Rottnest island snorkel and sail
Snorkel Rottnest
An absolute ‘must-do’ when you visit Rottnest Island
Experience the magic and snorkel Rottnest Island by Luxury Sailing Catamaran. Sail through stunningly beautiful bays then dive right in to a snorkeler’s paradise!
Anchored in one of the island’s top Rottnest snorkeling spots, “Capella” can get right in close to shore. This luxury catamaran is fitted with snorkel equipment and water toys for maximum fun on and under the water. Be guided by expert marine crew through one of the islands famous snorkel trails. Discover up to 400 different species of fish, coral, shells and sea grass that lie in the waters of Rottnest Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins, stingrays, sea birds and the curious Australian Sea Lion. With a population of just 15,000 and found only on the WA coastline, these little guys are an absolute joy to watch.
To top off your snorkeling adventure, jump in one of the kayaks or SUP as you explore the waters from above, or simply kick back and relax on the large, spacious bows. Rottnest Island has so much more to offer than just Quokka selfies – let us show you a perspective you won’t find staying on land.
Tour runs for approx. 2.5 – 3 hours (allow 3hrs). Requires a minimum swimming ability (see “Important Information” on this page”). All marine life are wild animals – sightings vary from tour to tour and are never guaranteed.
- Booking & Card Fees included (5%)
- Drinking water onboard
- Prescription Masks available (optional extra)
- Light refreshments: fruit, coffee/tea
- Quality Snorkel Gear (masks/fins)
Terms & Conditions
General T&C’s and our cancellations policy can be found at the bottom of our website. Tour-specific requirements are also given below.
By booking this experience you also agree to the following terms and conditions for this particular tour:
Group Sizes
- This is a public tour which means there will be other members of the public also on the boat with you, of varied ages.
- Tour requires a minimum group sizes to proceed (8). The maximum group size is generally 24. Although our vessel is surveyed for a higher number, group sizes are capped at 24 or 26 (very rarely) for your comfort.
- If minimum bookings are not reached we will contact you with an much notice as practicable. Bookings remain open until final hour(s) prior so that on-the-day bookings can be made. Certainly of tours reaching minimums can never be guaranteed until closer to departure. If you are booking last minute and would like to know the status of a tour, please give us a call.
- For larger groups of 10 or more, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss a private charter instead.
Passenger Conduct, Fitness & Safety
- To join the guided tour you must be at least 8 years of age and of moderate swimming ability. A good guide is the ability to swim 200m and in 2-4m depths un-aided. All guests entering the water need to be able to swim independently, without dependency on buoyancy aids, unless under direct 1-on-1 supervision by an adult who can. E.g. children or those with mobility issues. A swimming waiver must be signed by each guest or parent/guardian before entering the water. Please contact us if you have any questions about swimming ability.
- This tour requires a moderate degree of physical mobility including the use of stairs for boarding, moving around the vessel and accessing the lavatory.
- If you have any health concerns please contact us prior to booking.
- If you are prone to seasickness, please consider if this tour is right for you. Catamarans are generally very stable however this is an ocean-based experience. We advise you to consult a pharmacist if you have any concerns.
- Pregnant guests in the third trimester should contact us prior to booking.
- Guests who arrive intoxicated or unfit to sail will not be allowed to board. No refunds will be given.
- Tour is strictly non smoking or vaping.
- Drones are not permitted.
Weather
- Sailing is an outdoor activity – exposure to the elements should be expected and perfect conditions are never guaranteed.
- We reserve the right to cancel right up until the departure time if conditions become unsafe. We keep an eye on the weather at all times but at times it can become unpredictable.
- Direction of the sail is at the discretion of the skipper who will take all conditions into account on the day (wind speed, direction etc).
Children On Board
- Children must be under direct adult supervision at all times.
- Please advise individual ages of children when making your booking, for life jacket provisioning.
- Children under 10 will be asked to wear a life jacket at all times.
- Snorkelers must be aged 8 and over to go on the guided trail part of the tour. Free snorkeling under direct supervision by an accompanying adult is no problem.
Cancellation & Reschedule Policy
For our full T&C’s, please visit our website for further information: https://www.charter1.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
Tour cancellation & reschedule terms for direct bookings can be found here: https://www.charter1.com.au/cancellation-policy/
IMPORTANT: This tour departs from Rottnest Island, not the mainland.
Guests will need to arrange their own transportation to/from the island. Fast Ferries are available from Fremantle, Perth and Hillaries. This takes approx. 30-40 minutes each way. Flights are also available.
