Where do charters depart from?

Private charters from Perth depart from the Sardine Jetty in Fremantle, a 25 minute drive or train ride from Perth CBD. We're a sailing vessel focused on ocean operations to the islands. We can't do Perth CBD or Hillarys pickups — our 18m mast can't get under any of the river bridges, and being located closer to the islands saves hours in additional transfer time. If you need your charter to start at Rottnest Island, we can pick you up direct from the Fuel Jetty — get in touch with your dates of stay.

Where do charters go?

Most commonly we take guests to the waters surrounding Carnac Island or Rottnest Island. Journey time to Carnac is approximately 45-60 minutes each way, a great option for a half-day charter and more kid-friendly. Rottnest takes 90-100 minutes in average conditions, so requires a full day charter. For Sunset Cruises or shorter sails, Woodman Point and the coastline off Fremantle make great backdrops.

What makes Charter 1 different from other boat charters in Perth?

A sailing catamaran offers more than a regular boat — comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges sheltered from the sun, a huge bow for group socialising, easy access into the water via a lowerable stairway, plus bathroom and kitchenette facilities. Our crew are professional and highly qualified — marine biologists, outdoor specialists, swim instructors. We're a fully AMSA-surveyed commercial vessel operating to the highest safety standards for inner and outer waters, with over 10 years of Advanced Eco Certification by Ecotourism Australia.

What are food and drink options?

We offer BBQ packages at a per-person rate that includes all condiments, plates and sauces. If you'd rather BYO, our skipper will do the service for you at no additional charge. As we are not licensed, all drinks are BYO and some rules apply. Please note that we do not run or accept 'party charter' bookings.

What is the guest capacity?

Capella is legally surveyed for 37, however operational limits apply depending on the type of charter. Most charters out to the islands are capped at 27 for safety and comfort once accounting for food, drinks, ice and equipment. Evening charters are capped at 24. Higher guest numbers are permitted on school charters and by discretion.

Are children allowed on private boat charters?

Yes. When you privately charter the boat, who you bring is entirely up to you. Our ticketed tours may have some age restrictions, but a private charter is your day, your call. We have years of experience to help you decide whether to bring young children — little ones, especially babies, can't take medication if they feel unwell, and the crossing to Rottnest is open water. We've raised two kids of our own and are happy to share what to expect.

Do you cater for all events?

Almost — as long as all guests are happy to comply with our terms and conditions. This includes no excessive drinking, since we operate on the water and the consequences of unsafe behaviour can be serious. Casual drinks over the day are no problem, as long as they're secondary to your event.

School Excursions - Charter 1

Q: How much does it cost to charter a boat in Perth?

Chartering a boat is like venue hire — it's yours for the duration. Rates are time-based (hourly), not per person, but can work out from as little as $100 per person for a half day (higher for full day). Peak booking periods or key event days may incur higher or fixed rates. Additional fees such as Rottnest entry fees may also apply. If you're flexible and working to a budget, let us know in the booking enquiry form so we can suggest best-fit options.

From Primary School to University, Day Excursions or School Camps – Charter 1 provides a unique educational experience that kids love!

Whether it’s a guided snorkel tour, assisting with the raising or lowering or the sails, or a few water based team activities, our crew can assist with creating a fun day on the water for your next school excursion or camp.

Our signature vessel Capella has a TV/DVD, a comfortable indoor saloon and a bathroom for changing, making it the perfect interactive classroom. Capella is surveyed for a maximum 37 passengers for day trips, however we recommend 20-25 as a more comfortable number per trip.

For school camps staying on the island – we will pick you up from the island and can also do multi-trip charters over a few hours, splitting the students into manageable group sizes, whilst other groups do on island activities.

We understand the importance of safety whilst on the water is a concern for schools and parents. Our safety management plans are of the highest standards, often exceeding that required by the Australian maritime regulating body (AMSA). We can provide copies of our insurance documents if your school requires for sign off. Your student/staff ratios can be supported via additional crew provided by us, if required (subject to availability).

download brochure contact us

Suggestions for your next school excursion

GUIDED SNORKELING TOURS

Rottnest Island boasts a range of excellent snorkel sites for all weather conditions – from colonial era shipwrecks to amazing limestone sculptures and coral reefs, most of our regular sites are suitable for entry level swimmers and first time snorkelers. We can support educational requirements that your excursion may encompass – several of our crew have studied at university levels in fields such as Environmental Science & Education, Ecotourism and Marine Science.

OBSTACLE COURSES / RACES

We have a bag of tricks when it comes to obstacle courses and team building exercises! Have you ever kayaked blindfolded or without a paddle? Do you know how to tie a bowline knot or a carrick bend?

The owners, Erin & Jules, have a combined 30 years experience in the corporate world so you can be assured of many interesting exercises that will not only bring your group together but most importantly, be the BEST FUN your kids have that year!

whale watching

During migratory seasons, climb aboard the comfort of a catamaran such as Capella and watch the majestic humpback whales as they migrate down the Australian coastline. Capella is the perfect venue for taking out private school groups. Our inside saloon is equipped with a TV and makes the perfect floating classroom as we journey off to see these majestic gentle giants frolicking in the waters of Cockburn Sound.

