FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
These are some frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, please feel free to contact us on 0409 886 431.
HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING?
Contact us on 0409 886 431 or send us an email to specify that you would like to book a charter. We will then send you an invoice for the deposit amount to be paid within 5 days of receiving the invoice.
When we have received the deposit we will send you a booking confirmation and a small information pack about your charter.
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT?
If you would like to hold a date we will put a tentative booking in place for one day. After that you will need to pay a deposit to hold the date, a minimum 25% deposit will be required
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY CHARTER?
Cancellation - If you cancel your charter anytime before two weeks from the date you will receive your deposit back in full however if you cancel within the two weeks leading up to your charter the deposit will not be refunded.
WHEN IS FINAL PAYMENT DUE?
We invoice for final payment a week before your charter date however if you would like to bring cash on the day that is fine also.
A lot of our clients like to pay off the charter in installments so its not such a big cost in one week. If you would like that option just let us know in an email and we will set up 4 -5 small installments to be invoiced over the months or weeks before your charter date.
CAN WE HAVE 1 OR 2 EXTRA PASSENGERS THAN THE MAXIMUM PASSENGER NUMBER?
Our vessel is licensed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and can only take the maximum number of guests. Under no circumstances are we able to extend their maximum capacity.
WHEN CAN WE BOARD THE VESSEL?
We use public jetties.
For departure and a boarding times we recommend turning up 10-15 minutes before charter. Please feel free to call if you require to drop off food or drinks the day before.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I TELL MY GUESTS TO ARRIVE?
To avoid delays it is a good idea to tell your guests to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your departure time. Big Island Charters crew will be at the jetty 10 minutes early for loading and jetty traffic.
WHAT PARTS OF ROTTNEST ISLAND CAN YOU GET TO?
Equador is surveyed for 30 nautical miles off the coast so we have access to the whole island and can take you to the best bay for the weather conditions to create a day you will never forget!
CAN WE SMOKE ON BOARD?
Yes, you can smoke on board our vessel, usually this is at the very back of the boat and not permitted inside the cabin.
WHAT ARE YOUR FACILITY’S ON BOARD OUR BOAT I.E TOILET/SHOWER?
Yes, We have a fresh hot water shower on board to rinse off the salt and get comfy we also have a toilet and we do supply toilet paper, soap for the hand basin and a small bin for sanitary items.
CAN WE SWIM OFF THE BOAT?
Yes you can. Please note that swimming is permitted once the vessel has stopped its engines and the skipper has given the "all clear" to enter the water. As the "hirer" of the vessel, it is your responsibility to ensure that your guests are advised of any dangers above or below the water including mixing water activities after consuming alcohol and/or Shark, Sea Lions and other wildlife.
CAN I HAVE CHILDREN ONBOARD?
Yes, absolutely! Big Island Charters is very accommodating to any age group. we have all of the required safety equipment to fit any size from babies to teens. We take the safety of our clients as the highest priority and make sure everybody who boards our vessel feels comfortable.
We always have our surveys up to date every year with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
All children who board Big Island Charters must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times whilst on board.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Our Captain is very qualified and has many years of experience in all kinds of conditions, he is also very knowledgeable on reading weather and driving to the conditions to get everyone home safely. However If we have severely bad weather and the Captain determines it to be dangerous for clients we will happily change the charter date or location. The Swan River is rarely effected by weather and our vessel has two sets of clears and a fully covered back deck as well as a reverse cycle air conditioned cabin.
DO WE HAVE TO GET RID OF THE RUBBISH AT THE END OF THE CRUISE?
No, our Skipper and Deckhand will clean up the vessel after your charter within reason.
FOOD, BEVERAGE, TRANSPORT & ENTERTAINMENT…
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD?
You are more than welcome to organise your own food. Our crew will cook anything you bring on board.
CAN YOU ORGANISE CATERING FOR US?
Yes we can organise basic catering - For food we have a butcher in Fremantle we use Franks Gourmet Meats.
IS THERE A BBQ ON BOARD?
Yes we have a marine grade 6 burner BBQ on board.
IF WE ORGANISE OUR OWN CATERING, WHAT OTHER THINGS DO WE NEED TO BRING?
Our vessel is equipped with cooking utensils – tongs, cutting knife, chopping board and cooking oil spray. You will need to bring anything else you may need.
Some of the things that you might like to bring along are any condiments (eg: tomato sauce, mayonnaise, salt, pepper etc), napkins, plates, disposable cutlery, platters and serving dishes.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
Big Island Charters are more than happy for you to BYO your own alcohol and drinks. It is also mandatory for the hirer of each vessel to organise and provide bottles of drinking water (at least one small bottle per person).
DO WE NEED TO BRING CUPS?
You can bring your own cups or simply let us know in an email and we can provide plastic cups for you.
DO WE NEED TO BRING ICE?
We will have 20kg of ice to keep your food and drinks cool for the day already in the eskys. If you think you may need more feel free to bring your own ice as well.
CAN WE STOP TO PICK UP LATE GUESTS OR DROP OFF THE PHOTOGRAPHER / ENTERTAINER?
Yes, we are very flexible and will pick up and drop off anyone you need as long as it stays in the allowed passenger numbers for our vessel this includes entertainment.
If you need to pickup entertainment during your cruise - that's fine, we do this all the time just make sure you send us an email so we can recommend the best pickup location for your entertainment prior to the day of the charter to ensure a smooth running day/night.
For your next cruise on the Swan River or Rottnest Island, call us on 0409 886 431 or email us now.
Call us 7 Days a week for a quote!
