Carnac Island snorkeling: Sail, sea lions & turquoise waters

Limestone cliffs and turquoise shallows where sea lions rest between dives

Snorkel Carnac Island, an A-grade nature reserve between Rottnest and Garden Islands near Fremantle, aboard a small-group sailing catamaran. The boat carries you to shallow turquoise waters where Australian Sea Lions haul out, and the crew briefs you on the resident animals before you enter the water with snorkel gear, kayak or SUP. If the easterly wind is up, the western anchorage at limestone cliffs becomes the snorkel site. Otherwise the eastern side offers calmer conditions. On the return, the sails go up so you travel by wind alone. Morning tea and seasonal fruit come onboard. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Carnac Island

• Set sail to Carnac Island
• Learn about Australian Sea Lions
• Swim, snorkel, or kayak
• Enjoy sailing back by wind

The experience

The catamaran departs Fremantle and sails to Carnac Island, a protected nature reserve where Australian Sea Lions rest between ocean forays. The crew knows the animals and their patterns, so they brief you on what to expect before you gear up. You then choose your water: snorkel the shallow turquoise shallows where visibility runs clear, paddle a kayak or SUP across the anchorage, or simply swim. The site depends on wind. If the easterly is running, the western side opens up with limestone cliffs dropping into deep water ideal for snorkeling. Calmer days favor the eastern shallows.

Snorkel equipment, two kayaks and a SUP come aboard, subject to wind conditions. Coffee, tea, morning tea and a seasonal fruit platter are served. The whole outing runs four hours. Public transport reaches the departure point. Arrive at least 15 minutes before boarding. Late arrivals forfeit the full ticket price, and a change of date is permitted once if you give seven days' notice.

On the sail back, the crew raises the sails so the catamaran moves by wind alone: no engine, no motor sound, just the boat and the water. It is the luxury part of the trip, and it is also the reason the operator calls this eco-conscious.

What’s included

• Sailing catamaran to Carnac Island.
• snorkel equipment.
• use of kayaks and SUP (subject to wind).
• coffee, tea, morning tea and seasonal fruit platter.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Charter 1

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel in calm turquoise shallows and watch Australian Sea Lions in their natural haul-out without swimming alongside them. The crew keeps the focus on observation and the animals' own behavior. The four-hour morning window suits a half-day outing from Fremantle, and the return sail under wind alone is the luxury finish.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included and the crew briefs you on the animals and the site before you enter the water. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the shallow turquoise waters at Carnac make a calm introduction to snorkeling.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The snorkel site changes depending on wind direction. If the easterly is strong, the western side of Carnac with its limestone cliffs becomes the spot. Calmer days use the eastern shallows. Either way, you snorkel: the location shifts to match the conditions.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included, or do I have to choose one activity?

Both kayaks and a SUP come aboard and are available to use, subject to wind conditions. You can snorkel, paddle, or swim. The choice is yours once you arrive at the island.

How long is the actual sailing part of the trip?

The whole outing is four hours from departure to return. The sail to Carnac Island takes the first part of the morning, then you have time in the water, and the return sail happens with the sails raised so you experience the catamaran under wind power alone.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point in Fremantle. The operator does not provide transfers, so you'll arrange your own way to the dock.