Busselton Cruises
Get out on it!
Party Charters
Tours & Cruises
Family & Friends
Snorkeling & Boom Netting
Sunset Cruises
Fishing Charters
About
Epic Marine Charters
The EQUADOR is Busselton’s premier Charter Boat, offering Party Charter Bookings and Tour Cruises, on one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises, operates as a family owned and managed company which gives clients more flexibility, variety, and a personal service.
Party Charter Bookings
Got something to celebrate?
Providing a unique celebration location, our vessel EQUADOR can accommodate party charters of up to 30 guests while you relax along the shores of the iconic Geographe Bay with a backdrop money can’t buy.
Party Charter Bookings can be made for: Hens, Bucks, Birthdays, Corporate, Christmas, End of Year or Scattering of Ashes, Adventure Day on the Bay, Foreshore Event Nights and Fireworks Nights. Whatever the reason, celebrate with a difference.
Tours and Cruises
We offer a range of options, so you are sure to find a way to enjoy the Bay!
- Jetty Sightseeing Cruises
- Sunset Cruises
- Jetty Sightseeing and Snorkelling Cruises
- Canal Christmas Lights Cruises
- Family and Friends – Day on the Bay (1/2 or full days)
- Foreshore Event Group Bookings
Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises, strive to ensure that every cruise with us is a memorable one, that you and your friends will be talking about for years to come.
BYO drinks and cook up a BBQ on the boat or make it easy and order catering through an array of our local Southwest companies. We have ample esky room on board to keep all your drinks icy cold.
Our epic 46ft charter boat, the EQUADOR, has a large rear deck, providing room for your guests to mingle and enjoy the ultimate view of the bay, refrigerator, freezer, large esky, toilet/powder room, fresh hot water shower, outdoor kitchen, deck sound system with blue tooth, tender and water floats.
All safety gear is on board to AMSA specifications.
TOURS AND CRUISES
Busselton Jetty Sightseeing Cruise
Start your journey boarding from the heritage Listed Busselton Jetty. Once on board, sit back, relax while we cruise around the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere so you can take in its magnificence. Standing at 1,841m in length, the Busselton Jetty is one of the most popular and highly recognizable tourist attractions in Western Australia.
The Busselton Jetty Sightseeing Cruise is the best opportunity to view the enormity of the jetty while spending some time getting out on our beautiful calm Geographe Bay waters.
Pick up and drop off is via the passenger platform on the Busselton Jetty, approximately 100m down on the right, past the gift shops (3 little blue buildings).
Busselton Jetty Sunset Cruise
The sunsets over Geographe Bay are magnificent, so book with us now to – get out on it!
BYO your beverages of choice, jump onboard, then sit back and relax while we cruise the bay, taking in the iconic Busselton Jetty before watching the glow of the sun, setting on the horizon.
Pick up and drop off is from the Busselton Jetty passenger access platform. Boarding times vary depending on sunset times.
Why not make an evening of it and enjoy a meal or drinks after the cruise at one of our local restaurants or pubs. Click here for a list of our local restaurants and bars.
If you would prefer a private group booking boat price (up to 30 guests), please contact us directly.
For last minute bookings that are 48 hours prior, please contact us directly on: 0434 853 742.
We reserve the right to alter or cancel specific tours without notice due to weather, sea conditions, minimum numbers, or other factors. Please refer to our policies, terms and conditions and waiver forms for individuals/families and groups.
Busselton Jetty and Underwater Sea Sculptures Snorkelling Cruise
Jump on board our vessel “Equador” for our Busselton Jetty Cruise and Snorkelling cruise.
Busselton is famous for its crystal-clear calm waters and heritage listed longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise up and around our historic Busselton Jetty, experiencing the wonderful Geographe Bay before having the opportunity to snorkel on the end of the Jetty and explore what awaits below. Or if you prefer, sit back and relax on deck and enjoy your time on the water.
Here you will see the iconic Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculptures and an array of sea life that have now taken up residence on this underwater reef.
The 13 sculptures designed by local artists, have been placed under the sea at the end of the Busselton Jetty. The artworks range from bronze mermaids to a 10 m long steel whales and now form an artificial reef for marine life. See link below for more information.