Fremantle Things to Do Winching Sails Charter 1

Learn to sail

Sailing is a unique experience whether you’re an experienced seadog or a first time enthusiast. An excellent team building and problem solving activity, our crew are happy to show you the ropes and take you through some of the key elements of navigation and good seamanship skills.

wildlife interactions

Rottnest and Carnac Islands are both home to a multitude of marine mammals and seabirds as well as providing a safe haven for many migratory species. Without noisy motors or generators, Capella is able to sneak right into the middle of the action giving you an up close and personal experience. On any given day you may encounter dolphins, whales, sea lions or rays in the water, as well as ospreys, seaeagles and nesting muttonbirds.

the vessel

Capella is a 12.5m sailing catamaran designed and built in Western Australia, operating from both Fremantle and Rottnest Island. Compliant to strict survey requirements for up to 37 passengers for day trips and 10 overnight, however we recommend 20-25 as the ideal group size. Capella also boasts a huge range of ‘toys’ available free of charge to our passengers such as a stand-up paddle board, 2 adult kayaks, a large water mat and quality Cressi snorkel gear (snorkel and flippers). Capella also has a lowerable ladder and transom making access into and out of the water a breeze.
Contact us today to find out more.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PRIVATE BOAT HIRE

Don’t see your question? Reach out via the contact form or give us a call.

Private charters from Perth depart from the Sardine Jetty in Fremantle, a 25 minute drive or train ride from Perth CBD. We are a sailing vessel focused on ocean operations to the islands.

Unfortunately we cannot do Perth CBD or Hillarys pickups. Our 18m tall mast can’t get under any of the river bridges. Additionally, being located closer to the islands saves hours in additional transfer time better spent at the destination. In our experience, private transport to Fremantle is a much better (and cheaper) option.

Need your charter to start at Rottnest Island? We can pick you up direct from the Fuel Jetty. Get in touch and let us know your dates of stay. We’ll let you know if it’s possible and what, if any, additional fees may apply.

Just sailing the WA coastline is often enough on its own, but most commonly we take guests to the waters surrounding Carnac Island or Rottnest Island, for something extra special. Snorkel trails or resident Sea Lions, it’s your adventure, you choose (subject to weather on the day).

Journey time to Carnac is approx 45-60 minutes each way, so it’s a great option for a half day charter and more kid-friendly, especially with the littler ones.

Rottnest takes 90-100 minutes in average conditions, give or take depending on weather, so requires a full day charter.

For Sunset Cruises or shorter sails, Woodman Point and the coastline off Fremantle make great backdrops and provide opportunities to drop anchor if time permits. And if the wind is up, we sail in towards Victoria Quay taking in the sights of the big ships and resident dolphins that often pop by to say hello.

A sailing catamaran can offer so much more than a regular boat. Consider the little luxuries and comfort that a catamaran can provide; comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges sheltered from the sun, a huge bow – perfect for group socialising. Easy access into the water via a lowerable stairway. Bathroom, kitchenette and more.

Plus with our team of professional, highly qualified crew you’re in the best hands possible – marine biologists, outdoor specialists, swim instructors to name a few – not just bar staff.

The journey is as much as the destination when you’re on a luxury sailing catamaran. If you just want to burn over to Rotto as quickly as possible, a powerboat is your best friend. But if you love the idea of kicking back on the expansive trampolines without the smells or sounds of diesel engines, you’re in the right place. As they say, it’s about the journey, not just the destination!

We are a fully AMSA commercial vessel operating to the highest standard of safety for inner and outer waters. We’re not new on the block. And we’ve had over 10 years of Advanced Eco Certification by Ecotourism Australia.

Chartering a boat is a lot like ‘venue hire’ – it’s yours for the duration. Rates are time based (hourly), not per person, but can work out from as little as $100 per person for a half day (higher if full day). Peak booking periods or key event days may incur higher or fixed rates. Additional fees such as Rottnest Entry fees may also apply.

If you are flexible and working to a budget, let us know in the booking enquiry form, so we can suggest best fit options (even if not ourselves).

For more information, read: What does it cost to charter a boat in Perth?

We are flexible and work to your needs. We offer BBQ packages at a per person rate for a stress-free approach which includes all the condiments, plates, sauces etc. But if you decide to BYO our skipper will do the service for you – no additional charge. Consider him your private chef (kind of). Unfortunately, as we are not licensed, all drinks are BYO. Some rules and limitations apply. Please note that we do not run or accept “party charter” bookings – we are happy to recommend alternatives if we are not the right fit.

Capella is legally surveyed for 37 however operational limits further apply depending on the type of charter. Most charters out to the island(s) are capped at 27. This ensures maximum safety and comfort for you and your guests, and avoids overloading once accounting for food, drinks, ice and equipment, in typical coastal weather conditions. Evening charters are capped at 24. Higher guest numbers are permitted on school charters and by discretion.

Yes! When you privately charter the boat, who you bring is entirely up to you. Our ticketed tours may have some restrictions, but a private charter is your day – your crew, your call!
That being said, we have years of experience to help you make the right decision regarding bringing children. Little ones, especially babies, can’t take medication if they feel unwell, and when very young, there are added communication barriers. We are a sailing charter and the crossing to Rottnest is open water. If we encounter the wilder side of Mother Nature out there, it may not be quite the day you had in mind.
Between us, we’ve raised two kids of our own — so we’re more than happy to share the good, the bad, and the occasionally ugly truth about kids on boats, and help you plan ahead so everything goes well on the day.

Almost – basically as long as all guests are happy to comply with our terms and conditions. This includes no excessive drinking. We operate on the water and the consequences of unsafe behaviour can be fatal. There is no room for unsafe behaviour. Casual drinks over the day are no problem – as long as it’s secondary to your event, not the focus.

Not at the current time, sorry.