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Discover amazing marine life aboard the Aristocat 2

Step aboard the Aristocat 2, our spectacular 18 metre sailing catamaran with multiple vantage points and breathe in the fresh salty air of nature’s aquarium….

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Explore with our Eco certified Cruises

Search for Dugongs, Dolphins and other endangered marine life with one of our many Cruise options

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Monkey Mia Marine Life Cruise

Discover amazing and endangered marine life in the incredibly untouched Shark Bay World Heritage Area

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Marine Life & Sunset Cruise Combo

Enjoy our Popular Marine Life cruise and end it with a spectacular Sunset Cruise

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Fresh N Wet Summer Cruise

Be cool and get wet in the boom net for a refreshingly rejuvenating ocean spa experience

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy the stunning sight of the sky’s continual change of colours reflected on the sea

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Monkey Mia Marine Life Cruise No.2

School holidays only. We’ll go in search of Dolphins, Dugongs, Turtles, Rays & Sharks

Embark on an Environmental Restoration journey with the Aristocat 2

We're thrilled to introduce our ambitious "Seagrass Restoration" initiative – a not-for-profit labor of love fueled entirely by our dedication and passion. In the wake of a devastating marine heatwave in 2011, a staggering 1000 square kilometers of precious seagrass (Amphibolis Antarctica) were lost from the original 4000. These seagrass meadows of Shark Bay are the last frontier for the world's depleting Dugong population, highlighting the urgency of our mission.

We are calling upon all kindred spirits, businesses, and corporations out there to join us on this incredible journey. Your involvement, no matter the scale, can create ripples of positive change that will echo through the Shark Bay Marine Park's biodiversity. We're not just restoring seagrass – we're restoring hope, life, and the future. Let's make waves together!

Learn more about the project

Contribute to our cause

You can contribute to our cause through our dedicated GoFundMe campaign . By doing so, you're not just supporting a project; you're ensuring a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Exclusive Offer for RAC WA Members

RAC WA Members can save 10% off on any Marine Life and Sunset Cruise

Call us on 1800 030 427 to receive your 10% discount

*The 10% discount is not available for online bookings.

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

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Aristocat 2 Cruises

TripAdvisor Reviews

Starfish Ratings

What a fabulous experience in the Aristocrat 2. We spotted dolphins, turtles, dugongs and various bird life. Excellent tour guides who ensured we had value for money. A beautiful day out at sea

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Australia's Last Sunset Cruise

magic sunset cruise

Depending on the wind strength, your cruise will either be a gentle, relaxed mood with silent sail and quiet music on a still sea or, wind in your hair and perhaps a bit of spray on your face as you slide across the bay. Daily 1.5 hour cruise.

Departure time follows the sun.

May, Jun, Jul - 4:30pm;       Aug, Sept, Apr - 4:45pm;     October - 5:00pm;     March - 5:15pm;     November - 5:30pm;     Dec, Jan, Feb - 5:45pm

Perfect Nature Cruises

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

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catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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PERFECT NATURE CRUISES (Monkey Mia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Sunset cruise on the Shotover - Wildsights

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We had a wonderful time with Harvey in Francois Peron National Park. We saw plenty of wildlife and... read more

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

What a great day with Harvey at Francois Peron. He is a great host, tour leader and teacher. Big... read more

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Sunset cruise on the Shotover

The sunset tour was absolute bliss. An excellent way to cool down during a heatwave and a beautiful relaxing experience. We also took the afternoon tour the following day. As promised, we saw quite a range of the marine wildlife. Only problem here was escaping the sun on a very hot day. Sun glasses and sun screen provided though.

Our hired car could not be taken into Francois Peron National Park, and we were very impressed with Wildsights website for their 4WD tour, so made a booking. Perhaps our biggest mistake was believing the website hype. While it was great to go into the park with an experienced driver and see its wonderful scenery, maybe more accurate wording on their brochure would prevent others from disappointment. We were promised "a delicious lunch, yummy morning and afternoon tea ... sunscreen, use of binoculars, polarised sunglasses ..." Lunch consisted of a simple filled bread roll and fruit, morning and afternoon tea was a packet of biscuits. "Yummy?" I don't think so. No sign of sunscreen, binoculars or sunglasses - but we did get a very tiring and constant tirade from our driver on his personal life experiences. I am not an expert on 'value for money' for Australian 4WD trips, but $195 for this one seemed rather steep.

I went on a full day's 4WD in Francois Peron National Park, a 3 hour day cruise and 1.5 hour sunset cruise with Wildsights. All of them were great! Saw dolphins, dugongs, rays, sharks and a sea snake both from Skipjack Point in the Park and out on the catamaran. Staff are friendly and helpful. I thought that these trips were good value for money. Thanks folks, you really made my few days enjoyable.

