Hand feeding wild dolphins at Monkey Mia is a unique experience only possible in Shark Bay, in a remote area along Australia’s Coral Coast. We visited Shark Bay for the first time during our 10-day road trip from Perth to Exmouth in May 2021.
Read on for an insider’s guide and tips for the Monkey Mia dolphin feeding experience.
About the Monkey Mia Dolphins
The RAC Monkey Mia Resort is located in the Shark Bay Marine Park on the Peron Peninsula. Monkey Mia is a 20 minute drive from the seaside town of Denham, and a 9-hour drive from Perth.
The wild bottlenose dolphins have been visiting Monkey Mia for decades now. There are two main families of dolphins that visit the shallows, and an estimated 3000 dolphins in the bay. Researchers have been studying the Monkey Mia dolphins for over 30 years now.
To learn more about the history and research of the Shark Bay dolphins, drop into the Dolphin Information Centre at Monkey Mia.
At the daily dolphin experience, there may be anywhere from two to seven dolphin at the daily feedings. Larger groups of up to 20 have made an appearance in the past. They are also sighted around the bay at other times.
Monkey Mia Dolphin Feeding Experience
There are usually three dolphin feeding experiences each morning at Monkey Mia until noon. This does depend if the dolphins decide to visit the beach. Some mornings there may be one feeding only, sometimes three or sometimes none.
The first feeding experience is usually around 7.45am. The first feeding is the busiest as this has the highest chance of seeing the dolphins. Meet the Parks and Wildlife rangers at the boardwalk near the jetty and show them your ticket as they let people onto the beach.
The dolphins are fed under strict supervision of Parks and Wildlife officers, under specific guidelines. The small amount of fish given in the feeding makes up just a small proportion of the dolphins daily requirements.
This is strictly followed to ensure they continue hunting for themselves and don’t become too reliant on humans. One of the volunteers even said that they weigh the fish down to the very gram to make sure they aren’t overfed.
I was impressed to see how well managed the dolphin feeding experience was. Visiting in May 2021, I was shocked at how many people were waiting for the first feeding of the morning. There would have been at least 100 people waiting on the beach.
The guides are very informative, and can identify the dolphins that appear by name and provide some family history. They do well at making sure people stay out of the water and remain on the sand edge.
The volunteer dolphin feeders will enter the water with a bucket of fish, and choose a few people from the crowd at random to come up and feed the dolphins. Other than this, you cannot touch the dolphins.
Tips for the Dolphin Feeding at Monkey Mia
Make sure you get to Monkey Mia for the first dolphin feeding of the day, as this has the most chance of seeing the dolphins. Aim to arrive by 7.30am.
This first session is also the busiest session, so you have less chance of being picked to help feed the dolphins.
There is no Monkey Mia dolphin feeding booking required, just show up and buy your ticket before meeting the ranger on the beach for the first feeding.
If you hang around for the second or even third session, which can happen anytime after the first session until 12pm, there are a lot less people.
I was lucky enough to be picked when we attended the second session, which occurred around 9.30am on the day of our visit.
Check out my Instagram video from the experience!
Other Ways to See the Dolphins
You can hire a paddle board or kayak from Monkey Mia Resort, and take it out into the bay. People have seen dolphins this way.
If you see a dolphin while swimming, you will need stay at least 30 metres away from them so as to not to interfere with their natural behaviour. Swimming with and touching the dolphins is prohibited by law.
Another way to see the dolphins is by taking a wildlife cruise with a local tourism operator.
You can’t swim with dolphins at Monkey Mia, however in Perth you can join a tour to swim with wild dolphins (only 45-minutes from the CBD!).
Dolphin Feeding Monkey Mia Cost
To participate in the dolphin feeding experience is free, but there is an entry fee to enter the Monkey Mia Conversation Park.
At the time of writing in 2023, Monkey Mia dolphin feeding prices cost $15 per adult for a one day permit. A holiday permit for four weeks can be purchased for $25 per adult.
Child, concession and family passes are available, see the Shark Bay site for more information.
Please note that these entry fees are NOT covered by the DPAW National Parks Pass.
Heading further north? Another unique experience is swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth
Where to Stay in Monkey Mia
You can stay in Monkey Mia at the RAC Monkey Mia Resort, or stay in the town of Denham (20 minutes away). Denham has a larger range of accommodation available, but Monkey Mia is closest to the dolphin feeding.
Note that there are no luxury hotels in Shark Bay. The most modern accommodation would be at the Monkey Mia resort. Due to the limited amount of accommodation available around Shark Bay, make sure you book in advance.
Accommodation in Monkey Mia:
- RAC Monkey Mia Resort: A range of options for all budgets, from rooms with shared bathrooms to deluxe rooms with sea views.
Accommodation in Denham:
- Shark Bay Seafront Apartments: I stayed here and couldn’t fault the place. Friendly owners, clean and comfortable basic rooms and the best location with beachfront views from the property. Loved the shared BBQ facilities available for use.
- Bay Lodge: for a more budget option which still offers private rooms and even a pool, and great location in the middle of town.
- Denham Seaside Caravan Park: Chalets with private bathroom, kitchenette and a patio.
Final Thoughts – Dolphins Monkey Mia
The Monkey Mia Dolphin experience is a popular activity, and draws many visitors to the Shark Bay area. make sure to arrive early in time for the first feeding of the day for the best possible chance to see the dolphins appear. But just come prepared that sightings aren’t guaranteed.
While the Monkey Mia dolphin feeding times aren’t set, hanging around for the second or third feeding experience is a good idea if time permits, as you can enjoy the experience with fewer people if it goes ahead. Go grab a coffee from the RAC Monkey Mia Resort café, and explore the beautiful beach while you wait.
Check out my other guides to help you plan your road trip along Western’s Australia’s Coral Coast: