Our Boats
Rockingham Wild Encounters operates 4 custom built vessels designed to provide customers with the best and safest wildlife experiences possible. All vessels are built and operated as required under the Western Australia Marine Act and Regulations which are enforced by The Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
Apollo3- Our Dolphin Swim Boat
Launched in August 2008 ‘Apollo3’ is the newest addition to the fleet and is the result of 20 years of dolphin swimming experience. It is the sixth vessel that Terry has built for the tour and he reckons that he has finally got it right! At 15.5 metres in length and 4.8 metres in beam it comfortably accommodates a maximum of 42 passengers and 7 crew and cruises at 18 knots.
‘Apollo3’ features a huge rear swimming platform with ladders running across the full width of the transom making access to the water nice and easy. A rear helm station on the fly bridge provides additional passenger safety- it allows our skippers to manoeuvre the vessel in reverse to stay right next to the action. A continuous stream of salt water heated by the vessels engine to keep our intrepid swimmers nice and warm before and after entering the water is a nice touch that our guests are particularly fond of. There is also plenty of hot fresh water for teas and coffees. The vessel has 2 unisex toilets and plenty of under seat storage for comfortably stowing hand luggage.
100% Wild
100% Wild is our brand new Dolphin Watch boat. It's a
12.5 metre rigid hull inflatable boat (known amongst boaties as
a RHIB). RHIB's are high performance boats used by organizations
such as the Navy, SAS, Water Police, Sea Rescue and Surf Life
Saving because they are designed for speed, safety, comfort and
to go where other boats can't.
100% Wild was designed especially for eco- tourism. It provides a
superior experience to a conventional boat because you're closer to
the water and there are no barriers separating you from the
environment. In other words, it was made for getting you amongst the
action, so beware - this is not another tame river cruise where the
action is happening on the other side of the window! Covered open
air, theatre style seating puts you right in the adventure- seeing
the wildlife close up, feeling every thrill and experiencing some of
the best coastal scenery in Western Australia!
To experience a ride on the ultimate eco- adventure boat look for
our tours with the '100% Wild' stamp.
Penguin Express- Ferry service to Penguin Island
Launched Dec 2007 you can’t mistake the ‘Penguin Express’- just look for the two giant penguins on the sides! The vessel represents a major improvement on the old ferry ‘MV Penguin Island’ which when retired last year was believed to be the oldest running ferry in Western Australia.
The ‘Penguin Express’ comfortably carries 75 passengers and 2 crew. It features sliding glass windows all round so guests can stay warm and comfortable regardless of the weather. The whisper quiet 4 stroke 50 hp engines get you to the island in approximately 6 minutes, so with departures leaving hourly from 9am- 3pm daily getting to Penguin Island is easy and more enjoyable than ever!
Queenbeyan- The Glass Bottom Boat
The Queenbeyan was refurbished and relaunched in September 2006. It is the ideal vessel for exploring the ruggedly beautiful environment of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The glass bottom of the boat allows guests a ‘fishes view’ of the sea grass meadows and limestone reefs while the vessels shallow draft and 360 degree topside viewing is perfect for getting up close to the islands for a fantastic view of the sea lion colony and pelican rookery.
The vessel can seat 49 passengers and 3 crew comfortably and also makes an ideal party boat for special events.
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