NOTE: Swimming skills are essential if you plan to enter the water for snorkeling.
For last minute bookings that are 48 hours prior, please contact us directly on: 0434 853 742.
Click here for more information about the underwater sculptures.
If you would prefer a private group booking, please refer to our Private Boat Charter Bookings.
We reserve the right to alter or cancel specific tours without notice due to weather, sea conditions, minimum numbers or other factors. We always recommend that you travel with flexibility in your itinerary and with travel insurance – please contact your local travel agent for details on the best travel insurance for your travel needs. Please refer to our policies, terms and conditions and waiver forms for individuals/families and groups.
Boom Netting – COMING SOON!
Experience the thrill of boom netting as we cruise the bay.
Hold on as you skim through the water on our boom net.
COMING SOON!
Fishing Charters – COMING SOON!
Group bookings of 12 for fishing charters.
Single or small bookings when available.
Due to regulation changes with fishing, we will be working towards providing an enjoyable charter fishing experience within these new guidelines.
COMING SOON!
Canal Christmas Lights Cruises
Busselton Adults Only Canal Christmas Lights Cruise
Christmas is coming so get into the spirit and book our Marina Christmas Lights Cruise. This cruise takes you on a relaxing tour through the Port Geographe canals where you will enjoy the Christmas Light display put on by the residents. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the tour, kid free.
BYO drinks (limited to a small cooler bag ~ no stemmed wine glasses or eskies)
Vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or walking frames.
TIMES: 8.30pm
DEPARTS: Pick up and drop off is from the Port Geographe Marina passenger terminal located behind The Deck Restaurant.
Feel free to enjoy a meal or drinks prior of after at The Deck Restaurant – located at the Marina, however bookings are recommended.
Busselton Jetty Sunset and Canal Christmas Lights Cruise
Our Busselton Jetty Sunset and Canal Christmas Lights Cruise operates through the month of December. Jump on board and cruise the bay and iconic Busselton Jetty before we drop anchor and enjoy relaxing on the water as the sun begins to set. As we head off, you will have an amazing view of the remaining glimpses of the sunset behind the iconic Busselton jetty before entering the Port Geographe Marina Canals to view the Christmas Lights on display.
BYO drinks (limited to a small cooler bag ~ no stemmed wine glasses or eskies)
Vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or walking frames.
TIME: 6.15pm
DEPARTS: Boarding is from the Busselton Jetty east passenger platform and ending at the passenger platform behind The Deck Restaurant at Port Geographe Marina with shuttle transfer back to the Busselton Jetty carpark area.
Feel free to enjoy a meal or drinks prior of after at The Deck Restaurant – located at the Marina, however bookings are recommended.
Busselton Families with Kids Canal Christmas Lights Cruise
Christmas is all about the kids. See their faces light up as we cruise through the canals choosing the best Christmas lights on display. This 1-hour tour caters for parents and children so they can get as loud and excited as they like.
Free lolly bag for kids.
BYO drinks (limited to a small cooler bag ~ no stemmed wine glasses or eskies)
Vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or walking frames.
TIMES: 7.15pm
DEPARTS: Pick up and drop off is from the Port Geographe Marina passenger terminal located behind The Deck Restaurant.
Feel free to enjoy a meal or drinks prior of after at The Deck Restaurant – located at the Marina, however bookings are recommended.
- Pricing Age Brackets
- Adults – 13 years and over
- Child – 3 to 12 years
- Child – 1 to 2 years
- Infant (under 12 months) FREE on all cruises but must be included in your booking for safety purposes.
Family and Friends
½ Day on the Bay Charter 4hr
Full Day on the Bay Charter 7hrs
Group Sunset Cruise 2hr
So, you’re here in Busselton with your family and friends, looking out at our beautiful bay of pristine blue water, wishing you had a boat or bought your boat.
Well, wish no more!
Starting at Port Geographe Marina, bring your drinks, ice, nibbles and BBQ food, while we set off along our magnificent shores.
You can choose to cruise towards Wonnerup Beach, stay local along the Busselton Jetty and foreshore or head down Meelup way. After finding the perfect location, we will anchor up, so you can sit back and enjoy life on the water.
