Since the 1940s, visitors to Monkey Mia have enjoyed the unique experience of seeing hand feeding of wild dolphins.

This world-renowned nature-based tourism experience on the beautiful shores of the Shark Bay Marine Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

As one of the world’s longest running dolphin interaction experiences, this managed feeding program inspires and educates visitors about the dolphins, marine conservation and the World Heritage values of Shark Bay.

The welfare of the dolphins is a key priority and the feeding is undertaken with strict protocols to ensure their health and to maintain their wild and natural behaviours. 

Only 10 per cent of the dolphin’s daily dietary needs are provided to ensure they continue to hunt for themselves. In addition, a dolphin health program includes daily monitoring, and staff follow National Wildlife Biosecurity Guidelines for feeding and food handling.

Visitors are reminded that feeding, swimming with, or touching the dolphins outside the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience is not permitted by law.

DBCA draws on 30 years of research and monitoring of the Monkey Mia dolphins to support the recruitment of new dolphins into the program and to ensure the dolphins spend most of their day behaving as wild dolphins.

Research shows that feeding under strict protocols has not affected the life expectancy of the dolphins or posed any threat to the population, and the survival of calves born to hand-fed dolphins is comparable to the broader Shark Bay population. With ecological sustainability as a core value, the dolphin experience attracts visitors from all over the world. 

Visitors can also enjoy the many unique experiences of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and surrounds. Plan your visit to Monkey Mia Conservation Park and the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience on the Explore Parks website.

DBCA acknowledges the Malgana Traditional Owners and their continuing connection to the lands, waters and community of Monkey Mia and the Shark Bay Area. The Malgana name for Shark Bay is Gathaagudu, meaning two bays, or two waters.