Catamaran Snorkel And Sail

Charter 1 handles this half-day catamaran sail, 3 hours on the water from A$185 per person. Guests rate it 4.8 across 33 reviews. Snorkel stops off the boat are the draw, and you sort your own ferry crossing to the island.

Overview

This half-day catamaran trip with Charter 1 spends three hours on the water around Rottnest Island, sailing from the Rottnest Fuel Jetty on Thomson Bay with the longest stretch, an hour and thirty minutes, around Parker Point. Along the way the crew hand out snorkel gear, and there is also the option to join a guided snorkel if swimming unaided is comfortable.

Between swims, passengers can use the kayaks and paddleboards carried on board, or simply sit on deck with a seasonal fruit platter, coffee or tea. Several reviewers describe exactly this rhythm: sailing between bays, snorkelling over coral and fish, then relaxing on deck chatting with the crew. Families with children have said there is plenty to keep kids occupied, and one reviewer specifically praised the cargo net.

The tour suits travellers with a reasonable level of fitness and strong swimming ability, since water activities require swimming at least 200 metres without assistance. It caps numbers at 24 guests. Visitors need to make their own way to Rottnest Island first, as ferry transfers are not part of the package, and the boat returns to the same jetty where boarding began.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Rottnest Fuel JettyBoarding takes place at the fuel jetty on Thomson Bay, Rottnest Island. The listing asks passengers to arrive at least 15 minutes early, since late arrival or failure to board means total ticket loss.
2. Sail past Thomson BayThe catamaran passes by Thomson Bay for 15 minutes at the start of the trip.
3. Parker Point stopThe longest stretch is one hour and thirty minutes at Parker Point, passed by on the water. A guided snorkel is available for confident swimmers.
4. Return through Thomson BayThe final leg passes Thomson Bay for 10 minutes before the boat docks back at the fuel jetty, the same point as departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape whether this trip is a good fit and how to prepare for it.

• Swimming ability. Water activities require participants to swim competently, a minimum of 200 metres without assistance. The guided snorkel also requires good unaided swimming ability. Travellers should have a strong physical fitness level overall, according to the listing.
• Bring your own gear. Wetsuits and towels are not included, so pack a towel and consider a wetsuit or rash vest for cooler days. One reviewer specifically recommended a long sleeve rashie for swimming when the weather is colder. Snorkel equipment, kayaks and paddleboards are supplied.
• Getting there. Ferry transfers to and from Rottnest Island are not included, so the ferry ticket is a separate booking. The meeting point is the fuel jetty at Thomson Bay, which the listing notes is near public transportation. Allow enough time to reach the jetty, since the listing asks passengers to arrive at least 15 minutes early to begin boarding.
• Group feel. The trip carries a maximum of 24 travellers. Reviewers describe a relaxed atmosphere, with families saying there was plenty for kids to do and others praising the crew as warm and helpful. One reviewer noted the staff were accommodating to Deaf guests.
• Food on board. A seasonal fruit platter plus coffee and tea are included. The listing does not list any other food or drink beyond these.
• Fitness and mobility. The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems. A strong general fitness level is expected. Infants must sit on laps.

Common issues. The main constraints come from the booking conditions. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run and requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for either reason the operator offers a different date or a full refund. The date can be changed once without penalty only with 7 days notice, and arriving late or missing boarding means losing the full ticket, which makes ferry timing a real consideration since island transfers are not included. Drones are not permitted on board, and wetsuits and towels must be brought separately.

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