Monkey Mia, on the picturesque West Australian coast, is a must see for the friendly dolphins, wild dolphins and scenery. This coastal town gives you the chance to see wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, relax on pristine beaches and experience untouched beauty. Whether you’re looking for a quick stopover or multi-day getaway this guide will help you decide how many days to spend at Monkey Mia to make the most of your trip.
How Many Days Do You Need?
1 Day: A Quick Visit
If you’re short on time a one day visit to Monkey Mia is still worth it. You can:
- Attend the morning dolphin experience (usually 7:45 am to 12 pm) and see wild dolphin feedings up close
- Take a walk along the beaches and beaches with crystal clear waters
- Have lunch at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, a great lunch option
- See the local wildlife, including pelicans, turtles and emus
- Take a Monkey Mia tour, get insights from park rangers and explore more hidden spots
- Visit the visitor centre and learn about the history and conservation of this area
- Get great photos of the coastal views, sand dunes and white sand beaches
One day is enough to see the friendly dolphin locals and resident dolphins but you may feel rushed if you want to explore beyond the immediate Monkey Mia area.
2 Days: A Relaxed Break
For a more leisurely time spend two days at Monkey Mia and you can:
- See the wild bottlenose dolphins multiple times without the morning crowds
- Go on a wildlife cruise to see dugongs, manta rays, rays and various shark species including the resident sharks in these waters
- Kayak or paddleboard in the calm shallow waters and deeper water
- Enjoy a sunset at the beach with cliff views and coastal views
- Join a Monkey Mia tour and explore nearby national parks and more of the region’s natural beauty
- Do a coastal loop and stop at stunning coastlines and seaside towns for great photos
- Visit local sheep stations to learn about traditional Australian farming
- Relax at your accommodation options which range from resorts to caravan parks
Two days is ideal if you want to chill and take in the coastal beauty at a slow pace.
3+ Days: Shark Bay Region
If you have more time, three or more days will give you time to fully explore Monkey Mia and the surrounding Shark Bay region. Activities include:
- Visiting Francois Peron National Park for red cliffs and turquoise water
- Shell Beach to see white shells and Hamelin Pool Stromatolites
- Fishing or sailing and spot pink snappers and other marine life
- Monkey Mia hot springs to relax after a big day
- See the untouched beauty of Shark Bay’s natural attractions including gorges and river gorges
- Monkey Mia tour to see the town and its landmarks
- Photo stops along the way to capture the coast
- Eagle Bluff to see sharks above
- Walking trails for cliff and coastal views
- Beach activities – snorkelling, sunbathing, tidal pools
- Accommodation options from luxury resorts to caravan parks and campsites with camp kitchen
- Four-day wildlife adventure guided by park rangers
A longer stay is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those looking for a coastal escape.
Best Time to Visit
Monkey Mia is open all year but the best time to visit is:
- April to October (dry season) – cooler weather, big views, wildlife viewing
- November to March (summer) – warmer, beach activities, water sports, great photos
- Take a road trip during the cooler months to see the natural beauty of Western Australia
Where to Stay
There are a few options in and around Monkey Mia:
- RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (beachfront resort with various accommodation options from resorts to caravan parks)
- Denham (25km away) has budget motels, holiday parks, and boutique stays in a lovely town
- Camping options are available in national parks nearby with camp kitchen facilities
- A servo is in the area to fill up before further adventures
Monkey Mia is all about nature. Whether you visit for a day or 4 days the experience of watching dolphins in their natural habitat, spotting sharks and the coast will leave you with memories for life. A Monkey Mia tour can also help you discover hidden gems and make the most of your visit. Whatever the length of your stay this is a bucket list destination for the whole family.
FAQ
How long should I stay in Monkey Mia to see the dolphins?
You can see the wild dolphin feedings in a day visit but staying at least one night increases your chances of multiple sightings without the crowds.
What time of day should I see the dolphins at Monkey Mia?
Best time to see the dolphins is morning between 7:45 am and 12:00 pm when they come in close to shore for feeding.
Can I swim with the dolphins in Monkey Mia?
No, swimming with the dolphins is not allowed to keep their habitat undisturbed. But you can observe them from the shore.
Is Monkey Mia worth visiting?
Yes! Monkey Mia is a unique coastal town where you can get up close with wild dolphins, beautiful beaches and the diverse marine life of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
What else is near Monkey Mia?
Nearby attractions include Francois Peron National Park, Shell Beach, Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Little Lagoon and Eagle Bluff, all with stunning landscapes, river gorges, walking trails and plenty of wildlife encounters.