Recent Sightings
Page Last Updated: 21 October 2011
The Ferryman Blog
Inquiries
Frequently asked Questions
If you have a general query please read through the following questions and answers.
If your query is not answered here then fill in the form at the bottom and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
When is a cruise cancelled and how will I know?
Factors affecting cancellations:
Wind: If it looks that it will blow over about 25 knots here in the Passage we may call the cruise off however we check appropriate weather charts & forecasts prior to making this decision which is normally done the day before. Remember, Pumicestone Passage is an EXTREMELY protected body of water and more often than not, excessive winds predicted do not affect the Passage here.
Rain: This normally does not affect the running of our cruises unless it is bucketing down as there is seating onboard undercover for 55 people.
Numbers: If we have less than 10 passengers on a cruise, we may cancel this cruise.
When you make a booking with us, we take your contact phone number and if there are any concerns with the cruise we will always contact you on this number.
Is the boat Wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Please let us know so that we can be there to assist with boarding. There are a couple of steps and a bit of sand before we board the boat and we have always been able to put wheelchairs and walkers on-board without any concern.
If there are a few passengers with wheelchairs, we may be able to arrange an alternative boarding site if necessary. Just let us know.
We have a wheelchair friendly toilet on board large enough for a wheelchair and with a support bar.
Seating on the boat is on one level, with solid sides to about waist height to allow wheelchair passengers to experience the cruise in total safety and comfort and they are welcome to sit in their wheelchairs on the front deck throughout the cruise or move around should they wish.
How often do you see any animals?
We see a range of animals regularly including a variety of birds and the elusive dugongs, however these are wild animals and we cannot guarantee any sightings. Bare in mind, the Pumicestone Passage is a huge expanse of water for sightings although we have our regular spots where, if the wildlife is around, we are more likely to see them.
If you are a birdwatcher (Twitcher) we suggest you let us know first as we can recommend a cruise that has the tide at half in or out as this will see the birds on the intertidal banks feeding and depending on the time of year will depend on the Migratory Birds to sight in the Passage. They leave to head north about March/April and return to these shores about September/October. We recommend at least a 3 hour cruise to get up into the more untouched areas where these birds are more likely to be seen - as far away from human habitation as they can find.
I have booked for a group. There are 25 of us. Will other people be on board?
If you have booked a group charter, then yes, the unused seats on this cruise are available for others to join the cruise. If you were wanting the boat for your sole use, you would require a 'Private Charter'.
For Group Charters, the more in the group, the cheaper it is for each person in your group. With larger groups of 41 or more we offer up to about a 35% discount on our normal rates. Please ensure you have read our 'Terms of Trade for Group Charters'.
Do I have to book and how do I do this?
Yes, bookings are absolutely essential.
A. We do not want you to be disappointed if you turn up and the cruise is either full or canceled and we did not know you were coming.
B. It allows us to cater accordingly for the number of passengers booked.
C. We want the opportunity to welcome you personally onboard, and if we know you are coming, we can look out for you, especially if you are running a bit late.
To Book: Just email or call us and we will pencil you in with the number of seats you are after and a contact phone number. We work on the traditional business ethos and trust you will call us if you are unable to make the cruise. However due to the number of passengers that book and do not turn up and do not let us know, we are currently looking at requiring credit card details as security - we will advise if & when this comes into place. In the meantime, IF YOU FIND YOU CANNOT MAKE IT ONCE YOU HAVE BOOKED - please please please just give us a quick call or email. We truly appreciate this.
When do I pay?
Please pay on board on the day of your cruise - cash or cheque only is accepted. We do not have CREDIT CARD or EFTPOS facilities at present however we are looking at having credit card facilities.
We have children under 5 in our party, what will they cost?
Children under 5 are not charged for a seat so there is no catering or seat allocation done for children under 5. We ask that you bring suitable food for them to enjoy (sandwich/fruit or similar) with you.
What is the expected behaviour of children on board?
All children MUST behave respectfully to ALL other passengers on board and they MUST be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times. There is to be no running around, no loud talking/yelling/screaming, no throwing of items and no food will be served to children without an adult with them. Other passengers have the right to complain either to the supervising adults or to staff should children's behaviour not be conducive to EVERYONE having a great time out. If you feel your children cannot abide by these expectations, we suggest you have them babysat so you can have some time to relax yourselves.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
No, the MV 'Ferryman' is fully licensed with a basic range of drinks, both soft & alcoholic, available to purchase on board. For Private Charters, special drinks can be arranged if we are advised. It would be like taking your own 6 pack to the pub - so, sorry, no byo. Plus due to the type of liquor license we have it is illegal for us to allow BYO.
Can you cater for Vegetarians and Celiacs?
Yes, we can. Just let us know and we can arrange alternatives for you. We ask for at least 24 hours notice to allow us to organise something otherwise we cannot guarantee we are able to source your requirements at such short notice.
Can you schedule more than one cruise a day?
Yes, we can. Depending on the cruises, we normally need about 1/2 to 1 hour changeover time between each cruise for cleaning and preparing for the next cruise.
For my Private Charter deposit, why is it non-refundable?
As we are sure you would appreciate, once a Private Charter is booked, this time and date is kept solely for you. If we get other enquiries for that day, we cannot and would not book another cruise on the same day and time as yours, therefore, this business will go elsewhere. If you cancel your booking, we have lost this opportunity to re-book your date & time. Plus your deposit covers staff costs & time that has gone into quoting, negotiations, emails, phone calls and any meetings that may have occurred relevent to your booking. Remember, your booking is transferrable once only (up to 6 weeks prior) as this allows us to try to find another booking for your cancelled day & time.
If you have any other questions, please fill in our inquiry form and we can get back to you.