There is no better way – to enjoy your day, on our bay, listening to great music, sipping your favourite drinks, and floating around one of the most beautiful places in the world!
With the freedom to enter the water to cool off and chill on our large shaded rear deck.
Get in contact with us and discuss a Day on the Bay or Sunset Cruise option for you and your crew.
BBQ Breaky on the Bay Cruise
There is no better way to start your day than a bbq breaky on the bay.
Jump on board to enjoy a BBQ breaky roll and juice, while enjoying a relaxing morning cruise around the Busselton Jetty waters.
Private Charters and Parties
The EQUADOR is Busselton’s premier party charter boat, cruising the shores of Geographe Bay to Dunsborough.
- Hens
- Bucks
- Birthdays
- Corporate
- Christmas
- End Of Year
- Adventure Day On The Bay
- Foreshore Event Nights
- Fireworks Nights
- Scattering Of Ashes
Whatever The Reason Celebrate With A Difference
Providing a unique celebration location, our vessel EQUADOR can accommodate party charters of up to 30 guests while you relax along the shores of the iconic Geographe Bay with a backdrop money can’t buy.
At 46ft with a rear shaded large deck, celebrate with your friends cruising the beautiful shores of Geographe Bay, then anchor up and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Our epic charter boat the EQUADOR has a large rear deck, providing room for your guests to mingle and enjoy the ultimate view of the bay, refrigerator, freezer, large esky, kitchen area, toilet/powder room, fresh hot water shower, outdoor kitchen, outdoor table and seating, on deck sound system with Bluetooth, tender and water floats.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT US AND OUR VESSEL - EQUADOR
Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises, is the premier party boat charter and tour sightseeing company operating on the iconic shores of Geographe Bay in Busselton. Our vessel, the EQUADOR, is a stable 46’ commercial charter boat, licensed to carry 30 guests and 2 crew during private charters and tours.
Purpose built to provide a great venue for guests and passengers to enjoy various ways to enjoy getting out on the water. The large shaded rear deck has comfortable seating, BBQ, enormous esky, table and chairs, built-in kitchen, toilet, shower, powder room, epic surround sound, and marlin board and water access ladder.
SMOKING
Smoking is only permitted at the rear of the vessel on private charters. No smoking is allowed in the cabin or on cruises and tours.
WHEN DO WE OPERATE?
We operate in the Geographe Bay Region from November to May for party charters and tours, weather dependent.
SWIMMING
Once the vessel stops its engines, is securely moored and the skipper has given the “all clear” to enter the water, you may do so from the rear of the boat. No jumping from the side gunnels, deck roof, flybridge area or bow is permitted.
No jumping from the moving vessel. No diving from the vessel in any location even after it has stopped and is securely moored. Any of these events can cause immediate cancellation of the charter with no refund. Entering and exiting the water is only permitted from the marlin board and ladder at the rear of the vessel.
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, marine life and wildlife.
WHERE CAN WE GO?
The Bay is your oyster. You can choose Busselton Foreshore, anywhere central or near the Jetty. Wonnerup Beach or Yallingup, Meelup, Dunsborough region.
Refer below to LOCATION AND DURATION section of FAQ.
SAFETY AND REGULATIONS
Our vessel undergoes required surveys to maintain compliance under the AMSA commercial regulations. We carry SOLAS approved safety gear, hold a valid permit to operate in the Ngari Capes Marine Park.
Risks
The risks of boating, water-based activities in all ocean waters & waters around the Busselton Jetty include but are not limited to:
- Sharks, Marine Life, Stingers, Wind, Currents, Waves, Rough Seas & Vessels.
- Sharp objects including corals, marine life & sculptures (Do not handle or try and swim inside of sculptures).
- Other Divers or Snorkellers wearing long tail shark shields that could give an electric shock if touched.
- Entering under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a depressed mental state.
- Dive, Snorkel, or other equipment failure.
- Undiagnosed medical conditions.
- Swimming too deep.
- Holding of breath for an extended period.
- Venturing away from visual view of vessel & crew.
- Sunburn due to lack of appropriate protection.
- Incompetent or weak swimming skills.
- Slipping on wet surfaces.
