If you are looking for a unique family experience that will leave you with ever-lasting memories then look no further than a day out on the ocean with Charter 1!
Charter 1 is a family-run business operating from Fremantle and Rottnest. The striking 12.5 metre Catamaran Capella or ‘The Yellow Cat’ as she is more affectionately known offers Eco sails, sunset sails, private charters, overnight escapes, snorkel tours and more.
We joined them on board for their full day sail from Fremantle to Rottnest. We met the Capella on beautifully warm Sunday morning at 7.45am at Sardine Wharf in Fremantle. You won’t find her hard to spot as she is painted bright yellow! There is plenty of parking available at the wharf and we paid $14.50 for the day.
Our Skipper Jules and Deckhand Lily welcomed us aboard and ran us through a safety briefing. Life jackets are available for the duration of the journey for children under the age of 10. Children over the age of 2 are welcome on board but I’d recommend the trip for ages 6+.
Capella had 25 passengers on board for our sail to Rottnest that day but found that there was plenty of room on board for all of us and we never once felt cramped. There are several areas you can choose to hang out for the crossing – on the stern deck, in the spacious indoor cabin or on the bow.
Once we were in open water the sails were hoisted and we were blessed with a smooth crossing across to Rottnest which took about 2 hours. The kids loved spotting the dolphins and flying fish that kept popping up to say hello.
Our first stop of the day was small island off Rottnest where we got to meet the resident seals. We were told that they sometimes can be very playful and enjoy interacting with snorkelers but on our visit, they were quite happy sunning themselves on the beach.
The Capella is equipped with 2 Kayaks, a SUP, swimming noodles and plenty of snorkel gear (kids and adults) available for your use during your time on the boat.
The snorkelling in the area was pretty impressive and we saw teams of fish, coral, starfish and octopuses.
There was easy access into the water from either the back of the boat or down the steps in between the hulls. The rear swim platform can be lowered to allow easy access into the water for disabled or less mobile guests.
After around an hour of enjoying the rather chilly water, it was time to warm up with some morning tea which was served in the cabin. There was a substantial spread of fruit, cakes and cookies plus coffee, tea and juice. Morning tea and lunch are included in the package cost.
After we’d all had our sugar fix it was time to motor on to our next destination of Porpoise Bay. As we moved location the cargo net was dropped and adrenalin junkies were invited to hang out and hang tight on the net as it was pulled through the water at speed. The kids thought it was fabulous fun!
We spent a glorious two hours relaxing on the boat in the picturesque Porpoise Bay, exploring the Parker Point Marine Snorkel Trail and swimming with Stingrays. The water was so incredibly blue and crystal clear.
Lunch was a simple but tasty spread of cold meats, rolls and salads. If you have dietary requirements you are welcome to bring your own food onboard and store it in their fridge. Water is provided throughout the sail and again you can bring along your own drinks including beer and wine but no spirits.
We departed to Rottnest Island at 2pm arriving back into Fremantle dead on 4pm. I was dreading the crossing back as I have heard it can be pretty rough but I was pleasantly surprised as the journey back was just as smooth as a crossing over to the island.
We had a fabulous time aboard the Capella and have created memories that will last us a lifetime.
The Fremantle- Rottnest Day Trip departs every Sunday and costs $229 per adult (15+ years) and $149 child (5-14 years). A family ticket (2A and 2C) is $599.
If you are staying on Rottnest or even visiting for the day and want to experience the celebrity lifestyle you can privately book the Capella by the hour for your own private charter as Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon did! All bookings are a minimum of 2 hours and are capped at a maximum of 24 people. At the time of writing the hourly rate is $475 plus, pay for 6 hours and you’ll get an extra 2 hours free! So grab your group of friends together and enjoy your own private boat!
If you are spending the night on Rottnest Island you can enjoy one of the Twilight Sails which run Monday to Thursday by demand. Tickets can be bought online for $95/adult and $60/child. Family prices are also available ($295 for 2A and 2C). Relax on the bow, sipping your complimentary glass of bubbles while the Capella sails along the stunning Rottnest Island beaches. Watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean behind Bathurst Lighthouse, picture-perfect!
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For more information and to book online visit www.charter1.com.au
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 14 & 12 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
