The Buccaneer Archipelago

The Buccaneer Archipelago is situated in the Kimberley region in the North West of Western Australia. The area is approximately 2800 kilometres north of the Western Australian Capital of Perth. Its remote location has meant the archipelago has stayed an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location for you to explore and experience.

As the birds fly, it is said that the Kimberley coast spans well over 1000 kms, but if all the inlets and bays were measured it is probably twice that distance. About 3000 islands lie off the Kimberley coast, of which more than 800 of them comprise the Buccaneer Archipelago. Lying crumpled and creased, its shores are notched with a myriad of mangrove estuaries, bays and sand beaches; plunging cliffs and rocky masses; craggy headlands and stony islands and innumerable hidden reefs that litter the offshore waters. The only hazard not faced by mariners navigating the coastline is monotony.

Tides of up to 11 metres are among some of the biggest in the world, and in places they are treacherously strong and unpredictable. It surges up rivers and rips through inland passages. Wherever there is a construction of land the massing water generates truly potent forces. At its most ferocious, the water whirls into deep hallows and boils over to form rolling domes. At low tide the disposition of the shore is radically altered. An inviting beach lapped by turquoise waters is transformed into a derelict mudflat only a crab could enjoy.

Many Australians are familiar with the Horizontal Waterfalls in Talbot Bay. Here the tide rushes through the gaps in the cliff which are only a few metres wide forming the effect of a horizontal waterfall. At the peak of the tidal inflow or outflow the difference in levels is some four metres, which presents an astounding picture and an awesome experience if you're brave enough to surf the tide in the tender dingy. However most Australians and International visitors simply do not know of the rugged, awe inspiring beauty of the Buccaneer Archipelago in general and its rich array of untouched destinations.

The climate is always warm to hot which makes the archipelago a perfect place to take part in water-based activities. The weather water and remoteness of the archipelago have moulded this place into an incredible breeding ground for a huge array of wildlife including crocodiles, snakes, birds, bats and most importantly fish. Visitors to the Buccaneer Archipelago find the fishing here exceptional and many species habitat the region in abundance. Your catch could include Barramundi, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Trevally, Queenies, Mangrove Jack, Snapper Tuna and Spanish Mackerel ­ not to mention succulent Oysters and enormous mud crabs.

The Buccaneer Archipelago is one of those magical places that will stay with you forever.