About
Local couple Duncan and Irene Sinclair purchased Freycinet Sea Charters in 2000, operating fishing charters from Coles Bay for 12 passengers aboard a 33 ft power catamaran. The business quickly identified that customers not only wanted to fish, but strong demand existed from visitors seeking a broader destinational experience with a focus on Freycinet Peninsula’s unique geography, plus abundant marine and bird life. It was evident that the primary desire for tourists visiting Tasmania’s east coast was to experience Wineglass Bay - rated in the world’s top ten beaches, and a potent brand in its own right.
The reality, however, was that Wineglass Bay was unable to be visited, or even seen, by a large portion of visitors due to its inaccessibility. The opportunity existed to reinvent the business to meet changing market expectations, to add value to the region, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
This opportunity was seized in 2005 with the purchase of a 44 ft Noosa Catamaran, Schouten Passage, which improved accessibility to Wineglass Bay, quadrupled passenger capacity to 48, and instigated the company’s name change to Freycinet Sea Cruises. Designed for passenger comfort and reliability, the catamaran includes toilet facilities and a semi enclosed cabin with an eco-adventure feel. With this combination, came a high reputation for quality and comfort.
The company now runs two cruises daily, 'The Full Wineglass' for 4 hours and the afternoon cruise to the southern tip of Freycinet National Park – Schouten Island Explorer for 3 hours.
Both cruises offering unique highlights from this special part of the world.
We have now added our most recent new experience the 'Beach to Bush' cruise and walk for the more adventurous. This takes a glimpse into the lives of the Aboriginal tribes who once lived in this unique area. A touch of natural and cultural significance with an indigenous flavour. Join our Wineglass Bay cruise one way then step ashore with your guide to walk this beautiful remote beach before walking to the lookout for a world class view of the bay and beyond.
Freycinet Sea Cruises have built strong alliances with bodies such as Parks and Wildlife and the Nature Conservation Branch in order to demonstrate our commitment to their environmental protocols. Our company continues to play a leading role in promoting sustainable development of eco-tourism, with a focus on conservation, through our membership of Wildlife Tourism Australia, a non-profit organisation established to promote the sustainable development of a diverse Australian wildlife tourism industry.