Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve or book a cruise?
Please email us at bookings@diversitycharters.com.au, or phone on 08 6102 2758. We will email you a booking form and invoice to confirm your reservation. Please note your cabin is not confirmed until both the form and non-refundable deposit of 20% is received. When you are completing your booking form you are acknowledging you have read and understood our terms and conditions which are listed on our website. If you purchase a cruise within 90 days of the departure date then your full amount is due within 7 days of booking.
WHEN IS FINAL PAYMENT DUE?
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. You will receive an email reminder when due.
WHAT INSURANCE DO YOU RECCOMMEND?
While we do not recommend any one travel insurance company, we do recommend taking out travel insurance at the same time when you book your cruise and make sure the travel insurance start date is the date your travel journey starts.
What Visitors passes are needed in the kimberley region?
All guests who cruise in the Kimberley are required to pay a fee to access native title areas and/or individual sites along the Kimberley coast. The fee not only allows access onto country but will enable the Indigenous people of the area to manage their land and sea country for future generations. We respect and support traditional owners and their right to charge to access country and believe it will enrich existing tourism experiences along the Kimberley coast.
The Visitor Passes vary depending on cruise types and the locations on the itinerary. All visitor pass charges will be included in the guest invoice at time of booking.
- Guests cruising on the 6, 9 or 14 Day cruise require a Dambi Visitor Pass
- Guests cruising on the 9 or 14 day cruise will also require a Uunguu Visitor Pass
For more information on the Uunguu Visitor pass visit https://www.wunambalgaambera.org.au/tour-operators-register.htm For more information on the Dambi Visitor Pass please visit: https://www.dambimangari.com.au/product/commercial-tour-operators/
The visitor passes are charged in line with the fee schedule at the time of cruising.
View our packing guides
What are the cruise departure and return times?
We recommend arriving a day before departure and a day after arrival to allow for any changes to the itinerary. Our departure and arrivals times are only estimates and can change depending on the conditions of the day.
Depending on your cruise we aim to depart Broome/Wyndham in the afternoon, however if you’re on a Hunter River to Broome cruise, this will be an early start and pick up from your accommodation.
What types of luggage can I bring aboard?
We kindly ask you use soft bags as luggage when cruising with Diversity so they can be stored easily in your cabins. It is recommended you pack lightly, where a scenic plane transfer is part of a cruising package, then weight restrictions of 10kg apply. This will be confirmed upon your final payment of your booking.
What toiletries do I need to bring?
We provide shampoo, conditioner, liquid body soap in fixed dispensers in all of the bathrooms and en-suites. Insect repellent and SPF30+ is supplied on deck and in the excursion tenders.
Do I need to supply my own towels?
No. We will provide you with a bath and hand towel plus a beach towel will be available at each water excursion.
What type of power and voltage is available aboard?
Each cabin is fitted with a 240v, 50Hz, Australian socket, double power point. All standard Australian electronics are compatible.
What can I do with my valuables during the cruise?
We do not recommend you bring valuables aboard however if you wish to lock something away, please see your Skipper.
How do I contact other people whilst I am on the cruise?
We have WIFI available onboard during our Kimberley cruises, however service is limited at the remote Rowley Shoals. We also have a satellite phone onboard for emergencies.
What are the smoking restrictions onboard?
Smoking is permitted on the mid decks only. No smoking anywhere inside the vessel. Disposal of ash and butts must be in the butt buckets supplied. We ask that all smokers be considerate of their fellow passengers and crew.
Can I bring my drone on board?
Unfortunately we do not allow for clients to bring their Drones on-board. They can disrupt local Birdlife, be noisy and bothersome to other guests, and permits are needed to fly them in the Kimberley.
What should I do about motion sickness?
Whilst must of your trip will be in protected waters, we can encounter rough seas during open water passages. If you have a history of motion sickness or have not cruised before, we recommend you talk to your doctor (or pharmacist) and obtain medication.
Most sea-sickness medications are preventative and work best when taken before departure, they can be ineffective once already seasick. We do carry a small emergency supply onboard.
What happens if I fall sick during the cruise?
Our guest’s safety, health and well-being is paramount. We recommend you take out comprehensive Travel Cover including emergency evacuation from the region. The Kimberley is remote, the boat will only be accessible by helicopter and sea plane if advanced medical assistance is required. We carry a full first aid kit onboard which we use under the guidance of the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. Our crew have Senior First Aid qualifications.
What type of medication should I bring?
Please ensure you remember to pack sufficient personal and prescription medications required for the entire length of the cruise. Please speak to our staff at boarding if you require any assistance with refrigerated medication storage.
