Rottnest Island Cruises

Rottnest Island cruises and ferries leave from B Shed at Victoria Quay in Fremantle and from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth, while sailing and dining cruises leave from Thomson Bay Fuel Jetty on the island. The sections below sort them by where you board and what you want from the water, and the things to do on Rottnest Island page covers the rest of the trip.

Ferries from Fremantle

The Rottnest Island return ferry ticket from Fremantle is a 35-minute crossing from B Shed, with 7am and 9am sessions, a same-day return and the government admission fee included. Passengers can keep an eye out for seals and dolphins on the way.

The ferry and bike hire package from Fremantle pairs the crossing with a day of bike hire, a helmet and a lock, departing at 9am. For a ferry day with snorkel gear as well, Experience Rottnest with Bike & Snorkel Hire is a popular choice.

Ferries from Perth

Rottnest Express runs the round trip ferry from Perth from Barrack Street Jetty at 8.45am, returning from the island at 5pm, and leaves the day on the island up to you. SeaLink's ferry and bike hire from Perth departs Barrack Street Jetty at 8.30am. Day tours from Perth that bundle the ferry with a bus tour or bike hire are on the Rottnest Island tours page.

Adventure boat cruises around the island

Rottnest Express adventure boat tours put you on the Eco Express for a 90-minute cruise that circles the island, looking for New Zealand fur seals and, from September, humpback whales. The adventure boat day tour from Perth and the adventure boat day tour from Fremantle both include the ferry and the island admission fee.

Sailing and snorkelling from Thomson Bay

The Rottnest Island Snorkel & Sail Tour runs on the 'Capella', a luxury catamaran that anchors at snorkelling spots close to shore. The 2.5-hour trip leaves Thomson Bay Fuel Jetty at 10am and 12.30pm, with snorkel gear, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, a fruit platter and tea and coffee on board.

Dining cruises

The Rottnest Island dining cruises page covers sailings built around a meal. The Luxe Seafood Cruise is a 4-hour trip on a 69ft charter boat from November to April, with a seven-course seafood banquet, complimentary wine, beer and soft drink, and a chance to help the crew haul in crayfish pots. It leaves Thomson Bay Fuel Jetty at 11.30am.

How to choose a Rottnest Island cruise or ferry

A ferry ticket suits visitors who want to plan the island themselves, a ferry and bike package suits anyone happy to pedal the 22-kilometre loop, and an adventure boat tour suits people who want the coastline and wildlife from the water. The catamaran sail suits swimmers, and the seafood cruise suits a long lunch between November and April.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry to Rottnest Island?

The SeaLink return ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island is a 35-minute crossing from B Shed at Victoria Quay.

Where do ferries to Rottnest Island leave from?

Ferries to Rottnest Island leave from B Shed at Victoria Quay in Fremantle and from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth.

Which Rottnest Island ferry should I choose?

Choose a ferry ticket if you want to plan the island yourself, a ferry and bike hire package if you want to ride the island, or a Rottnest Express day tour if you want a bus tour, adventure boat or snorkel gear included. The Fremantle crossing is a 35-minute ride.

Can you see whales on a Rottnest Island cruise?

Perhaps. Rottnest Express adventure boat tours around Rottnest Island list humpback whales during their migration from September to November, alongside New Zealand fur seals.

When does the Rottnest Island seafood cruise run?

The Rottnest Island Luxe Seafood Cruise runs from November to April and leaves Thomson Bay Fuel Jetty at 11.30am, with passengers asked to be on the island in time to board by 11.15am.

Can kids go on the Rottnest Island seafood cruise?

No. Children under 18 are not permitted on the Rottnest Island Luxe Seafood Cruise, and the cruise is not accessible by wheelchair.

Do you need to swim for the Rottnest Island snorkel and sail?

Yes. Guests entering the water on the Rottnest Island Snorkel & Sail Tour must be able to swim independently and unaided, and a swimming waiver is signed on board.

Rottnest Island cruises start with a choice of port, Fremantle or Perth, and branch from there into bikes, boats and long lunches. The activities and food and drinks pages cover what to do once the ferry docks.