Unfortunate that the afternoon we went was overcast so water dark and very poor visibility for sea-life. Apart from a ten minute period when a huge pod of dolphins played around us, it was pretty boring and very cold. I am sure it would be great on a clear day.

I usually get sea sick on boats but not on this one. We had some good sights of Dolphins, Dugongs and Turtles. The sunset cruise is a must.

Captain is friendly and Deckhand is fabulous really enjoyed the trips I did found all aspects amazing especially the interaction with the crew. Boat was immaculate and when asked questions the crew were knowledgeable. Saw many animals that I would not have seen if not for this boat cheers shotover thanks for the fun.

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Sunset cruise at Monkey Mia - Perfect Nature Cruises

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We had such a phenomenal time on the cruise. We saw dolphins, turtles, loads of dugongs and even... read more

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

What a magical experience! Liam and Shan were so knowledgeable and made the whole experience... read more

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Sunset cruise at Monkey Mia

Went on the sunset cruise at Monkey Mia with my husband a few days ago. Lovely cruise and saw plenty of dolphins, one even kept jumping out of the water. We were able to take our own champagne and snacks, which was wonderful and so unlike some other cruises I have been on. Would recommend this cruise as it is relaxing, beautiful scenery and wildlife and inexpensive.

I Kaye Thanks for the review. Even though we are fully licensed to sell alcohol we do not mind if anyone if anyone BYOs our drinks it the bay are the cheapest in the town, we only have them as a convenience for those who would like a drink in the moment. The Sun Sets have been great the last few weeks. Regards Greg

We went on 2 cruises with this company and both were outstanding. The first was a morning cruise advertised as 2.5hrs and the second aa 1.5 hr sunset cruise. The boat is a catamaran and as such doesn’t have huge numbers of people on it. You can sit anywhere on the boat ie on the front roof section, in the nets between the 2 sections, or sit on the edge with your feet dangling or inside in the cabin so very relaxed. The crew of 2 are very informative, very obliging and friendly and very genuine in their desire to give you the experience of seeing the Dugong,dolphins, sea turtles and more. They don’t rush back to meet the time advertised if there is something to see and photograph and so be prepared to be up to a 1/2hr later back than advertised! The crew we had for the morning tour was all female which was a lovely surprise to see a you g woman as skipper. The boat is generally motor powered but does put up a sail and if the wind is right will use sail rather than motor. On the sunset cruise we came upon the training ship the Leeuwin which is a fully rigged ship of the old fashioned variety and quite a sight.The skipper of our boat on the sunset cruise ensured we were beautifully placed for photos of the sunset behind this boat which made for a great photo. A highly recommended cruise!

Hi Jorose Thanks for the review the all girl crew do a great job, we have had female skippers for the last 18 months. Your review is very informative thank you. We do try to sail as much as we can , at this time of the year there is not much wind so we have to use the engines other wise we would go nowhere. Greg

The Perfect Nature Cruise was an amazing experience. We did the early tour, around 11am? And returned for a "free" sunset cruise that evening. The catamaran yacht is stunning, with heaps of room to walk around or just sit in the boom net or even on top of the vessel. A few points...The information and tour guides were superb. Whilst the marine life itself was few and far between, we did see a Dungong and her baby calf, maybe 1 or 2 dolphins and a sea turtle but that was it. Hardly the cruises fault, it all depends on the luck of the ocean. Still, the cruise was heaps relaxing, informative and a few beers on the ocean is always good, right? We did the spa boom net thing too....so bring bathers, worth the little thrill, even though I got flung out and was holding on for dear life lol. My dumb fault for lowering my body to far into the net. Was awesome nevertheless. The sunset cruise was amazing experience. Again you're at the luck of the weather in respect to the sunset. Ours was overcast until we docked when the sunset turned into a spectacular mermaid haze. S$%t happens. Either way, an amazingly relaxing experience and the staff were great.

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

Hi Plugga Thanks for the great review. Great that you saw the mother and baby Dugong this time of the year they are hard to find. The Boom net sure gives you a work out. Thanks Again Greg

Great: good boat: choices of location in which to relax, or be more adventurous on the netting close to the animals or getting a body soak. Also shade if you want it. On the day trip we saw dolphins, turtles and dugong (a lifetime first for me). In the arvo we had dolphins cruise the bow waves while we freaked out on the sunset. Greg and Mel were super hosts. Will do this all again, and if possible take their trip to Dirk Hartzog Island.

We went on the marine life tour and the sunset tour. Both were excellent. On the marine life tour we saw turtles, dolphins and a dugong. The team did well to find the dugong for us and then followed it so that we saw it surface plenty of times. Skipper Mel and crew Jenna were fantastic: helpful and informative. For this tour, the main sail was up but with the motor on low revs to enable fast manouvering. The sunset tour was all about atmosphere. Both sails up and engine off. Apparently, the boat was custom-built for this location and purpose. It has plenty of positions to view from and seats to relax on at other times. There are nets for the adventurous. The bar is well stocked but snacks are limited so bring lunch if you will want it before returning.