For guests with severe allergies please be sure to bring your epipen onboard and on excursions.
How fit do I need to be to cruise the Kimberley?
We are an active expedition company where we like to offer multiple excursions during the day. We recommend guests have an intermediate level of fitness to enjoy each excursion. Each walk and activity is rated so guests have the option to participate at their own comfort level. Our crew is on hand to assist where possible, however guests will need to be able to get in and out of small adventure tenders and the walks can be on uneven rocky terrain.
What meals are snacks are provided?
All meals and snacks are provided while aboard. Our chef will prepare your meals from local fresh produce where available
Do you cater for special dietary needs?
We are happy to accommodate dietary needs/requests where possible. However it is important to advise us of your special dietary needs/requests when booking as all food stores are stocked before departure. Please let us know if you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
How do I arrange Alcohol for my cruise?
We are not licensed to sell alcohol however we provide an alcohol purchasing and delivery service, so your beverages will be collected and stored on board for your arrival. You will receive an email containing instructions and information on ordering 30 days prior to departure.
What non-alcoholic drinks are there on board?
We provide complimentary soft drinks and mixers – these consist of Coke, Coke Zero, Lemonade, Dry Ginger Ale, Soda Water and Tonic Water.
If you would like another variety please add to your booking form or bring it with you on departure day.
Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment
We supply good quality rods, reels, hooks, sinkers and tackle. This comprises of an ugly stick 8-10kg rod and a Saragosa reel. You are welcome to bring your own bait casting gear (6-8kg) for flicking for Barramundi, but definitely not necessary. If you would like to bring a lure: Gold bombers are a favourite for Kimberley Barramundi
If you’re coming early In the year; Barra classics in the guns and roses colours +10 foot for the damage in the freshwater.
Any rod or reel lost or damaged must be paid for to either be replaced or repaired by the person who was using the rod and/or reel.
What if I want to explore rather than fish?
We offer you the opportunity to choose your excursion at selected locations. If your preference is to explore and others want to fish, we can certainly arrange this. Our Skipper will check in during the cruise with guests. Please let the skipper know if you would like to do more or less of a specific activity. We will try to accommodate everyone’s preferences where we can.
My cruise involves a scenic flight, what are the weight restrictions on these flights?
If your cruise involves a flight, luggage must not be over 10kg per person and in a duffel bag. (one 20 kg bag between 2 people is permitted).
Accurate weights must be provided so the appropriate aircraft is selected. Fees and charges may be incurred if additional aircraft is required due to weight inaccuracies. Guests and luggage will be weighed prior to aircraft departure.
Do you offer any discounts on hotels?
We have negotiated a 10% discount and free parking for Diversity guests who book accommodation at the following hotels in Broome: Mangrove Hotel, The Continental Hotel and Kimberley Sands. You will receive discount codes and instructions at time of booking
What can I do about car/caravan storage during the cruise?
We do not have facilities to store cars or caravans, however, we can recommend Keshi Storage (08) 9193 5343 in Broome plus 2K tours in Kununurra. Most hotels will store your luggage for you if you stay with them before and after your cruise.
I don't SCUBA dive can I snorkel?
Yes, Rowley Shoals has amazing visibility, snorkelling is exceptional! All guests will need to bring their own snorkel gear.
Where can I hire SCUBA gear?
We recommend Diverse Water Sports in Broome for hiring equipment. We will send you a dive gear hire form which will have hiring instructions at time of booking.
What equipment do you provide on the rowley shoals dive and what do you need to bring?
We will supply air refills (compressor on board), tanks, weights (not weight belts) and repair kits. Divers will be required to bring along your own gear, or hire your own equipment from Broome. Please ensure you have ordered, paid and arranged collection of your equipment well before departure. Guests are responsible for ensuring they have all of their own equipment with them on departure day.
All guests will need to bring their own snorkel gear. For SCUBA divers, please bring your qualification with you.
I haven't dived for a while, what diving experience do I need prior to the rowley shaols SCUBA cruise?
Although we have a Dive Master on board, guests need to be competent with basic SCUBA skills. To ensure the safety of our crew and guests, and to maximise your time at the Rowleys, the below standards are required:
For guests that have less than 20 logged dives, a refresher dive is required if it has been more than 6 months since your last dive.
For guests with more than 20 logged dives a refresher is required if it has been more than 12 months since your last dive. Where possible if the refresher dive can be completed shortly before the cruise, you will be able to really maximise your time underwater at the Rowleys.
Can I drink alcohol if I'm SCUBA diving at the Rowley Shoals?
Alcohol can be consumed once you have completed the last dive for the day.
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