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Carnac Island Perth: Boating at its best

Carnac Island Perth

Nothing breathes Australian lifestyle like heading out for a cruisy day on the water, and playing in the calm, crystal clear bays of a boatie’s paradise. Carnac Island Perth is only 10kms off Fremantle WA; but feels worlds away. It’s the perfect location for an Island day trip or private charter. Less busy than nearby Rottnest Island, quite often visitors find they have the Island to themselves.

The historic limestone Island is a largely untouched nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife. The only way to get to the island is by boat. And what a beautiful spot to moor for the day, or even overnight if conditions permit.

Due to the large deadly tiger snake colony on the Island, it’s recommended to enjoy the waters and the beach; but not to venture further onto the Island.

The world’s rarest Sea Lion species, the Australian Sea Lion residents, enjoy snoozing lazily on the beach basking in the sun. The Sea Lions love frolicking alongside you in the water as well as bottlenose dolphins and gorgeous New Zealand Fur Seals.

Explore the sheltered areas around the Island to find your perfect spot, and get ready to fire up the barbie. The Island’s eastern side is usually the most spacious and protected area depending on the weather. You’ll fall in love with the clear calm water, rocky outcrops and reefs that make for excellent diving, snorkelling, fishing and exploring.

According to local fishos the western side of the island fishes well for Pink Snapper, Samson Fish, and Trevally. Further West you can find Dhufish and Pink Snapper. If you’re playing on the Eastern side you’re likely to pull up Herring, Tailor and Whiting. Remember to be careful of the seals and sea lions that might have their eye on your catch.

We think Carnac Island is best enjoyed for swimming, snorkelling, diving and relaxing on board your vessel, leaving the wildlife alone; but enjoying their company, and soaking up the picture perfect surrounds of a very special place.

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Carnac Island Snorkelling: What might you see?

Carnac Island Snorkelling

Carnac island is a must do WA day trip for those who appreciate crystal clear turquoise waters and majestic and rare wildlife. The protected bays, reefs and rocky outcrops make Carnac Island Snorkelling among the best WA has to offer. And it’s only 10kms offshore from Fremantle.

As a Class A nature reserve, the Island is untouched by resorts and infrastructure, and will stay that way. There are no ferries to the island, so Carnac is visited mainly by private boat and charters. As a result, it’s not as busy as neighbouring Rottnest Island, so you can quite often find your own perfect spot to explore, and have a private paradise all to yourself.

It is advised not to venture much further than the sand onto the Island due to a large colony of Tiger snakes, so you poor things are stuck swimming, snorkelling and frolicking in the crystal clear waters marvelling at the beautiful creatures that call Carnac Island home.

Ok, so you’ve got your flippers, goggles, snorkel and camera ready? Great, find the perfect charter and get set to dive in to Carnac’s special underwater worlds.

Carnac Island Snorkelling

What might you see?

The western side of the island is arguably the best dive spot with many sections of reef, ledges and outcrops that attract large schools of fish, rare Australian Sea Lions and seals.

Among many species of beautiful soft corals, you’re likely to spot western blue devil fish, octopus and crayfish.

Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight and love to playfully ride the waves from the bow of your vessel as you travel through the beautiful WA waters.

With different seasons come different wildlife events. During Spring, Humpback whales spend many weeks enjoying the waters around the Islands, and can often be seen breaching the water. You may even be lucky enough to hear their amazing song while exploring under the sea.

At the right time of year, keep your eyes peeled for Western Australia’s white humpback whale calf ‘Pearl,’ who was spotted very recently in Flinders bay. The rare baby white whale is not technically an albino like Migaloo; it’s believed she will become darker as she matures; but she is just as fascinating and beautiful.