Derby - Buccaneer Archipelago

The Buccaneer Archipelago is vast and remote.  Situated approximately 2800 km north of the Western Australian capital of Perth, its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. 

Tides of up to 11 metres are among some of the biggest in the world, and certainly the largest in Australia.  In some places they are treacherously strong and unpredictable, surging up rivers and ripping through inland passages.

These tides create such phenomena as the horizontal waterfall in Talbot Bay. Here the tide rushes through the gaps in the cliff, which are only a few metres wide forming the effect of a horizontal waterfall.

The area is an incredible breeding ground for a huge array of wildlife including crocodiles, snakes, birds, bats and most importantly fish. Visitors to the Buccaneer Archipelago find the fishing here exceptional and many species habitat the region in abundance. Your catch could include Barramundi, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Trevally, Snapper Tuna and Spanish Mackerel, as well as oysters and enormous mud crabs.

Aboriginal people have lived in the Archipelago for thousands of years and their rock art can be found on many islands and the adjacent mainland. Indigenous groups today still visit their traditional sites and communities are established in the area.

Exploring this area in sea safari style from the town of Derby is a unique holiday experience. Visitors use a vessel to travel between the islands and camp out in swags and mosquito domes on sandy beaches. Fishing, bird watching, bush walking, exploring gorges and mud crabbing can be a part of a very special holiday.  Scenic flights, for a birds eye view of the islands below, also operate from Derby.

For a luxurious and exclusive experience there are several cruise operations from Broome, which conduct regular seasonal trips to the Buccaneer Archipelago.