Hi Tim Thanks for the great review. Our crew are dedicated to giving our clients a great time, great that you saw all of the marine life including the Dugong. We spent a lot of time designing the boat so it would be comfortable for our guests. Aristocat2 is the only sailing catamaran in Monkey Mia designed to carry tourists . Thanks Greg

Thank you to Greg and the crew for an amazing day cruise where we saw lots of the local animals Dolphins aplenty and the lots of the elusive Dugongs.We were so well looked after it made it a wonderful day.The bonus was that we we are offered a sunset cruise at no extra charge, we opted to take the sunset cruise the following day and how lucky were we to see an amazing sunset one that we will never forget. There was one other highlight and that there was a marriage proposal after the cruise for a young couple that shared the sunset with us on the cruise.

Our Stories

The wildsights story.

Our story begins in the mid-sixties of last century, with the founder of our business, Harvey Raven.

Harvey began sailing and discovering marine animals in his early teens. He first learnt about dugong (sea-cows) as a 15 year old circumnavigating an island in a small sailing dinghy in Moreton Bay (Brisbane - Queensland).

Progressing to larger boats, he spent a lot of time cruising the shallow areas of Moreton Bay, and watching wildlife. He eventually learnt where, when and which animals were to be found. This knowledge ultimately became the foundation of the world's only daily, scheduled dugong watching cruise at Monkey Mia.

In his early twenties and with a background of sales, marketing and multihull yacht racing, Harvey established Australia's first specialist yacht brokerage dealing in the sale of large catamarans and trimarans.

Scientists looking for suitable research vessels consulted Harvey and, as a result of the assistance he gave, offered to reciprocate if possible. So when he acquired the 60 foot (18 metre) catamaran Shotover, specifically for wildlife cruises in Brisbane, he had renowned scientists as advisers to help create great wildlife cruises.

In 1990 he began specialising in wildlife cruises primarily under sail (and today we are still the only operator in Australia to do that).

In 1992 the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort undertook an exhaustive, 6 month, nationwide search for the highest quality ecotourism operator for their guests. Our business, then based in Brisbane was their choice.

Co-incidentally the dolphin and dugong scientists who were his advisers in Brisbane had also done research work at Monkey Mia so he had a readymade Monkey Mia connection.

Having learnt the commitment it takes to professionally service the tourism industry in Queensland's Gold Coast and Whitsunday Islands, when Shotover began operating at Monkey Mia it quickly established a level of professional quality, dependability and reliability not seen before in Shark Bay.

Our C ustomers A re R eally E verything (CARE) Story

Our CARE policy requires that "A guest must leave us with a smile" and this is what stands behind it:

"Love it, or it’s free!"

A totally unconditional, no-questions-asked, 100% money-back guarantee on your tours and cruises.

$100 Warranty of Seawellness

Any fare paying passenger who gets physically sick on a cruise gets $100 in soft warm cash (the only proviso is no fingers in the throat).

Animal Warranty

Unconditional, free repeat cruises, forever. With wild animals there is naturally the possibility of occasionally not finding many of them, or (gulp) not finding them at all! So on our cruises we'll carry that risk for you! You are welcome to come back on any cruise again, as our guest (yes, for free), as often as you like (yes forever, if that's what it takes) until you've seen the animals to your satisfaction.

Money-Back Guarantee on Products

The quality of any product bought from us, from T-shirts to tickets, from magazines to drinks, are all totally covered by our no-questions-asked, unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee.

Your Satisfaction is our Absolute Priority

We know of no other operator in the world that makes those commitments.

Our Short Story

Wildsights, reflects the nature of the business - observing nature in the wild.

Create an entertaining, inspirational insight into Nature.

Our Mission

Conduct a professional, ecotourism business, in a truly natural and unobtrusive and sustainable manner.

"Do it in the wild, naturally, love it or it's free!"

It expresses the three components of our product philosophy:

That wildlife and nature is what you'll get

That we promise to provide it in a natural way

Naturally, it's 100% money-back guaranteed

The hibiscus flower a native of Western Australia represents the natural, relaxed atmosphere of our business.

Most of the petals are in fact images of animals commonly found here.

The top petal represents the type of business.

Over the years the cruise business evolved to include other activities, so that now you can choose from: Award winning Wildlife Cruises, Driving you wild 4WD Tours, Tourist Info Service and two great accommodation properties for your holiday base.

