cruise

Your Taste of the Bays

a delicious, dreamy day
IN THE SOUTH WEST

Just imagine. You are in the lush Margaret River region of Australia’s South West. A place filled with breathtaking scenery and the most exquisite-tasting gems from nature’s pantry.

You are on a pleasure boat, cruising on calm, turquoise water. Sipping a cocktail. Bubbles and fine Margaret River wines. Chilled local beers. Your own private chef and crew.

You are dining on fresh seafood and produce, locally grown. Gourmet cuisine, served in a unique degustation feast with friends.

Imagine floating, or taking a dip in a secluded bay. The simple serenity of relaxing on a deck, surrounded by the most magical views. Then a colourful sunset finale.

It sounds so special – because it is. Welcome on board the South West’s new Taste of the Bays Cruise.

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Incredible day of free-flowing drinks, great food and wonderful staff. Worth every cent paid. Would recommend to everyone! Everything about the experience was perfect.

CHRISTIE O’BRIEN, GOOGLE REVIEW
(review of our cruise in Broome)

A  Unique Taste  of  WA

The South West on a plate. Cruise with us to be served a very special taste of this iconic region’s very best. All in a way that is totally relaxed. Just like a private dinner party.

This is a luxurious experience which is great value for money – easily the best thing we’ve done on our trip.

DAVID WOODS, GOOGLE REVIEW
(review of our cruise at Rottnest Island)

Cruise Menu

VIEW 7-COURSE DEGUSTATION
MENU & BEVERAGES

VIEW MENU

cruise itinerary

Arrive via a complimentary (optional) coach transfer from one of several local towns, to the tour departure point at Quindalup, located between Dunsborough and Busselton. The 3.5 to 4-hour voyage then begins with a short transfer on a tender boat to our main 60-ft cruise boat, Reel Affair II.

Enjoy a welcome gin cocktail as you step on board, followed by the first of 7 lovingly prepared courses. Breathe in fresh South West air and absorb the region’s most idyllic scenery, as you relax on the upper sun lounge deck or lower main deck.

We slowly cruise the coastline of Geographe Bay to see well-known beaches, bays and landmarks. Deluxe degustation courses are served along the way, as we take in views of Old Dunsborough, Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Meelup Beach, Point Picquet, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay.*

Map - Taste of the Bays Cruise
* Cruise route may vary subject to weather conditions.
Map - Taste of the Bays Cruise
* Cruise route may vary subject to weather conditions.

Created by a private chef on deck, the menu features Albany Rock Oysters, South West Blue Manna Crab, line-caught local fish (such as Dhufish), West Australian Sea Scallops, Manjimup Marron, Southern Forests Black Truffle, Yallingup cheeses and woodfired breads, Cowaramup olives, Margaret River nougat and chocolate, and more. View our full Menu here.

Each course is carefully matched with Margaret River wines, selected personally by the winemaker at Howard Park Wines. Your choice of premium beverages are served throughout the cruise, including still and sparkling wines, locally-brewed boutique beers and cider, plus imported beers, non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.

While nestled in a tranquil bay, you can choose to dip your toes in, swim, snorkel or relax on float mats. Or simply enjoy the picture-perfect view on deck.

Anchored close to shore, we transition to seated, white-tablecloth dining for main courses. To finish, Mother Nature presents you with a magical South West sunset, observed from this exclusive setting on the water.

the menu
LOCATION

cruise cost  &  Inclusions

View the full tour inclusions below – tempt yourself. We look forward to hosting you!

half-day package

cruise + coach transfers

all-inclusive

$299 ADULT
$279 SENIORS

~

DURATION

3.5 to 4 hours (approx) on the water, plus coach transfers

Cruise departs from Dunsborough. Package includes return courtesy coach transfers from/to local accommodation points.

inclusions & full details below

•advance bookings essential•

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Everything Included

  • Return coach transport from major Dunsborough, Yallingup and Busselton accommodation locations. See booking page for pickup points.
  • Coastal cruising on calm water aboard our purpose-built premium charter boat, Reel Affair II. Vessel features a large open lower deck and upper viewing sun deck with 2 seating areas.
  • A progressive, floating dining experience visiting iconic bays of the South West region, with courses served at locations along the route.
  • Small group experience, with a maximum of 22 guests on a boat built for 37 passengers. 
  • Welcome gin cocktail, followed by complimentary beverages throughout the cruise, including premium still and sparkling Howard Park Margaret River wines, local craft beers and cider from Margaret River’s Colonial Brewing Co, plus imported beers, non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
  • Private chef on deck, with live action of a fresh seafood barbecue / open kitchen.
  • A 7-course gourmet degustation, full of flavours reflecting the best of the South West region. The menu features an array of seafood delicacies and fresh, local produce and ingredients.
  • Combination of relaxed, cocktail-style dining and seated, longtable dining with white linen tablecloths.
  • Option to swim off the boat in the late afternoon, with snorkelling gear and float mats available.
  • Opportunity to relax on board and enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery from prime, rare vantage points on the water.
  • Prime position to watch the sun set over Cape Naturaliste, with views of stunning cliff formations and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
  • Chance to spot dolphins at play or seals from the local seal colony.
  • Full service and expert commentary from South West Cruises’ ultra-friendly and experienced crew. 
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The Finer Details

