Bottle-nose dolphins have been visiting Monkey Mia since the early 60's. This pleasant spot is located near the truly magnificent Francois Peron National Park which is named after the French naturalist who visited Shark Bay with Nicolas Baudin's Geographe expedition in 1801 and 1803 (they also called in at Kangaroo Island).

In 1834 a schooner Monkey supposedly anchored in Shark Bay and mia is Aboriginal for 'house' or 'home' -- hence, 'Home of the Monkey.'

Monkey Mia's dolphins drop by to visit humans. They swim into knee-deep water and nudge up against you, and they even take a fish from you if it is offered. They generally come in to shore every day during the winter months, less often during the summer months; and they arrive singly or in groups of five or more. Park Rangers regulate the behavior of tourists although this can be difficult at peak tourism times. Visitors must remain in knee-deep water and cannot touch the Dolphins without supervision by watchful Park Service Rangers.