The businesses each have their own top petal variation of the logo and are identified as follows:

Cruises are represented by the boat under spinnaker;

The accommodation, a house;

The 4WD uses a bobtail lizard,

The stamen is a comet with the Southern Cross at the tail, to represent our Awestronomy (currently on hold).

catamaran sunset cruise monkey mia

The Shotover Story

Shotover is huge, 60' (18m) long and 31' (9m) wide. Originally built as an ocean racer, she established her reputation as the fastest ocean racer in the southern hemisphere on her maiden voyage! Several of her subsequent ocean racing and passage records remain unbroken. You’ll be sailing a famous champion, still the fastest sailing cruise boat in the country and is probably still one of the fastest ocean racing cats in the southern hemisphere.

The Advantages of a Thoroughbred

Naturally your cruises are very leisurely, but if the animals aren’t nearby, our unmatched sailing ability will get you around faster than any other sailing cruise boat in Australia. You’ll certainly be impressed by the size, power and effortless speed but you’ll be amazed at the smooth ride, the stability and the secure feeling of the big cat.

The Tahitian Connection

For a year she worked with the 10 Network. A seasoned ocean voyager, she's sailed all over the Pacific. For 3 years she worked in romantic French Polynesia, carrying guests from Papeete, Tahiti, to legendary Moorea and to Marlon Brando’s Polynesian atoll - Tetiaroa.

The Rich and Famous

Her previous owner, Sir Douglas Myers, was one of New Zealand’s wealthiest men. The only double bunk on board was built especially for singer Diana Ross.

Our Good Luck Charms

Equipment from Australia 2, the yacht that won the America’s Cup for Australia.

Unique Experience

Shotover is unique - she’s the only one of her design in the world! This is a fabulous opportunity to do some fair-dinkum sailing, aboard a part of Australia’s ocean racing history. The sailing is an experience in itself, plus you’ll enjoy the superb experience of seeing animals in the wild, at close quarters, in an environmentally unobtrusive way. A rare opportunity for a truly unique blend of experiences.

See the video of Shotover here .

Our Environmental Action Story

Our environmental aim is:, the environmental calibre of our business has been acknowledged by:.

British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award - Special Australia Award

Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are aimed at recognising best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry globally.

Honoree for Australia - ETC’s Inaugural Responsible Tourism Showcase, Washington DC

The Educational Travel Consortium has focused on Community-based tourism initiatives through its annual Responsible Tourism Showcase whereby businesses are chosen from a global selection of nominees submitted by their peers. The nominee must offer a strong program demonstrating admirable environmental, cultural, educational, and/or volunteerism principles.

Finalists Western Australia’s Environmental Tourism Award.

This category recognises ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

Medallists in the FACET Golden Guide awards

Award Wata

The aim of the Award is to recognise individual excellence in tour guiding and raise the profile of this important profession. It acknowledges the significant contribution quality tour guides make to enriching the experience of visitors through interpreting the natural and cultural environment.

Helping Research

We provide infrastructure support for Shark Bay's dolphin and dugong research teams.

We funded the entire inaugural field season of tiger shark research for the Shark Bay Ecosystem Research Project.

We also record and report significant events for the research teams e.g:

  • female dolphins with a new-born calf
  • dolphins with new shark bites
  • We were the first to alert the Parks & Wildlife Service and the research scientists of the 2012 Algal Bloom and to collect and store water samples for testing
  • Our mammal sightings are logged and provided to the WA Parks and Wildlife Service
  • We funded the the Shark Bay Ecosystem Research Project’s entire inaugural field season of tiger shark research (see scene stealers story below)

Scene Stealers

The Ecotourism Story

Our cruises are Best Practice operations.  We were awarded Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, the highest level of accreditation achievable.

There is no provision for acknowledging operators whose practices exceed the highest level of accreditation. 

Our competitor, which cannot match our practices, was given the same level of accreditation as us.

Because they unknowingly aren’t able to compare apples with apples, the discerning public therefore could not differentiate between a Best Practice and a lesser standard operator  The public sees us as equal quality.

This was frustrating enough, but the final straw that caused us to end our relationship with the Ecotourism Accreditation, was when an accreditation inspector familiar with our operation and that of a competitor, claimed there was little difference between the operations.

Tropical Sailing

Sunset Cruise Castaway the Day – Miami

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Sunset Cruise Castaway the day Miami

Our Castaway the day Sunset cruise departs from Downtown Miami daily.

This two hour excursion is the  perfect way to end the day. This Miami sunset cruise calls for sun dresses, sandals and chilled wine. Take advantage of one of Florida’s finest highlights upon our comfortable catamaran as we sail along the Miami Skyline and enjoy a beautiful sunset on Biscayne Bay or Miami’s South Beach.

Sails up, sea breezes and salt air increase everyone’s taste for fun. Calypso music and breaking waves provide a tropical rhythm. Look back at the land as the sun slips away casting fiery hues of orange and red.

This 2 hour excursion usually sails past Downtown Miami, Brickell key and under Rickenbaker Causway into the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay, or when conditions are favorable, into the waters of the Southern Atlantic and along the coast of South Beach.