We will pick you up from the “Fuel Jetty” which is located approx. 50m south of the main ferry terminal. An easy 10 minute walk. Please plan your arrival with plenty of time to spare in case of late or missed ferries. Further details of where to find us and a map will be sent to you in the booking confirmation and reminder email(s).
History Of Rottnest
The island with a thousand stories… The geographical history of Rottnest Island has been dominated by changes in sea level. These changes occurred either as sea water became trapped and released when ice sheets advanced and retreated, or as the land slowly rose and fell in response to changing stresses in the earth’s crust. It is believed that Rottnest Island was separated from the mainland 7,000 years ago. The sea level rose, cutting the Island off from the land mass, and it is now the largest in a chain of islands (which includes Garden and Carnac Islands) on the continental shelf opposite Perth. These islands all are formed of limestone rocks with a thin covering of sand. The limestone base of Rottnest Island has an effect on all life on the Island, including the types of plants which can grow on it, the species of animals which can feed upon the plants, and the extent to which humans can make use of the Island.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 16 customer reviews.
- Natasha Hansen16/03/2023We booked The Sunset Cruise for a private event and it was absolutely amazing! From the time of booking to the day of the sail it was seem-less and stress free. Everyone on the night complimented what an awesome and fun time they had. Cannot recommend Charter1 enough f something a bit different and memorable.read moreread less×Natasha Hansen16/03/2023We booked The Sunset Cruise for a private event and it was absolutely amazing! From the time of booking to the day of the sail it was seem-less and stress free. Everyone on the night complimented what an awesome and fun time they had. Cannot recommend Charter1 enough f something a bit different and memorable.
- Paul Russell24/10/2019Fantastic Twilight sail from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Great crew on-board and made feel very welcome. Capella is a great vessel and very relaxing out on the open water. Managed to spot a whale migrating and watch the sunset over Rottnest Island. A must do if you are spending some time on Rottnest Island or visiting the Fremantle area.read moreread less×Paul Russell24/10/2019Fantastic Twilight sail from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Great crew on-board and made feel very welcome. Capella is a great vessel and very relaxing out on the open water. Managed to spot a whale migrating and watch the sunset over Rottnest Island. A must do if you are spending some time on Rottnest Island or visiting the Fremantle area.Sebastian22/10/2019A great evening on the water , off the Fremantle coastline, Capella is a great vessel to be on with freinds and family. A warm welcome, great atmosphere with lots of vantage points on the boat, skipper and crew have a keen eye for spotting whales. You won't be disappointed , twilight highlight it's Out a sightread moreread less×Sebastian22/10/2019A great evening on the water , off the Fremantle coastline, Capella is a great vessel to be on with freinds and family. A warm welcome, great atmosphere with lots of vantage points on the boat, skipper and crew have a keen eye for spotting whales. You won't be disappointed , twilight highlight it's Out a sight
- Liz B18/10/2019Excellent boat and crew - would highly recommend for an amazing day out on the water!! Have been on this boat twice - once for a private day charter to Rottnest and the other for a sunset sail to Carnac Island. Both were fabulous fun days where you really get to experience the beauty of Perth from the water. The boat is a great size for a group gathering and the owners are passionate and professional. I have been on a lot of different charter boats out of Fremantle but this one is an extra special experience being a catamaran. No hesitation in recommending Charter 1 to anyone.read moreread less×Liz B18/10/2019Excellent boat and crew - would highly recommend for an amazing day out on the water!! Have been on this boat twice - once for a private day charter to Rottnest and the other for a sunset sail to Carnac Island. Both were fabulous fun days where you really get to experience the beauty of Perth from the water. The boat is a great size for a group gathering and the owners are passionate and professional. I have been on a lot of different charter boats out of Fremantle but this one is an extra special experience being a catamaran. No hesitation in recommending Charter 1 to anyone.Jade Just04/10/2019I've been on a few charters but Charter 1 has been the best by far. The staff are not only professional but are also very friendly - their deckhand took an amazing photo of my husband and I with the sunset in the background. We loved our sunset sail so much the we followed up with a sail over to Rottnest. I can't recommend this company enough, they're awesome.read moreread less×Jade Just04/10/2019I've been on a few charters but Charter 1 has been the best by far. The staff are not only professional but are also very friendly - their deckhand took an amazing photo of my husband and I with the sunset in the background. We loved our sunset sail so much the we followed up with a sail over to Rottnest. I can't recommend this company enough, they're awesome.
