BOAT CHARTERS TO ROTTNEST ISLAND – WHAT TO EXPECT

If you’re considering chartering a boat to Rottnest Island, you might be wondering what a typical itinerary looks like. How long do you need? Can you go ashore? Where does the boat anchor and for how long? Below, we try to answer the most common questions we get asked about boat charters to Rottnest Island, along with additional tips to help plan your day.

Where do Rottnest charters depart from?

All our Rottnest charters depart from Fremantle, our home base. We are unable to pick up from Perth or Hillaries.

Fremantle offers the fastest and most direct route to the island and is generally the best option for our guests. You can get out on open water faster, rather than adding 1-2 hours each way navigating the river at set speed limits, or increasing total transit time. Less time travelling means more time out there enjoying the day.

can I get off at the island?

You can absolutely go ashore if you’d like to. Just keep in mind we can only disembark guests at Thomson Bay so if you’re keen to spend time somewhere like Parker Point for example — which is about 7km around from Thomson Bay (+30 minutes) — we’ll plan around that. For example: lunch at Parker Point first, then back via Thomson Bay for your last hour on the island.

You can wait to decide on the day too – our skipper will chat to you on the way across so that together you can optimise your time onboard based on numbers, weather and preferences on the day.

How long DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO Rottnest?

On average, it’s about 1.5 hours to reach Thomson Bay, a little longer for bays that are further afar or if you’d like to spend a bit more time sailing. As a sailing vessel we lean into comfort over speed. A full day booking is required for charters travelling to Rottnest Island.

Instead of loud and smelly engines, think: open water, sea air, comfortable lounged spaces and good company. A chance to properly switch off before you’ve even arrived. On a sailing vessel, the journey is part of the experience. We’ll raise the sails whenever we can and our crew are always on the lookout for dolphins and whales to stay and say hello to.

Fun Fact: Perth’s ferries actually travel at the same speed as winning maxi yachts in the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, frequently exceeding 45km/hr.

What’s included on board?

One of the advantages of chartering with us is the range of equipment available to use, as a leading Rottnest Island snorkel tour operator. We have a wide range of fin sizes from the juniors to big foots, snorkel sets for the junior sailors and even prescription goggles for those who might need it (note: $15 hire fee applies).

Once we’re anchored, the toys come out — a stand-up paddleboard, two kayaks, and a water mat. Our crew will help fit snorkel gear and fins and then help with any nibbles. They’ll also keep everything topped up and cold across the day.

For lunch, our crew will be happy to take care of any cooking duties so you can relax (provided not too elaborate!). BBQ is often the best way to go, or pre-made cold platters. We offer optional BBQ catering for easy planning, but BYO is also very welcome.

We CAN get off at the island? HOW MANY BAYS CAN WE VISIT?

Whether you spend the day in one bay or two comes down to your group’s preference, the weather, and timing — including whether anyone’s after a quokka selfie. We’ll chat through this with your group leader at the start of the day, usually once we’ve arrived at Rottnest.

If you go ashore, a full landing fee applies, and time will need to be allowed for. If you stay water-based, a discounted rate applies instead (currently $13 per adult, as of August 2026), and more time is spent onboard enjoying the vessel and waters, but ultimately the choice is yours.

Why do Rottnest charters LEAVE SO EARLY?

About 80% of the time, mornings bring milder winds, with the breeze picking up from the south-west in the afternoon. That shift usually happens around midday, while you’re tucked safely in a bay and probably won’t even notice.

The stretch of water between Rottnest and Fremantle is more exposed to that afternoon wind, so the longer it blows, the choppier it gets. That’s why we don’t recommend leaving much later than 2pm, getting you back and disembarked by 4pm. Most boats going to Rottnest work the same way — making the most of the calmer morning conditions then riding the afternoon breeze home under sail before it gets too gnarly! The earlier start is always worth it.

WHY OPT FOR A PRIVATE CHARTER?

When you book a private charter, the whole day is built around your group: timings, food, drinks, whether you want to go ashore versus stay on the water etc. You’re not on someone else’s itinerary. As long as mother nature and time permits, we will try to make it happen. It’s a genuinely awesome and easy way to bring a group together.

Tours are a great way to explore new places when travelling in small groups but when it comes to celebrations, birthdays, corporate events etc, a private charter is always best.

Whether it’s a laid-back private sailing charter with friends, or a full corporate day out on Capella, we’d love to have you aboard.