Shark Bay Eco Tours

cape inscription Private 4x4 tour

Join us as we take you on a full day immersive experience where you will learn all about the first Europeans setting foot on Australian soil and see a replica of the pewter plate at the iconic Cape Inscription itself!

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ABOUT THE TOUR

Discover one of Australia’s most remote and historically significant destinations on our private Cape Inscription tour to Dirk Hartog Island. This full-day experience takes you deep into the Shark Bay World Heritage Area to stand where the first recorded Europeans arrived on Australian soil, with the chance to see the replica pewter plate at iconic Cape Inscription itself.
 
Arriving aboard the Eendracht on 25 October 1616, Captain Dirk Hartog marked his landing by fastening an inscribed pewter plate to a wooden post—an event that secured this wild stretch of coastline a unique place in Australian history. Today, this remote island remains one of Shark Bay’s most extraordinary and least accessible locations.
 
With little human impact and a raw, untamed beauty, Dirk Hartog Island is a true escape for adventurous travellers. Along the way, take in spectacular island scenery, rich maritime history, and the incredible wildlife that thrives here, from migrating humpback whales in season to nesting loggerhead turtles and other marine life that call this remarkable coastline home.
Pricing & Availability

PRIVATE

$4490

Your private Cape Inscription tour begins at 7:45am at the Denham Commercial Jetty for an 8:00am departure. From here, you’ll cruise across to Dirk Hartog Island, with landfall typically made around halfway up the island. Landing locations can vary depending on tide and access conditions.
 
Once ashore, you’ll transfer into a 4WD Toyota Prado and begin the journey north along the island’s rugged tracks. As this is a private Dirk Hartog Island tour, the day can be tailored to suit your group, allowing for a more personal and flexible experience in one of the most remote parts of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
 
Along the way, you may pass and explore iconic locations including Rose Lake, Turtle Bay—home to Australia’s largest loggerhead turtle rookery—and the historic site where William Dampier came ashore in 1699 Dampier’s Landing. The adventure continues to the northern end of the island, where you’ll arrive at the Cape Inscription Lighthouse and the site of one of the most important moments in Australian maritime history.
 
Here, you’ll have time to explore the area, view the replica Dirk Hartog plate, take in the dramatic coastal scenery, and look for marine life and birdlife from the cliffs. A fresh lunch is provided, along with an in-depth maritime history talk to deepen your appreciation of this extraordinary destination.
 
After some time to relax and take it all in, you’ll head back south by 4WD to meet the boat for the return journey to Denham. Keep watch for wildlife on the way back across the water. Depending on weather and sea conditions, arrival back in Denham is usually between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
 
Please note: There are no jetties on Dirk Hartog Island, so you should be prepared to get wet during the landing. Our crew will make the transfer as easy as possible, but you may need to wade in water up to waist height.

What to bring

  • Enclosed shoes or sturdy footwear
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera

What’s included

  • Boat transfer to and from Dirk Hartog Island
  • Private guided 4WD tour on the island
  • Morning tea
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Water and soft drinks
  • Maritime history interpretation
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities

Every adventure with Shark Bay Eco Tours is led by our passionate team of experienced skippers, guides, and PADI Professionals. Whether you’re on a marine safari, island tour, or 4×4 land adventure, our crew prioritises your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while sharing their local knowledge of Shark Bay’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and marine ecosystems.

Our fleet of vessels and 4×4 vehicles is carefully selected for safety, comfort, and access to Shark Bay’s most iconic locations. Boats feature spacious decks, shaded areas, and easy water access for snorkelling, while our 4x4s are equipped for off-road exploration and wildlife spotting. Combined with our expert crew, every tour is designed to be smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

All Shark Bay Eco Tours are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum participant requirements. If a tour is deemed unsafe due to weather or minimum numbers are not met, we will contact you:

  • For tours departing in the morning: the day before the tour, by 5:00 pm at the latest.

  • For tours starting later in the day: approximately 4 hours before departure.

Where possible, we will arrange an alternative date. If no suitable alternative can be provided, you are entitled to a full refund.

The selection of diving and snorkelling locations is determined by our experienced skippers and PADI Professionalguides, taking into account weather conditions and the abilities of participants. Routes and itineraries may be altered at the discretion of the crew to ensure safety and comfort.

Wildlife Sightings

While our tours focus on encountering the incredible marine and terrestrial wildlife of Shark Bay, sightings of specific animals such as humpback whales, dugongs, or other species cannot be guaranteed. Nature is unpredictable, but our crew will make every effort to provide an exceptional and memorable experience for all participants.

Refunds and Waivers

  • We do not offer refunds if wildlife is not sighted.

  • Refunds are only provided if Shark Bay Eco Tours cancels a tour due to unsafe weather or not meeting minimum numbers.

  • All guests must complete a waiver prior to departure. Failure to do so may result in refusal to participate, without refund.

By booking, you acknowledge and accept these terms, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure with Shark Bay Eco Tours.

Experience Shark Bay’s HISTORIC PAST

Snorkel pristine reefs, explore Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island, and encounter incredible marine wildlife on a full-day guided safari.

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