With the engine off and sails up we raise our complimentary glass of champagne and toast another beautiful Florida Sunset. Cheers and laughter are the order of the evening’s we glide along tropical waters while swaying to gentle reggae and Floribbean beats. All the while keeping watch for dolphins Frolicking in the surf. As the sun slips below the horizon our focus turns to the magnificent lights of the Miami Skyline, voted as one of the most scenic waterfronts in the world. This, truly is Miami’s best way to end the day.

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Island Adventure – Miami

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure at our island destination during our day cruise from Miami. Experience the Miami lifestyle like a local on board our motor catamaran, Tranquility.

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Sunset Cruise Castaway the Day – Fort Lauderdale

A perfect way to end the day, taking in the breathtaking views. This Fort Lauderdale sunset cruise calls for sun dresses, sandals and chilled wine. Take advantage of one of Florida’s finest highlights upon our comfortable catamaran as we sail out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Travelnuity

Dog-Friendly Monkey Mia: Visiting Monkey Mia with a Dog

The holiday resort of Monkey Mia along the Western Australia coast is well known as a wildlife destination, particularly to see the local dolphins who are fed on the beach each morning. But this destination is also surprisingly dog-friendly, so much that I’ve listed it as one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Australia .

Find out what to do, where to stay and other tips for visiting Monkey Mia and the dog-friendly Shark Bay region with your dog.

Dog-Friendly Monkey Mia

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing around Monkey Mia

There are a surprisingly number of dog-friendly sightseeing options both at Monkey Mia and in the surrounding Shark Bay region.

1. Watch the Dolphin Feeding

Each morning at Monkey Mia, the resident dolphins are hand-fed fish. These days the amount of fish fed to the dolphins is limited, with up to three feeding sessions taking place each day between 7:45am and midday.

Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience

The most popular session is the 7:45am one, with many of the guests of the resort waiting to be led onto the beach by the local program volunteers. There is no guarantee that all three sessions will happen, with only two occurring each day during my visit in 2021. 

Dogs are not surprisingly prohibited from the dolphin experience area on the beach, but it is fine to stand and watch with your dogs from either the jetty or the boardwalk behind the beach.

Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience with Dog

Note that an entry fee is payable for entry to the Monkey Mia area, $15 per adult for a day (or overnight stay at the resort) or $25 for up to 4 weeks. This charge is not covered by the national parks pass and permits are required to be produced when attending the dolphin feeding.

2. Go on a Catamaran Cruise

There’s not many boat cruises in Australia that you can take your dog on, but luckily the catamaran cruises run by Perfect Nature Cruises on the Aristocat 2 are dog-friendly, with well-behaved dogs welcome to join you – for free!

Aristocat 2 Dog-Friendly Cruises

We went on the morning wildlife cruise, a 2.5 hour cruise out on the bay to see the local wildlife. We were lucky to spot a range of wildlife despite visiting in winter. (Many dugongs leave this part of the bay in winter due to the cold water.) 

Perfect Nature Cruise with Dog

We cruised alongside a mother and child dugong pair and had an excellent sighting of a large loggerhead turtle, as well as seeing the local dolphins, dozens of cormorants and a brief sighting of a green turtle.

Perfect Nature also offer a 1.5 hour sunset cruise, a more laidback, leisurely option, if you’re not that fussed about seeing wildlife. Also, if you’re heading out on the longer wildlife cruises, I highly recommend taking a waterbowl for your dog, as well as a bottle of water with enough to share.

Pet-Friendly Monkey Mia Cruise

Find out about more dog-friendly boat cruises in Australia

3. Walk Along the Beach

Monkey Mia is situated right on a gorgeous beach, and luckily dogs aren’t prohibited from joining you on the beach, except for in the fenced dolphin experience area.

Monkey Mia Beach Sunset

Like throughout the rest of the resort, dogs need to be on a leash on the beach. (For an off-leash dog beach, head to Little Lagoon or Denham, see below.)

While the most popular section of the beach is right in front of the resort, for a quieter section head to the other side of the dolphin experience area and the jetty.

4. Share a Kayak or SUP Adventure

Right on the beach at Monkey Mia is the Monkey Mia Kayak Safari and Beach Hire, hiring out kayaks, plus pedlos and SUPs by the half- or full-hour. The friendly staff are happy for your dog to join you, such as for a kayak ride or to chill on your SUP board. It’s best to supply your own dog lifejacket if your dog isn’t a good swimmer.

Kayaks Monkey Mia

The hire stand also offers self-guided kayak and snorkel trip options, although discuss these first, as most head up towards the Francois Peron National Park, where pets are not allowed. 

Check at the start of your stay or even before you arrive for when the calmest weather conditions are likely to occur. For instance, during winter it is usually windy and rough in the morning, but calm and ideal kayaking weather in the afternoon.