OUR PRICES
Our prices for individually booked charters are an hourly boat price, dependent on current seasonal running costs. We generally keep our prices consistent during the season, and once you have booked your charter, the price will be fixed, unless there are any changes to length or location etc.
Currently for 30 passengers our hourly boat price is around $19/hr/passenger.
Private Day on the Bay and Party Charters require a minimum 3 hrs booking.
Our prices for tours and cruises are individually ticketed. We offer larger groups and family of 4 discounts. Prices can be found under Bookings for your selected tour or cruise.
WHAT'S ONBOARD
The EQUADOR has a flushing toilet and bathroom. Marine grade toilet paper is provided. Nothing else is to be flushed down the toilet or it can be blocked up. Sanitary bin is supplied within the toilet/powder room. There is also a hand sink with soap and a hand towel. Should guests require a shower, we have a hot freshwater shower.
An outdoor kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils – tongs, cutting knife, chopping board and cooking oil spray and platters. Please bring disposable plates, paper towels and cups should they be required.
The EQUADOR has an epic Bluetooth sound system to pump out those tunes. Our rear deck has a large undercover shaded deck area for those who like to avoid the sun.
We have seating and standing areas on the deck.
Weatherproof clears.
Deck lighting.
Large 200ltr esky.
All safety gear, life jackets and first aid kit are on board.
Paddle boards and water floats are also available.
LOCATION AND DURATION
Most people want to experience being on the water, relaxing with friends and family, listening to good music, and enjoying tasty food. This is best done when the anchor is dropped, and the motors are off.
To get the most out of your booking and have more time relaxing, you need to consider the drive time required for your chosen location so you can determine the duration you need to book.
Geographe Bay is great wherever you choose to anchor up, so don’t feel like you need to go miles to have the best time.
Below are the average drive times required when choosing a location and duration, which will give you an idea of how long you will have remaining onboard, to relax with the motors off.
- Busselton Foreshore – approx. an hour in total of driving
- Wonnerup Beach- approx. an hour in total of driving
- Yallingup, Meelup, Dunsborough way – approx. 2.5 – 3 hrs of drive time
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER
In the event of bad weather some trips will need to be canceled and information will be provided to booked passengers. If cancellation is due to bad weather, an opportunity will be provided to find another suitable date.
If a suitable date cannot be found, a full refund will be provided. Bad weather will be determined by the sole discretion of the Master of Vessel of Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises. No correspondence will be entered into.
HOW LONG CAN I BOOK THE BOAT FOR?
Minimum booking is 3 hours.
BEVERAGES, ICE AND WATER
Some key notes regarding alcohol, alcoholic consumption, and behaviour:
- Epic Marine Charters | Busselton Cruises subscribes to responsible drinking and if a passenger attempts to board the boat and the skipper deems them already intoxicated, they will be refused entry.
- Being on a boat is not a license to get outrageously drunk. As with licensed venues (like pubs and hotels), intoxicated passengers will not be tolerated and may cause a charter to be terminated without refund.
- Beer is permitted in cans, with the Australian Guidelines to standard recommended consumption accepted. Standard premixed drinks are allowed.
- No bottles of clear spirits will be allowed on board (ie tequila, vodka, gin, whisky etc.) and definitely no shooters.
- Drinking water is required on all boat charters (at least one 600ml bottle per person for every 2 hours).
- A large esky is provided, so you don’t need to bring any esky’s with you. However, you will need to bring your own bags of ice to keep your drinks cool.
- We recommend 1.5 bags of ice per carton of drinks.
BOARDING AND DISEMBARKING
Passengers can begin boarding the vessel on the booked charter start time. Passengers will complete disembarkation by the booked charter end time.
If guests wish to extend the duration of the booked charter, while on charter, speak to the crew to discuss if there is availability to do so.
Additional hourly or ½ hourly boat price charges will apply. Approved extensions are dependent on the passengers and their demeanor.
RUBBISH
Treat our boats like you’d treat your own house. Keep it clean!
Rubbish bins and bin liners are provided. Please use them! Boat crew will dispose of empty containers at the end of the cruise, but if you leave a mess on the boat, you will be charged for the clean up afterwards.
