Monkey Mia Conservation Park Visitor Centre — Attraction in Monkey Mia

I don’t normally leave reviews but I don’t understand how this place is even allowed to operate! We were under the impression the dolphins were just swimming around the bay but instead they’re lured in by a business feeding them at certain times throughout the morning and a fee of $15 per person to walk down to the beach and watch the feedings occur. There is so much evidence supporting how detrimental feeding wild animals can be and these ones have certainly become accustomed to human interaction and arrive right on time for feeding proving their dependence on humans. This place is ultimately causing these dolphins to lose their foraging strategies and in turn will cause them to accept food from humans that they would normally refuse to eat. Dolphins like these will also lose their natural instincts of fearing people and boats thus subjecting them to a higher risk of entanglement in fishing gear and poses the risk of ingestion of foreign equipment. When asking the staff about the ethics surrounding feeding they advised us that the locals used to feed them and this was a way of controlling what they’re fed and they would not survive without it. However, when questioned further they told us they only fed them 10% of their daily diet. I don’t know about you but when I lose 10% of my diet I don’t die, I just feel hungry and more eager to source my own food. The best part is yet to come… We asked about snorkelling in the bay and were advised to snorkel to the right of the jetty which is outside the dolphin interaction area. Upon entering the water the dolphins quickly swam towards us like a dog at dinner time. A staff member came running down to the beach to tell us it’s against the law to swim within 50m of a dolphin. I’m sorry but you have created this problem. It’s 2022, there’s an abundance of evidence and articles to support the negative implications of these vicinities on wild life yet here we are… Overall, if the tourist aspect wasn’t in this area it would be a beautiful beach but my goodness what a complete waste of money I feel sick at the thought of supporting...

I aimed to be here for 2 days but stayed for 4. I camped in Denham the first few nights which was a good idea as there is a greater selection of places to eat and as well as get groceries. The last night I stayed at RAC Monkey Mia (mattress in the shared dorm was extremely uncomfortable as I could feel the springs into my ribs... and there was no air con) as I wanted to relax after the sunset cruise.

I was present for 12 different dolphin experiences. They do 3 experiences each day if the dolphins turn up and they did every day for me. The first is crowded but the second and third barely anyone is there. The staff and volunteers are wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. Each of the 11 times I was present for the dolphin experience you learn something a little different as they often have a different person speaking about the experience.

The first best thing about the dolphin experience is seeing the dolphins so close and watching them chill out a few feet away whilst the staff share about the dolphins. Second best thing is hearing the cool facts about the dolphins, their names and distinguishable features and how they got them. Third thing is only a few fish are fed to each dolphin each session so the chance of feeding one is slim so think of that as a bonus if you get chosen.

Important. Remember not to put sunscreen on your feet, legs or hands especially if you think you want to feed the dolphin.

*And take notice of the dolphins only zone.

There is plenty to do if you are creative. Aside from the boat cruises and swimming pool at the resort, you can go snorkeling, walking along the shoreline enjoying the scenery, or looking for crabs, turtles etc. I brought my Fatbike and went for a long ride down the beach and found some funny crabs and cool birds. Great area for photographers.

I would definitely return for a holiday, Mayne even volunteer at the...

Stayed at the RAC dolphin resort for 2 nights 17,18/7/24, see my separate review for the resort. Entry into the dolphin experience was 20$ per person for a retired couple like us because we stayed 2 nights, note that this is on top of any RAC accommodation fees but lasts 28 days so you could come in & out any number of times within 28 days. Otherwise Its 10$ per retired person for a day pass. The WA National Parks pass does not include Monkey Mia. Be aware that if you come for a day you may not see dolphins, the dolphins come when they want to, having said that they are sufficiently conditioned to come into the feeding area most days. They didn't come on our first day but came twice on our second day. The number that comes in can vary from 2 to 7 at one time. They are only fed in the morning before 12pm. Note also that only 2 park volunteers feed the dolphins and each volunteer only gives out 2 pieces of fish to the dolphin that wants it. The dolphins come in to feed up to a max of 3 times before 12.00. No feeding occurs from 12pm. Don't come expecting to feed dolphins yourself. The best viewing location during feeding is from the front of the crowd on the beach but a great view can also be had from the jetty. Apart from the dolphin feeding, the restaurant at the RAC resort, less than 100m from the beach, has good coffee and food. There are 3 walking trails that are easy to do when the weather is not too hot, see photo below. We had one bright sunny day and one rainy day and just so happened that the dolphins came in on...