Willie Cruises and its experienced crew offer people the opportunity to experience sailing the blue waters of Broome in aboard ‘Willie’, one of the last operating pearl luggers in Australia. ‘Willie’, a 67’ Gaff Rig Schooner, modelled on the designs of early 1900 pearl luggers, was built to fish for Mother of Pearl shell Pinctada Maxima, which put Broome on the map and shaped the history of the region.
Sailing between Roebuck Bay and the idyllic Cable Beach, ‘Willie’ allows you to see how a traditional gaff rigged sailing vessel operates with all sails heaved up manually just as our forefathers did, whilst taking in the beautiful sunset. With plenty of comfortable seating options aboard, anyone can enjoy the calm waters and natural beauty of the coastline surrounding Broome.
To make your cruise with us completely stress free, we will pick you up in our courtesy bus from your location and give you a brief tour and history on route to the beach. Once there, you will be able to kick off your shoes and feel the beautiful sand of Cable Beach, and wet your feet in the warm Indian Ocean as you make your way to our waiting tender, which will transfer you to ‘Willie’.
You can completely relax hearing stories of the rich history and culture of the area, and enjoy the delightful complimentary food served by our crew and chilled beverages of your choice from our well-stocked open deck bar. Our crew will happily point out the abundance of marine life from turtles, seas snakes, dolphins and the mighty humpback whale, to dugongs, manta rays and the plethora of pelagic fish – all in a day aboard Willie.
Inclusions:
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Return transfers to nominated Broome accommodation
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Tender to/from the beach
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Complimentary canapes
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Use of boom nets
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Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and additional snacks for purchase from our fully licensed bar
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Willie merchandise for purchase
What to Bring:
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Bathers, towel, hat, sunscreen, cardigan/light jacket & camera
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Slip-on shoes advised for beach departure and landing
Duration: 4 Hours (approx.)
Important to Note: For bookings made on the day of departure, due to securing food arrangements, the cut off time for this is 10:00 AM.
If you are looking for something a little different for your next work function or special event, look no further! Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, social club get-together, Christmas party or wedding, the majestic Willie can be yours for a morning, afternoon or evening that you’ll remember forever.
You, your friends and family can sail the pristine waters off Cable Beach from April to October. Or, for the months between October and April, Willie is available for private charters off Fremantle’s coastline or in stunning Geographe Bay, in Western Australia’s South.
Willie Cruises offers flexible packages, which can be tailored to suit your needs and wishes. Our experienced crew will serve you food and drinks while you relax in the comfortable surrounds of this magnificent vessel, creating unique memories of a day out on the water.

