Time out water on the

Absolute Ocean Charters (AOC) have worked hard developing a reputation as the ‘go-to’ marine charter company in Broome.

Kelly and Michael Woodley (the owners and founders of AOC) and their committed crew have developed a range of refined marine tours, offering something for everyone, and in particular focusing on excellent customer service.

“2023 marks our 15th season and over that time, we have successfully completed more than 4,500 charters and have had the privilege of welcoming over 70,000 passengers onto our vessels,” says Michael.

“What has kept us at the top of our game for the last decade is the drive to send our customers home with big smiles on their faces. We believe the ocean is yours to enjoy and experience, but also to care and look after. We absolutely love our job and everything we do reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction.

“Our small family business has grown from strength to strength over the years. Life is about making memories not money, so we recommend you just get out there and do it.”

Coastal Eco Snubfin Dolphin Cruises

AOC’s Eco Cruises started eleven years ago after the humpback whale season had finished.

“We had many customers wanting an eco-style cruise, and we had the tour guides, marine biologists and crew in place to showcase our amazing coastline and unique wildlife,” says Michael.

The tour begins at Gantheaume Beach or Entrance Point (depending on time of year) and heads around the coast and into Roebuck Bay. AOC’s expert guide takes guests through the history and landmarks of the area’s coastline from Gantheaume Point, Reddell Beach, Entrance Point and the Marine Park and RAMSAR listed biodiverse tidal flats of Roebuck Bay.

A range of wildlife can be spotted while cruising this area such as turtles, sea snakes, dugong, sharks, rays, migratory birds and of course the dolphins including the rare Snubfin dolphin.

“Our marine biologist will educate you with interesting facts about the wildlife that you observe.”

For some, the wildlife takes second place to a relaxing afternoon on the boat, sipping a drink and enjoying a few gastronomic treats prepared by the friendly crew. Guests can BYO drinks or use the convenience of the onboard licensed bar.

“The afternoon tour concludes with a famous Broome sunset over the Indian Ocean. The atmosphere is serene viewing the colours that are thrown into the sky after the sun goes down,” says Michael.

Fishing Charters

If you have ever wanted to try offshore fishing, Broome is the place to give it a whirl.

“We consistently have excellent weather through the dry season and Broome is geographically placed in a position where we don’t really get any swells offshore,” says Michael. “The easterly trade winds often blow a little in the morning before dropping out to make way for glassy calm conditions in the afternoon. If the perfect weather won’t tempt you to come and enjoy a day out, maybe the fishing will!”

The reef fishing offshore can only be described as amazing, says Michael.

“We target species for the table such as red emperor, coral trout, blue line emperor, golden snapper, saddletail perch, rankin cod and many more. On average we land around 16 different species of fish per day and in over 15 years of fishing the Broome waters, we have recorded 82 different species landed so there is no shortage of variety.”

If you’re in it for the fight, there are plenty of fish to push you to the limits. Golden trevally, giant trevally, Chinaman fish and cobia are a few that will test man, woman or gear.

“We are really lucky to have an abundance of bait fish that congregate in close proximity to Broome,” says Michael. “With the smaller fish come the big pelagic predators that cruise the waters hunting down unsuspecting schools of baitfish. I definitely would not like to be a baitfish in these waters!”

You can expect to catch tuna, queen fish, sail fish and marlin which are some of the pelagic suspects, but the one that holds the most interest for Michael and many of his guests is the Spanish mackerel.

“Spanish mackerel are a spectacle to catch,” he says. “We deploy hard bodied lures a short distance behind the boat and troll in areas where we know the mackerel school up.”

“The hard-hitting macks will try to rip the rod from your hands as they smash the lures, often getting airborne while doing so. It’s usually a quick fight using maximum drag to steer the fish to the boat before the sharks try to muscle in on dinner.”

“When they are on the bite it’s not uncommon for everyone to land one and our best effort one day was 20 fish in 20 minutes. They are a delicious table fish eaten fresh and a great way to mix up a day of reef fishing.”

Half day and full day charters are on offer and AOC welcomes all levels of fishing ability.

“Whatever you want to catch, we have the experience and the expertise to make it happen.”

Humpback Whales

For three months of each year (July to September) the coast around Broome is graced with the presence of the humpback whale.

Not much leaves people in awe like these fascinating creatures and Broome is lucky enough to have one of the largest migrations of humpback whales in the world travelling up the west coast of Australia to bask in the warm waters over the winter months.

“In fact, we are so confident we can find you a humpback whale that sightings come with a money back guarantee,” says Michael.

Abating afternoon winds usually means glassy calm conditions, perfect for spotting and viewing the whales, and on some occasions it seems the whales like to do a fair bit of people watching too.

“We have over 15 years’ experience doing whale watching charters from Broome and

BEAUTIFUL

BEASTS From July to September expect to see graceful humpback whales basking in the warm waters of Broome have built up a vast knowledge and respect for the whales and wildlife in our area. Our tour guides and marine biologist will keep you well informed on the behaviours, sights and sounds of these majestic, prehistoric mammals.”

Whale watching tours operate daily from the start of July to the end of September.

Broome Town Tours

New to the tour options at AOC in 2023 is the all-enthralling town tour of Broome’s iconic locations and historic landmarks. Expert guides will tell tales of days gone by and inform you on life in Broome today.

So while the other half are out fishing, the shore-based group members can still join the

fun and get to know Broome.

“This is a fun-filled land tour where we also bring the ocean to you! We tell fascinating stories of the iconic landmarks as well as intriguing tales on the spectacular marine environment around Broome,” says Michael.

Broome Town Tours operate Tuesday and Friday mornings during the season and include an all-important coffee stop.

“Whichever Absolute Ocean Charters tour you choose, you can be confident that we will do our very best to make sure your experience is enjoyable, professional, and positively memorable,” says Michael. Book online at visitbroome.com.au/members/ absolute-ocean-charters