Big Lagoon BBQ — A small‑group boat escape from Denham into Shark Bay

DENHAM SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Big Lagoon BBQ — A small‑group boat escape from Denham into Shark Bay

A four‑hour, small‑group cruise (maximum 12 guests) departing Denham Commercial Jetty that combines coastal wildlife viewing, a secluded beach stop at Big Lagoon and a laid‑back BBQ lunch.

Big Lagoon BBQ — A small‑group boat escape from Denham into Shark Bay.

Duration
4 Hours
Location
Denham
Operator
Perfect Nature Cruises
Category
Sightseeing Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Denham on an intimate, small‑group cruise to Big Lagoon in Shark Bay. With a maximum of just 12 passengers, Perfect Nature Cruises delivers a relaxed voyage through clear, wildlife‑rich waters to a beach accessible only by boat, where you can swim, explore and enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ lunch in a World Heritage‑listed setting.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A short cruise from Denham to a boat‑only beach
THE ROUTE

A short cruise from Denham to a boat‑only beach

Departing from Denham Commercial Jetty, the tour cruises through Shark Bay’s coastal scenery en route to Big Lagoon — a secluded beach destination reachable only by boat and framed by the turquoise water and red earth of the surrounding park.

Wildlife on the water: turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds
THE WILDLIFE

Wildlife on the water: turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds

The calm, clear waters between Denham and Big Lagoon offer frequent sightings of sea birds, rays, sharks and turtles; the crew provide local context and keep an eye out for photographic opportunities during the scenic cruise.

Beachside BBQ — simple, local and convivial
THE MEAL

Beachside BBQ — simple, local and convivial

The trip anchors at Big Lagoon for a freshly prepared BBQ lunch served on board or on the beach, giving passengers time to relax, swim and take in the solitude of this remote stretch of Shark Bay.

What the day feels like

How the trip feels

Over roughly four hours you move from the sheltered bustle of Denham Jetty into open, wildlife‑rich water before arriving at the quiet expanse of Big Lagoon. The pace is deliberately unhurried: a short safety brief and departure from the jetty, a scenic cruise with guided commentary, an anchorage for swimming and a BBQ, then a relaxed return to shore.

A short cruise from Denham to a boat‑only beach

THE ROUTE

A short cruise from Denham to a boat‑only beach

Departing from Denham Commercial Jetty, the tour cruises through Shark Bay’s coastal scenery en route to Big Lagoon — a secluded beach destination reachable only by boat and framed by the turquoise water and red earth of the surrounding park.

Wildlife on the water: turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds

THE WILDLIFE

Wildlife on the water: turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds

The calm, clear waters between Denham and Big Lagoon offer frequent sightings of sea birds, rays, sharks and turtles; the crew provide local context and keep an eye out for photographic opportunities during the scenic cruise.

Beachside BBQ — simple, local and convivial

THE MEAL

Beachside BBQ — simple, local and convivial

The trip anchors at Big Lagoon for a freshly prepared BBQ lunch served on board or on the beach, giving passengers time to relax, swim and take in the solitude of this remote stretch of Shark Bay.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour works for — and who should think twice.

1
Small‑group seekersIdeal: travellers who prefer an intimate experience — the tour deliberately limits numbers to a maximum of 12 passengers for a personalised outing.
2
Wildlife and nature loversIdeal: guests who want close encounters with marine life and coastal scenery in Shark Bay’s protected waters, with guides pointing out turtles, rays, sharks and seabirds.
3
Families with older childrenSuitable: children over the age of 10 are welcome, but the vessel is a jet boat and the experience can be noisy or overstimulating for some younger children, so supervision is required.
4
Less mobile travellersCaution: participants should have a reasonable level of mobility; boarding involves steps and beach access may require wading — this may make the trip unsuitable for travellers with significant mobility limitations.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), a jumper or jacket, swimwear and towel, a refillable water bottle, and any BYO alcohol you wish to consume. A selection of soft drinks and water are included.

Logistics & Timing

The tour is roughly four hours long with boarding and check‑in at Denham Commercial Jetty; check‑in and boarding commence at 09:45 with departure shortly after.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, including cruising time, time at Big Lagoon, and lunch.

When does the tour run?

The tour is currently only available during W.A. school holiday periods; private charters can be arranged at other times on enquiry.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Denham Commercial Jetty.

How many people are on the tour?

To ensure a personalised experience, the tour carries a maximum of 12 passengers.

What’s included in the tour price?

The ticket includes a guided boat tour, a freshly prepared BBQ lunch, refreshments and time for wildlife viewing and beach activities at Big Lagoon.

Is swimming allowed?

Yes. Passengers have the opportunity to swim at Big Lagoon; the water is usually calm and clear.

Do I need to bring anything?

Recommended items include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, a refillable water bottle and a camera. BYO alcohol is permitted.

Do I need to be physically fit to join?

You should have a reasonable level of mobility. Boarding the vessel requires a step or two and accessing the beach may involve walking through ankle‑ to knee‑deep water.

What happens in bad weather?

The tour is weather‑dependent. In adverse conditions the skipper may modify the itinerary, delay departure or cancel the tour; if cancelled you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children over the age of 10 are welcome but must be supervised. The vessel is a jet boat and can be loud or overstimulating for some children; shade on the back deck is only available while anchored.

Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes, there is a marine toilet onboard for passenger use.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

The operator does its best to cater for dietary needs (including vegetarian and gluten‑free options) but ingredient availability is limited in remote areas; notify the operator at booking.

Is alcohol allowed?

BYO alcohol is permitted; responsible service of alcohol rules still apply and passengers are asked to consume responsibly.