Full Day Sail to Rottnest Island from Fremantle: Snorkel & Kayak

Sail out, swim and paddle in sheltered bays without leaving the boat

A full-day sailing catamaran trip from Fremantle to Rottnest Island's anchorages, where you snorkel coral reefs, kayak and swim in clear water. The boat stays moored in the bays, no island landing, so the day is entirely water-based with a maximum of 24 guests. Morning tea, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear and kayaks are included. You can help trim sails or take the helm on the return journey powered by the Freo Doctor wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Rottnest Island bays

• Set sail from Fremantle
• Relax on catamaran deck
• Anchor in picturesque bay
• Swim and snorkel coral reefs
• Use kayaks and water toys
• Enjoy morning tea and lunch
• Sail back to Fremantle

The experience

You leave Fremantle and sail 12 nautical miles to Rottnest Island's best bays, where the catamaran anchors and stays put for the day. This is a water-based experience built around snorkeling the coral reefs, paddling kayaks or SUPs, and swimming in the sheltered anchorages. The boat carries snorkeling masks and fins, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, so you arrive ready to get in the water without renting separately. Morning tea with cakes, pastries, fruit and hot and cold drinks arrives early. A buffet lunch with refreshments follows mid-day.

On the return sail to Fremantle, you can get involved: lower and trim the sails, take the helm, or simply relax on the huge bow or in the comfortable indoor saloon. The Freo Doctor, the afternoon wind that powers the journey home, is what makes the sail back possible without engine power. Marine Park admission is included, and a swimming waiver is required before you board.

What’s included

• Snorkeling masks and fins.
• kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
• morning tea with cakes, pastries, fruit and hot and cold beverages.
• buffet lunch with refreshments.
• Rottnest Island Marine Park entry fees.
• use of a water mat.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charter 1

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children from age 5 will find the mix of sailing, water sports and relaxation suits a full day without the pressure of a packed itinerary. The boat stays anchored, so you control your own pace in and out of the water: no schedule of island stops to keep.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 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.

What's the water like at Rottnest Island in the bays where we anchor?

The bays hold coral reefs suitable for snorkeling, and the water is calm enough for swimming and paddling. The exact conditions depend on the day's weather and which bay the captain chooses, but the sheltered anchorages are what make a full day of water activities possible.

Can I help sail the boat, or do I just sit and watch?

You can get involved as much as you want: lower and trim the sails, take the helm, or stay relaxed on deck. The crew will show you what to do if you want to participate in sailing the catamaran back to Fremantle.

Is there a time limit for swimming and snorkeling, or can I spend as long as I want in the water?

The boat anchors for the day in the bays, so you have the full anchored time to swim, snorkel and kayak at your own pace. The exact duration depends on the day's schedule and conditions, but the day is built around water time, not rushed stops.

What if I'm not a confident swimmer or don't want to snorkel?

You can spend the day on the boat: the huge bow and comfortable indoor saloon are part of the experience. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also available if you prefer to stay on the water without diving under it. A swimming waiver is required to participate in water activities, but you're not obligated to swim.

How many people will be on the boat?

The catamaran carries a maximum of 24 guests, so it's a small-group experience rather than a large tour boat.

Do we actually land on Rottnest Island?

No, this is a fully water-based experience. The boat anchors in the island's bays, but does not disembark. All swimming, snorkeling and paddling happens from the boat or in the water around it.