What wildlife will you encounter on your Horizontal Falls tour?

Thursday 3rd September 2026

The Horizontal Falls is famous for its powerful tides and dramatic red‑rock gorges — but the wildlife you’ll encounter is just as unforgettable. Talbot Bay and the surrounding Kimberley coastline are home to some of Australia’s most fascinating marine species, many of which you’ll see from the air, the boat, or even right beside the pontoon.

Here’s a guide to the wildlife you can expect to meet on your Horizontal Falls adventure.

Sharks: The Stars of the Shark‑Safe Enclosure

One of the most memorable parts of a Horizontal Falls tour is the shark‑safe swimming enclosure, where you can observe large Kimberley sharks up close. You may spot nurse sharks, blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks! They’re calm, curious, and accustomed to the pontoon environment, making them easy to view safely from above or while swimming in the protected area.

Three large sharks glide just below the surface of deep blue water, their bodies and dorsal fins illuminated by sunlight filtering through the waves.

Bottlenose Dolphins: Playful Visitors in Talbot Bay

Dolphins are frequently spotted on the journey to and from the Falls. They often glide alongside the boat or appear in the calm waters of Talbot Bay.

The bay’s rich marine ecosystem provides plenty of food, and the sheltered waters make it a comfortable environment for pods moving through the archipelago.

Kimberley Fish Species: Colourful, Abundant & Everywhere

The waters around the Horizontal Falls are home to a huge variety of fish, thanks to the nutrient‑rich tidal flow. It’s common to spot trevally, queenfish, barramundi and coral dwelling reef fish. You’ll often see schools of fish darting beneath the pontoon or shimmering near the surface.

Guests on board a vessel in Talbot Bay going out on a scenic river cruise to spot wildlife.

Birdlife: Raptors, Sea Birds & Kimberley Icons

The Kimberley is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and Talbot Bay is no exception. Some of the birds you may encounter include white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, terns and gulls plus kingfishers.

A Horizontal Falls tour isn’t just about the iconic tidal rush — it’s a chance to encounter sharks, dolphins, fish and birds in one of Australia’s most remote and pristine marine environments. Whether you’re watching sharks glide beneath you or spotting turtles from the air, the wildlife adds depth, wonder, and unforgettable moments to your Kimberley adventure.