds in the area.
- Turtles: Green turtles and loggerhead turtles are often seen in the clear waters.
- Stingrays: Look down near the shore and you might see stingrays swimming by.
- Sharks: Not as common near the shore but small reef sharks can be seen further out to sea.
- Birdlife: Monkey Mia is a birdwatcher’s paradise with pelicans, cormorants and ospreys along the coast.
Conclusion
If you’re a dolphin lover then May to October is the best time to visit Monkey Mia. Calmer waters, higher chances of sightings and clear blue skies make this the perfect time for nature lovers and photographers. Whether you’re watching the morning feedings, joining a Wildlife Tours cruise or just lounging on the beach the chance to see wild dolphins up close is an experience you will never forget. Book your trip to Monkey Mia during these peak months to make the most of this wildlife adventure.
FAQ
What’s the best month for dolphin watching?
May to October
Can you see dolphins all year round?
Yes, but more frequent and consistent May to October
When is the best time of day to see dolphins at Monkey Mia?
The best time of day to see dolphins is in the early morning during the daily feeding sessions, which usually begin around 7:30 am. Arriving early increases your chances of seeing the dolphins up close.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, you don’t need to book for the shore based feedings but booking a wildlife cruise or tour is recommended especially during peak season May to October.