CRUISE OPERATES FROM JANUARY TO APRIL

  • Tours run 5 days per week (Wednesday to Sunday)
  • $299 Adult | $279 Seniors

Advance bookings are essential. Please check online for our cruise schedule and availability – click here.

The tour includes (optional) complimentary return coach transfers from major accommodation locations in Dunsborough, Yallingup and Busselton. See our booking page for pickup points and further details.

We welcome group and corporate bookings, so if you have a group and wish to book outside our standard availability dates, please contact us directly.

This tour is not recommended for children under 12 years. Children under 5 years are not permitted.

Optional return coach transfers are included in your booking, commencing mid-afternoon (approx 1 to 1.5 hours prior to the cruise start time, depending on the number of stops on the day).

We pick up from major Dunsborough, Yallingup and Busselton accommodation locations. Please see our booking page for a list of pickup points and select your most convenient location when booking. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed with you 24 hours prior to your cruise.

Please wait outside your hotel/accommodation 10 minutes prior to your advised pickup time.

Following the boat cruise component of the tour (after sunset), a return coach transfer back to your accommodation is provided.

Location:
Cruises depart from the Quindalup Boat Ramp, located between Dunsborough and Busselton. For directions, click here.

Time:
Mid-afternoon (time confirmed on booking page, in line with sunset)

Cruise:
Runs from mid-afternoon to early evening, concluding just after sunset – approximately 3.5 to 4 hours duration, excluding coach transfers

If you are not travelling with us by coach, please make your own way to Quindalup Boat Ramp ready to board at the time we advise. Please arrive early (30 minutes before your departure time), as the boat leaves promptly.

Recommended dress is smart casual and flat footwear. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing with a warm top, in case it gets cool on the water. Camera, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses suggested.

If you would like to swim off the boat, please wear bathers and bring a towel – a swimming waiver will need to be signed on the day.

Dunsborough waters are very calm, however, if you suffer from motion sickness (or are not sure), please take medication prior to arriving.

With advance notice, we can cater for gluten-free, dairy-free and non-seafood diets – please advise us of special dietary requirements in the notes section of your booking, to ensure you receive our Alternative Menu. At least 72 hours’ notice is required for any special requirements. Notification of food intolerances on the day is unlikely to be able to be accommodated, as logistics are planned well in advance.

Please be aware, as we are a boat with limited cooking facilities, we cannot vary the menu a great deal. If you do have particular dietary requirements, please call us on +61 8 9586 1136 so we can consult with our chef.

We cannot take bookings from guests with anaphylactic allergies, as given our small cooking environment onboard, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

This tour requires all guests (under supervision from crew) to step from the beach or very shallow water onto a tender boat (about 30cm), and then from the tender onto the main boat, and so you must be mobile enough to do this. If you have any people in your group with special mobility requirements, please contact our booking office on +61 8 9586 1136 to discuss if this tour is suitable, before booking.

Photo  Gallery

see snaps of our deluxe
dining experience on the water

VIEW gallery

From our Rottnest  Guests

You have to try it!

… flat out best seafood meal I’ve eaten ever, bar none! Try buying a meal in any local restaurant for the same price as this tour. Sensational day out and that’s from someone who’s done some pretty incredible days on this island. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
Carmen Braidwood
Radio & TV Presenter

the very best view I’ve EVER had from a dining table!

The adventure tour is a must for foodies, as well as being able to see Rottnest from a different perspective, I loved the ocean to plate experience.  I had a pinch-myself moment when I was munching on the juicy lobster, gazing over the clear turquoise ocean to the white dunes of Rotto.
Amanda Carlin
Food Blogger, Simply PERTHfect

It’s a great experience any food lover would adore.

I found the whole experience imbued with generosity and respect for the raw produce. And the wines were excellent. Put it all together on a boat moored off Rottnest and you’ve got one helluva package.
John Lethlean
Restaurant Critic & Food Writer, The Australian
0/5 (0 Reviews)