Guests must possess a reasonable level of mobility to board and disembark our vessel. Due to tidal effects on the port’s gangways and the vessel’s design, we are unable to accommodate individuals who require mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters. Those needing physical or mental support must be accompanied by a capable companion. Guests are permitted to bring collapsible walkers or walking sticks as necessary.
Yes, Gift Vouchers can be purchased here. Vouchers are valid for three years and can be used on a variety of Darwin Harbour Cruises products.
The Charles Darwin contains a licensed bar and kitchen, therefore BYO alcohol and food are not permitted on our scheduled cruises. We accept, Visa or MasterCard (Amex is unavailable).
Charles Darwin – Offers a buffet or grazing platter option. BYO food and alcohol are not permitted.
The Charles Darwin Dinner cruise is a buffet. We can cater to all dietary requirements or allergies if we are advised at the time of booking/prior to your cruise.
While we do endeavour to accommodate the best for our buffet, we cannot guarantee completely allergen free dishes. This is due to potential trace allergens and cross contamination in the working environment and suppliers and we accept no liability. If you have a serious food allergy, please make your own decision when selecting your dishes to eat. Our crew are on hand to help you make an informed decision on which dish is best for your allergy.
The duration of both the Sunset and Dinner cruise is 2 hours. We start boarding at 5.30pm to depart promptly at 6pm. We dock at 8.30pm for guests to disembark.
Parking on Stokes Hill Wharf is maximum of 3 hours. Given our boarding and embarking times we do not recommend guests park on the wharf, as fines are given if the 3 hours is exhausted. Our recommendation is to park over by the Darwin Convention Centre and walk the 400m across to Dock 3 for boarding.
Our cruises depart from Dock 3, located at the very end of Stokes Hill Wharf, City Side. Our crew members will meet guests under the large white umbrellas and will commence boarding 30 minutes prior to the cruise departure time.
The Charles Darwin stays within Darwin harbour, generally we will leave Stokes Hill Wharf, travel along the Esplanade cruising along at 4 knots past the Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay and Fannie Bay. Darwin Harbour Cruise’s experienced skippers reserve the right to change the route subject to tidal conditions, guest’s safety and comfort. Tidal conditions determine how close to the coast we can operate.
Darwin Harbour Cruises has an experienced team member aboard who provides knowledgeable commentary of Darwin History, Cyclone Tracy and the bombing of Darwin. In the past we have seen crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, however we do not guarantee you will see wildlife on your cruise.
You will experience a Sunset on Darwin Harbour followed by Darwin’s skyline lit up at night.
We would recommend bringing:
The top end weather is beautiful year round, regardless if it rains! The temperature drops to 25 degrees on the harbour, so if you are prone to the cold, please bring a light cardigan. The Charles Darwin contains two air-conditioned levels, which are a great option in the hotter months.
No, if you are prone to sea sickness we recommend that you try a herbal ginger tablet prior to boarding the cruise.
Darwin Harbour waters are generally calm, however we can encounter some rough conditions.
Charles Darwin – Yes, the Captain Deck toilets are located down a small flight of stairs form our main deck. The Bridge Deck also has toilet facilities.
Our bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible, we do recommend on using the wharf bathrooms before boarding.
Small strollers are permitted on the Charles Darwin, please advise our reservation team at time of booking. Children 3 & under travel free of charge.
No, there is no smoking permitted on the Charles Darwin, this includes e-cigarettes.
No, unfortunately high chairs are not available on board as the movement of the boat can be unpredictable.
Please check in at our office located next to Dock 2 on Stokes Hill Wharf. Boarding and disembarking will take place at Dock 2 (next to Dock 3). We’ll remind you of this during check-in. Thank you!