HOW TO BOOK
Contact Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises via:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0434 853 742
Once received, we will contact you with a confirmation and further information about your charter and forward through an invoice for payment. We can hold a tentative date for 24 hours.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises is a BYO floating venue. Guests can bring their own drinks, ice and food to cook onboard our BBQ. We have platters onboard, however guests may prefer to bring their own. Guests can pre order catering through local South West Companies.
CANCELLATION & BOOKING POLICY
For Tours and Cruises
In all instances up to 48 hours prior to cruise/tour, cancelling or re-scheduling passengers are to work with Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises management in a pro-active way to arrange another charter date and time prior to refunding of any monies.
There are no refunds on Christmas Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sightseeing or Snorkelling Tours for cancellation or no show by passenger.
Minimum Ticket Sales or Bad Weather or Unforeseen Circumstances
In all instances up to 48 hours prior to a cruise or tour, being cancelled or re-scheduled, passengers are to work with Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises management, in a pro-active way to arrange another tour date and time, prior to the refunding of any monies. Or a voucher will be issued for the amount that can be used towards one of our other cruises/tours with a validity of one year.
A particular tour may be cancelled at the operator’s discretion, due to lack of ticket sales, unforeseen weather or unforeseen circumstances.
For Private Charters & Party Charters
Cancellations will be refunded for tours/cruises up to:
- 7-13 days: Refund of 50% minus booking fees
- 3-6 days: Refund of 25% minus booking fees
- 2 or less days: No refund
- No Show: No refund
Cancelations or re-scheduling within 48 hours, failure to attend will be charged full price of charter.
Any monies refunded will exclude any booking fees paid by Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises for online bookings or from booking agents.
Remaining balance or full payment must be deposited 14 days prior to cruise/tour and is non-transferable nor refundable beyond that date. Where full payment has not been received within 14 days prior, the date reserved will be made available to others and the deposit forfeited.
Rescheduling is at our discretion where availability allows.
ALTERNATIVE GUEST PICK UP LOCATIONS
As long as the pickup of the guest or entertainer is within the maximum 30 guest capacity, we are flexible to pick up and drop off guests or entertainers with our tender from the shore or local jetty.
Please advise prior to the day so we can discuss the location.
PAYMENT TERMS
For Private Charters & Party Charters
Payments can be made either by online booking service, third parties or direct debit as agreed for private charters and on occasion for general cruises to Epic Marine Charters – Busselton Cruises nominated bank account.
$500 deposit holding date fee is to be paid within 5 business days of booking.
Remaining balance must be deposited 14 days prior to the charter. Where full payment has not been received within 14 days prior, the date reserved will be made available to others and the deposit forfeited.
For Tours and Cruises
Full payment is required at the time of booking for each passenger to guarantee cruise/tour booking. Booking fees do apply.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS POLICY
Clients must notify us of any medical conditions.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
Under the regulations of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority our vessel, the EQUADOR, is licensed to carry a maximum of 30 guests plus 2 crew (32 total). This includes any entertainers or private waiters/chefs within the 30 guests.
SEA SICKNESS
Even though our vessel is extremely stable, if you or any of your guests are worried about getting sea-sick, it’s a good idea to take a preventative – Avil, Travel Calm or Kwells are available at Chemists. Take one the night before and ensure you take a table at least 1 hour to boarding the vessel. Once you are on board, it’s too late to take a preventative as motion sickness is predominantly caused by the middle ear, some people use an earplug in one side to help with this.
TESTIMONIALS
“Fantastic atmosphere on the water. Nothing was too much trouble. Thanks, heaps, for a lovely afternoon.”
Mandy Newman-Warren
“Thank you, Epic Marine Charters, for the weekend, highly recommend to everyone 10/10 service!”
Bec Hodge
“Attended a Hen’s Party on the weekend. The two staff that took us out on the ocean were professional and fun.
A fabulous time was had by all, and the ocean ride was simply fabulous. Would thoroughly recommend.”
Julie Sheahan
“Was an awesome experience on the water, amongst close friends and hosts were extremely accommodating to myself who is petrified of the ocean.
Was so relaxing and welcoming.”
Erin Grubb