5. Head to Little Lagoon

Just east of Denham is the delightful Little Lagoon. This saltwater lagoon is connected to the sea by a small inlet and isn’t actually that little (measuring over a kilometre across, although far smaller than the Big Lagoon to the north in the National Park). Dogs need to be kept under control, so that they don’t disturb wildlife, but not necessarily on a leash.

Little Lagoon with Dog

The main carpark for the lagoon is on the Monkey Mia road. If you have a 4WD, there’s also the option to drive around part of the lagoon, with additional BBQ shelters provided. Outside of the cooler winter months, it’s a popular swimming spot, or just head out on a walk around the lagoon.

6. Visit Ocean Park Aquarium

As well as offering dog-friendly wildlife cruises, the Shark Bay area also offers a dog-friendly aquarium. Head to Ocean Park , about a 10km drive south of Denham, and your dog is welcome to join you, as long as they are on a leash. 

Ocean Park Aquarium

With a focus on local species, including sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and stonefish, be guided around the aquarium on a one-hour tour. There’s also hourly shark feeding. Onsite is the casual Oceans Restaurant, with dogs also welcome to join you at the outside deck. 

Dog-Friendly Beaches around Monkey Mia

The beach at Monkey Mia resort is dog-friendly, outside of the fenced dolphin experience area, although dogs need to be on a leash. The same applies at the main foreshore area in Denham.

For an off-leash beach option, head to the southern end of  Denham, where Netta’s Beach is the local dog beach. The signs clearly indicate the start of the off-leash section. It’s best to visit at low-tide, as the beach virtually disappears at some high tides. There’s also a second off-leash dog beach at the northern end of Knight Terrace.

Nettas Beach Denham

Another off-leash option around Monkey Mia is Little Lagoon and its beach, where dogs just need to be controlled so they don’t disturb any wildlife.

Dog-Friendly Walks around Monkey Mia

There’s a single walking trail at Monkey Mia, the Wulyibidi Yanayina walking trail. There is no rule against taking dogs on the walking path, although I don’t think it’s that popular – the trail is recommended for bird watching just after sunrise or just before sunset.

The walking trail starts at the Monkey Mia car park, in between the payment booth and the resort reception. There’s both a shorter 1.3km walk as well as the longer 2.2km walk, that heads up onto the red sand dunes. Both then return along the beach to the south of the resort. 

Monkey Mia Walking Trail

In Denham, there’s a flat paved footpath along the waterfront, from one end of town to the other (about 700m), which makes for an easy stroll, although dogs are required to be on a leash. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the Town Oval, when not used for organised sport. 

Denham Foreshore

Areas Where Dogs are Not Allowed

There are a number of national parks in the Shark Bay area, where dogs and cats are prohibited. These include the Francois Peron National Park (just north of Monkey Mia), Dirk Hartog Island National Park and Edel Land National Park, including Steep Point.

Dogs are also not allowed at the stromatolite viewing area at Hamelin Pools, or on the beach at Shell Beach (but are okay in the Shell Beach carpark). 

Dog-Friendly Cafes around Monkey Mia

If you’re staying right at Monkey Mia, I recommend making a booking for the main restaurant, the Boughshed.

This dog-friendly restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, along with a popular happy hour. There’s plenty of outside tables, with well-behaved dogs permitted to join you, with bookings are recommended at dinner time. 

Boughshed Restaurant Monkey Mia

Dog-Friendly Pubs around Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is also home to the Monkey Bar, which has a dog-friendly beer garden, accessible from the beach. As well as drinks, there are a range of light meal options on the menu.

Alternatively, head into Denham where both pubs (Shark Bay Hotel and the Waterfront Hotel at the Heritage Resort) are dog-friendly, with dogs allowed in the beer garden at the former, and on the balcony at the latter. 

Dog-Friendly Accommodation around Monkey Mia

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer .

It’s easy to stay right at Monkey Mia with your dog, with the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort allowing pets on powered sites (except ensuite sites) and unpowered campsites, but not inside rooms and villas. The advantage of staying at Monkey Mia is having the resort facilities and the dolphin feeding right at your doorstep.

Monkey Mia Resort and Jetty

Alternatively, you can stay 25km west of Monkey Mia at Denham, the only town in the Shark Bay region. There are three caravan parks in town, each of which are pet-friendly, with pets allowed on sites. Dogs are also permitted at the Nanga Bay Resort and Hamelin Pool Caravan Parks, further south, back towards the main highway. 

If you don’t have your own campervan or caravan, there are also some pet-friendly holiday cottages available in Denham. Each of the well-appointed two-bedroom Hartog Cottages ( Hartog Cottage 1 , Hartog Cottage 2 and Hartog Cottage 3 ) allows pets. Double check the rules in advance.