- Hayley Baldwin04/05/2019I was lucky enough to win a sunset cruise in Charter 1's recent competition! I invited 17 friends on board and we had a beautiful evening watching the sun go down over the ocean. The boat is awesome and I'd love to do the Rottnest cruise in summer so that we can use the stand-up paddle boards, and sunbathe on the trampolines.read moreread less×Hayley Baldwin04/05/2019I was lucky enough to win a sunset cruise in Charter 1's recent competition! I invited 17 friends on board and we had a beautiful evening watching the sun go down over the ocean. The boat is awesome and I'd love to do the Rottnest cruise in summer so that we can use the stand-up paddle boards, and sunbathe on the trampolines.Patrick Welch30/04/2019Our group of 10 friends went on a 2-hour twilight cruise and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Jules and Andrew were excellent hosts, very professional and put a couple of the apprehensive participants at ease. The boat itself is very cool and a lot of fun. And the food and drinks laid on by Jules was all very enjoyable. Definitely planning to return again one day. Thanks again guys!read moreread less×Patrick Welch30/04/2019Our group of 10 friends went on a 2-hour twilight cruise and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Jules and Andrew were excellent hosts, very professional and put a couple of the apprehensive participants at ease. The boat itself is very cool and a lot of fun. And the food and drinks laid on by Jules was all very enjoyable. Definitely planning to return again one day. Thanks again guys!
- Damien J29/12/2018Sailing towards the Sunset with my Wife whilst sipping on complementary wine, snacking on canopies and feeling the sea breeze on your face are the things dreams are made of. This 2 hour cruise was perfect for a birthday gift. The crew were incredibly friendly and accommodating of requests. BYO was a bonus and the freedom to move around the catamaran was great. Would recommend this to locals and visitors as a must do. Would love to take a day trip to Rotto or Carnac. Thank you Capella and crew. "It is almost impossible to see a sunset and not dream".read moreread less×Damien J29/12/2018Sailing towards the Sunset with my Wife whilst sipping on complementary wine, snacking on canopies and feeling the sea breeze on your face are the things dreams are made of. This 2 hour cruise was perfect for a birthday gift. The crew were incredibly friendly and accommodating of requests. BYO was a bonus and the freedom to move around the catamaran was great. Would recommend this to locals and visitors as a must do. Would love to take a day trip to Rotto or Carnac. Thank you Capella and crew. "It is almost impossible to see a sunset and not dream".Mac Family31/05/2018Last month my family and I spent 3 nights sailing on Capella for my birthday. What a great way to celebrate! Through their local knowledge Erin and Jules took us to some beautiful spots for snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding and sunsets. We were able to explore remote beaches that we couldn't have gotten to without a boat, which made it that extra special for us. The accommodation on Capella was very comfortable and spacious and suited us and our two young kids perfectly. This sailing trip was an amazing experience for all of us and also such a special birthday for me. I was so happy that we as a family could spend that time together and all have such a great time. We were able to do activities that the whole family enjoyed and Jules and Erin made it so easy for the kids on board. There was plenty of things for them on and off the boat to explore and learn about. They really took the time to make it a special experience for the kids too. It was definitely the best birthday celebration I've ever had and such a memorable experience for our whole family. We would highly recommend a sailing trip on Capella, we will be back!read moreread less×Mac Family31/05/2018Last month my family and I spent 3 nights sailing on Capella for my birthday. What a great way to celebrate! Through their local knowledge Erin and Jules took us to some beautiful spots for snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding and sunsets. We were able to explore remote beaches that we couldn't have gotten to without a boat, which made it that extra special for us. The accommodation on Capella was very comfortable and spacious and suited us and our two young kids perfectly. This sailing trip was an amazing experience for all of us and also such a special birthday for me. I was so happy that we as a family could spend that time together and all have such a great time. We were able to do activities that the whole family enjoyed and Jules and Erin made it so easy for the kids on board. There was plenty of things for them on and off the boat to explore and learn about. They really took the time to make it a special experience for the kids too. It was definitely the best birthday celebration I've ever had and such a memorable experience for our whole family. We would highly recommend a sailing trip on Capella, we will be back!Patricia Richards29/05/2018We have had two cruises on Capella and we loved them. The Yellow Cat is awesome! Lots of room and lots of things to do! Watching dolphins or sea lions, snorkelling, swimming and diving, or just relaxing on board with a cold drink or two! Have had a day cruise to Carnac island and a twilight cruise! Loved watching the sun go down with nothing between us and the sun! Beautiful! Thanks Charter 1.read moreread less×Patricia Richards29/05/2018We have had two cruises on Capella and we loved them. The Yellow Cat is awesome! Lots of room and lots of things to do! Watching dolphins or sea lions, snorkelling, swimming and diving, or just relaxing on board with a cold drink or two! Have had a day cruise to Carnac island and a twilight cruise! Loved watching the sun go down with nothing between us and the sun! Beautiful! Thanks Charter 1.
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