Yampi Sound

Located between Derby and the Buccaneer Archipelago, Yampi Sound is one of the Kimberley coast’s most striking marine landscapes — a maze of rugged islands, deep blue channels, and iron-rich cliffs that glow crimson in the afternoon light.

The tides here are some of the largest in the world, sculpting the shoreline and revealing hidden coves, mangrove forests, and secret beaches. While a small sign at Derby‘s Wharf informs visitors that the Yampi Sound’s 12 metre tidal variation is Australia’s largest, recent findings from the Australian Navy (during a 2016 survey) have recorded a 13 metre difference at Raft Point. Nonetheless, it’s incredible to see the effects of the Kimberley’s powerful tides at both locations!

Koolan Island — From Mining to Marine Majesty

Dominating the southern end of Yampi Sound, Koolan Island is rich in both natural beauty and human history. The island has long been known for its high-grade iron ore, mined since the 1950s and still active today. It’s actually quite devastating to cruise past the island and see the open cut chops and scars from mining, especially amongst such a pristine and untouched surrounding setting.

Over the years, we’ve had a few bookings from folks who lived on Koolan Island as children. It’s always interesting to hear their stories about living on such a remote mining island way back before the Kimberley was a tourism destination.

Wildlife and Marine Encounters

The waters of Yampi Sound are alive with activity. Pods of bottlenose dolphins often follow expedition vessels, while dugongs graze in the sheltered bays. The mangroves provide nurseries for fish and birdlife, and the tidal flats reveal an abundance of crabs, rays, and mudskippers. Lucky visitors might even spot a saltwater crocodile basking on a rocky shore — a reminder to keep all limbs inside your tender vessel and there’s strictly no swimming here!