There are also four campgrounds operated by the local council, where it is permitted to camp for 24 hours for $15 per vehicle, with no facilities provided: Eagle Bluff, Fowlers Camp, Whalebone Bay and Goulet Bluff. Unfortunately, while these areas are no longer baited, there is still a risk of 1080 baits remaining from previous years, so carefully consider whether to stay with a dog.

A Note on 1080 Baits at Shark Bay

Before visiting Shark Bay and Monkey Mia with your dog, you should be aware that 1080 baiting is used in the region. 

As part of Project Eden , which aims to reduce feral animals and reintroduce endangered native animals in the region, there is a fence across a narrow section of the peninsula near Shell Beach. (Slow down when crossing the cattle grid on the road between the two fences to hear the pre-recorded barking noise, used to deter feral animals from crossing in this sole gap.)

Project Eden Shark Bay

Along with the fence, 1080 baits are also used on the peninsula on both sides, except for a couple of excluded areas. The two main buffer zones are around Monkey Mia resort and the township of Denham.

1080 Baiting Signs Shark Bay

There is also a newer area where baits are not laid stretching south of Denham, including Eagle Bluff and the council-controlled campsites of Fowlers Camp and Whalebone Bay, but these places may still have baits from earlier baiting projects. Always keep an eye out for warning signs.

Baits are also used in the national parks, that you shouldn’t visit with your dog.

Head Next To

  • Dog-Friendly Carnarvon
  • Dog-Friendly Exmouth (and Coral Bay)
  • Dog-Friendly Geraldton

About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

6 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Monkey Mia: Visiting Monkey Mia with a Dog”

Thanks so much for this information. Very helpful and will make a big difference in having our dogs with us.

Have a great trip Monica!

Thanks so much for all the information on so many regions, it’s so helpful in planning our trips!! I just wanted to let you know that Shark Bay Holiday Cottages are no longer accepting bookings with pets. This has been added to their website.

Thanks for the heads up Jessica! All the best on your trip.

Great tips & review of the area. I haven’t found anyone as thorough as you. Thanks for helping take the stress out of traveling with dogs. You’ve made our holiday one to remember

Thanks Leah, enjoy!

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17 Best Moscow Tours

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Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

  • Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

  • Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

  • Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

  • Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

  • Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

  • Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

  • Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

St.Basil's Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

  • Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

  • Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Architecture Tour of Moscow's Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

  • Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

  • Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

  • Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

  • Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

  • Moscow food tours

IMAGES

  1. Shotover Wildlife Cruises, Monkey Mia

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  2. Things To Do In Monkey Mia

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  3. Catamaran in Monkey Mia

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  4. Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

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  5. Best 13 Things To Do In Monkey Mia Shark Bay: Locals Guide 2023

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  6. PERFECT NATURE CRUISES (Monkey Mia)

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COMMENTS

  1. Our Cruises

    Cruise on the Aristocat 2. Step aboard our spectacular 18 metre sailing catamaran with multiple vantage points. We are the only cruise operator licensed to interact with marine life in the Exclusion Zone. This means as soon as we leave the Monkey Mia jetty, we can stop at any time to take full advantage of your marine life sighting experience.

  2. Perfect Nature Cruises

    About. Enjoy Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the only boat licensed to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia Exclusion Zone, and Restricted Dugong Access Zone. Aristocat 2 is an 18 metre luxury sailing catamaran operating daily cruises to see marine life which can include dolphins, dugongs, turtles etc. Cruises include free boomnetting ...

  3. Sunset Cruise

    Monkey Mia 1 Monkey Mia 2 Sunset Cruise *Book directly by phone/email to avoid booking fees. Commitment to the Environment. All eco marinelife cruises aboard Aristocat 2 have been certified by EcoStar - Sustainable Tourism. The Eco Certification program has stringent criteria and identifies genuine ecotourism products which offer insights into ...

  4. Homepage

    Monkey Mia 1 Monkey Mia 2 Sunset Cruise. *Book directly by phone/email to avoid booking fees. Discover amazing marine life aboard the Aristocat 2. Step aboard the Aristocat 2, our spectacular 18 metre sailing catamaran with multiple vantage points and breathe in the fresh salty air of nature's aquarium…. View Cruises Download Brochure.

  5. Sunset cruise at Monkey Mia

    Review of Perfect Nature Cruises. Reviewed 20 May 2019. Went on the sunset cruise at Monkey Mia with my husband a few days ago. Lovely cruise and saw plenty of dolphins, one even kept jumping out of the water. We were able to take our own champagne and snacks, which was wonderful and so unlike some other cruises I have been on.

  6. Monkey Mia Wildsights

    Depending on the wind strength, your cruise will either be a gentle, relaxed mood with silent sail and quiet music on a still sea or, wind in your hair and perhaps a bit of spray on your face as you slide across the bay. Daily 1.5 hour cruise. Departure time follows the sun. May, Jun, Jul - 4:30pm; Aug, Sept, Apr - 4:45pm; October - 5:00pm ...

