Frequently Asked Questions
See our frequently asked questions for all tours and charters
All public tours (self-book) are capped at 24 for comfort. Although the legal maximum number of persons onboard Capella is 40 (daytime) it can be a bit of squeeze, especially if all adults. Private charters allow you to have up to 25 guests which is the most comfortable number for you, our crew and the vessel. Additional guests may be permitted at our discretion, depending on the circumstances. This is decided on a case by case basis and will attract additional fees. For overnight charters we can cater for 10 across 5 cabins (2 queen, 3 doubles).
Children are welcome on most tours and private charters, however some age restrictions (or guidelines) may apply. This is noted under each individual tour. Children must always be supervised by an accompanying adult and must not interfere with vessel instruments or operations. Children under 10 must wear a life jacket when underway. As we carry only a limited number of life jackets for smaller children (under 8), please call us before bookings to ensure we have adequate provisions on the day.
Available for use on your charter are: 2 kayaks, a SUP, quality snorkel gear (fins and masks), inflating pontoon, bean bags, a hammock, a beach cricket set, board games (for liveaboards). There are also 2 small kids kayaks that can be provided on request; however they do take up additional deck space so are not recommended for charters of more than 25 people.
Public Tours operate with up to 24 guests onboard. If minimum numbers (10) are not reached, we will contact you 3–5 days prior to arrange an alternative date that suits you. We make every effort to ensure all tours run but on occasion may need to reschedule.
Sailing is an outdoor activity and exposure to the elements should be expected. Your safety and enjoyment are our priority; we continually monitor wind and weather conditions right up until departure. We will contact you with as much notice as possible if we deem it too unsafe or too uncomfortable to be out on the water, to organise a reschedule.
Prone to sea sickness? Being catamarans, our vessels are extremely stable and we find guests who are often prone to seasickness do not feel sick on board. We do recommend speaking with a pharmacist about sea sickness medications so as not to affect your experience onboard if you are at all concerned.
For public tours please refer to the individual tour page for details. For private charters, if you are self-catering we ask that you bring disposable servery with you (i.e. paper plates, knives, forks, cups) based on the numbers you require, as there is limited crockery carried onboard (enough for about 12). If your charter is being catered by us, we will provide all of this for you. BYO ice or we can organise this for you for a small additional fee. Further information will be provided to you upon confirmation of your booking.
Capella has a fully functioning kitchenette and a Webber BBQ. Everything needed to live-aboard. There is a large central 200L ice box to put all of your drinks into (please leave your esky at home as it limits deck space). There is also an extra large ice box available if needed. Please note the BBQ can only be used when Capella is stationary.
Capella has 1 bathroom available during day trips and 2 when hired for overnight accommodation. The bathroom has a flushing toilet and shower and there are also 2 more outside showers that can be used on the stern deck.
Sorry, Capella is not available for bareboat hire. All tours and charters come with a minimum of 2 crew (skipper and deckhand) who are there to assist you in any way, ferry you to/from shore and take you to magical lesser known spots around Rottnest. We generally find that overnight guests love having our crew onboard and can’t wait to do it again.
Sorry, we no longer offer dive tours.
Rottnest Island is a Marine Park managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. Much like other marine parks (Ningaloo, Monkey Mia etc.) there are entry fees for visiting the island which includes the waters around Rottnest Island. These are reviewed annually by RIA. As at Nov 2021, this was $12pp (water based) and $20pp (if disembarking). Charter 1 on-charges these fees to private charter guests as the total amount depends on the number of guests you have with you. Our Full Day Sail to Rottnest Island includes RIA fees and all meals, so there are no hidden extras.
Yes you can! All tours come all-inclusive of nibbles (twilight sail) and meals (longer day sails) however you are most welcome to BYO additional drinks or snacks. Private charter rates are self-catered / BYO however we can also assist with catering if you require. The carrying of straight spirits onboard is however prohibited – beer/wine/premixes only. Charter 1 is a regulated premises by law and all of our staff practice responsible serving of alcohol.
Yes! We have a range of catering options for your group from gourmet BBQ packages to seafood platters, breakfasts and more. Minimum numbers apply and orders must be made no later than 2 weeks prior to your charter date. Ask us for more information.
