Our boat
Octopus Garden Dive Charters offers our divers the best in customer service and comfort aboard our Diver Designed vessel SPV 344 “Cross Country”.
She can comfortably carry 10 passengers & 2 crew, and cruises at 15 knots with a draught of 1.4 metres. With small passenger numbers, our dive charters & scenic cruises are very much “personalised” – you are NOT just a “bum on a seat”!
Built to commercial survey standards in 1994, she is a 36 foot aluminium diesel powered single screw vessel, and was fitted with a brand new Scania 550 hp diesel engine in 2010. The Cross Country, is extremely popular both among divers and tourists looking to see the world famous Bunbury Dolphins at play.
Private Functions
Although purpose built as a day trip diving vessel, the Cross Country was designed to have a multi-purpose layout that would allow other functions such a sunset cruises, river cruises, scientific survey and as a commercial dive support vessel.
Enjoy the spectacular sun sets over the Indian Ocean and outstanding Bunbury back beaches with a twilight cruise. There is no better way to enjoy a sundowner than on the ocean at sunset.
We depart approximately 2 hours before sunset… returning just after sunset. If the sea is still rough, we cruise in sheltered waters of Koombana Bay with a brief excursion into the Indian Ocean. The famous Fremantle Doctor ( the south west breeze) normally drops and swings to the south east by 6.00 pm, allowing “calm water” cruising.
cruising bunbury waters
We depart from & return to the service wharf in Casuarina boat harbour, in Bunbury (see a map).
Don’t forget to bring you bathers, for a twilight dip and your own drinks and nibbles. Morning cruises can also be arranged – times by negotiation.
$80 each for first 2 adults (minimum of 2), then $40 for additional adults . No charge for children under 12. Maximum charge is $440. Maximum passengers is 10.
Booking is essential, and we require a $50 deposit per group booked. Call Kim on 0438 925 011.
Functions A boat rate of $440 applies for the charter (maximum of 10 passengers).
Alcohol: Rules from Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor apply.
See: Liquor Control Act 1988 – Section 119
Octopus Garden Dive Charters are not licensed to sell alcohol. This means we operate on a BYO policy. If you are hosting a party and you or your guests intend to sell/supply or consume alcoholic drinks in a public place (The boat on the water) you will need to obtain an Occasional Liquor Licence from the department. The cost for the Occasional Liquor Licence is approx $50 and applications can be made online
Applications must be made at least 14 days prior to the event
Ice 200 Litre Ice boxes are available complete with 20 kg of ice @ $20 each
Catering: You are welcome to supply your own food or have outside caterers deliver your food aboard. If you are catering you will need to supply all the necessary crockery and cutlery for the meal service as this is not stored on the boat.
Our team in Bunbury are more than happy to assist you with advice and recommendations to make catering easier whilst you are aboard ‘Cross Country’ all you have to do is ask! We are always happy to put you in contact with Bunbury’s best caterers.