  7. Sunset cruise

    Perfect Nature Cruises: Sunset cruise - See 481 traveler reviews, 383 candid photos, and great deals for Monkey Mia, Australia, at Tripadvisor.

  8. Perfect Nature Cruises (539 photos): All You Need to Know ...

    Enjoy Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the only boat licensed to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia Exclusion Zone, and Restricted Dugong Access Zone. Aristocat 2 is an 18 metre luxury sailing catamaran operating daily cruises to see marine life which can include dolphins, dugongs, turtles etc. Cruises include free boomnetting, liquor ...

  9. PERFECT NATURE CRUISES (Monkey Mia)

    Enjoy Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the only boat licensed to interact with marine life in the Monkey Mia Exclusion Zone, and Restricted Dugong Access Zone. Aristocat 2 is an 18 metre luxury sailing catamaran operating daily cruises to see marine life which can include dolphins, dugongs, turtles etc. Cruises include free boomnetting, liquor ...

  10. Catamaran Cruise

    Perfect Nature Cruises: Catamaran Cruise - See 504 traveler reviews, 424 candid photos, and great deals for Monkey Mia, Australia, at Tripadvisor.

  11. Sunset cruise on the Shotover

    Reviewed 8 January 2013. The sunset tour was absolute bliss. An excellent way to cool down during a heatwave and a beautiful relaxing experience. We also took the afternoon tour the following day. As promised, we saw quite a range of the marine wildlife. Only problem here was escaping the sun on a very hot day.

  12. Monkey Mia Tours

    Sail Monkey Mia's smooth, clean waters full of wildlife! ... fabulous, 60' (18m) pure sailing catamaran, Shotover: 'the nature boat'. ... Also, a Sunset Cruise which follows the sun and departs ...

  13. Perfect Nature Cruises

    Perfect Nature Cruises. About. Breathe in the fresh salty air as you cruise aboard Aristocat 2 to see the abundant and endangered marine life playing around in nature's aquarium. Perfect Nature Cruises takes you to see some amazing marine life in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. You may see dugongs, sponging dolphins, manta rays, loggerhead ...

  14. Sunset cruise at Monkey Mia

    Perfect Nature Cruises: Sunset cruise at Monkey Mia - See 591 traveller reviews, 539 candid photos, and great deals for Monkey Mia, Australia, at Tripadvisor. ... The first was a morning cruise advertised as 2.5hrs and the second aa 1.5 hr sunset cruise. The boat is a catamaran and as such doesn't have huge numbers of people on it. You can ...

  15. Monkey Mia Wildsights Sailing Cruises, Shark Bay 4WD Tours, Denham

    Monkey Mia and Shark Bay Wildlife Sailing Cruises, Daily Sunset Cruises, watch Dugongs, Dolphins, Whales, ... as a result of the assistance he gave, offered to reciprocate if possible. So when he acquired the 60 foot (18 metre) catamaran Shotover, specifically for wildlife cruises in Brisbane, he had renowned scientists as advisers to help ...

  16. Sunset Cruise Miami: Cast Away the Day

    This Miami sunset cruise calls for sun dresses, sandals and chilled wine. Take advantage of one of Florida's finest highlights upon our comfortable catamaran as we sail along the Miami Skyline and enjoy a beautiful sunset on Biscayne Bay or Miami's South Beach. Sails up, sea breezes and salt air increase everyone's taste for fun.

  17. Dog-Friendly Monkey Mia: Visiting Monkey Mia with a Dog

    Note that an entry fee is payable for entry to the Monkey Mia area, $15 per adult for a day (or overnight stay at the resort) or $25 for up to 4 weeks. This charge is not covered by the national parks pass and permits are required to be produced when attending the dolphin feeding. 2. Go on a Catamaran Cruise

  18. Boat tours and river cruises through Moscow: where to take them

    Normally the boats sail between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. although there are also companies that offer night cruises with dinner included. I recommend that you take advantage of the afternoons for a boat tour, when the monuments and museums are closed. Going on a night cruise to see the Moscow city lights is also a very good option.

  19. 17 Best Moscow Tours 2024

    14 - Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option. Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills ...

  20. THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises (Updated 2024)

    Explore the scenic and historic attractions of Moscow from the water with the best boat tours and cruises. Enjoy the views of the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and the Sparrow Hills on a relaxing or informative boat ride. Or, spice up your trip with some water sports and activities in Moscow. Find out more on Tripadvisor.

  21. City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

    Hop off at any of the stops, including Red Square, the Big Stone Bridge, and Pushkin Fine Arts Museum. Rejoin the bus when you're ready. Upgrade to include a boat tour of Moscow. Ages 0-99. Duration: 2h 20m. Start time: Check availability. Mobile ticket. Audio guide: Arabic, German, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish.