Accessing the Dampier Archipelago by Boat
The Dampier Archipelago is a chain of 42 coastal islands, islets and rocky outcrops located just offshore from Dampier. Access to the islands is by boat only, with no facilities available once you arrive.
Public boat ramps servicing the archipelago are located at Dampier, Karratha Back Beach, Johns Creek, Point Samson and Cossack. Before heading out, make sure your vessel is well prepared and you carry everything you’ll need for the day. This is a remote environment — leave no trace and take all rubbish back with you.
Boating Paperwork, Licences & Safety
Before launching, it’s important to ensure all required paperwork and licences are in place and that you’re familiar with current boating and fishing regulations.
If you are operating a vessel that requires it, you must hold a valid Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST). The Department of Transport also provides boating guides and safety information relevant to Pilbara conditions.
For fishing from a boat in Western Australia, a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence is required.
We recommend checking both Transport and Fisheries guidelines before each trip, as conditions and requirements can change.
Useful links:
Skippers’ tickets www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/recreational-skippers-ticket
Dep of transport www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/boating-guides
Fisheries www.fish.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home
Mandatory Safety Gear
Safety equipment is essential when boating in the Pilbara. We receive weekly deliveries of flares and monthly deliveries of EPIRBs, ensuring stock remains within the latest date requirements. If you’re unsure what safety gear your vessel needs, come in and talk to the team — we’re happy to help you check compliance.
Choosing the Right Sounder
A reliable sounder is one of the most important pieces of equipment on any boat, especially in Pilbara conditions.
For creek and inshore fishing, sounders with side scan and down scan capabilities are ideal for identifying structure, bait and fish movement. When heading offshore or into bluewater, a sounder with strong CHIRP performance and a high-powered transducer is essential. This allows you to accurately sound ground while travelling between spots and to pick up even the smallest features in depths of up to around 60 metres.
We stock the latest sounders from Humminbird and Lowrance, with display models available in store so you can compare screens, features and layouts before choosing the setup that best suits your boat and style of fishing.