2 - 5 Day Charters

Arafura's live aboard charters offer the ultimate fishing experience in the Top End and have proven extremely successful not only with all the popular TV show hosts joining Arafura time and time again but the vast majority of bookings being repeat business with clients booking for the next year and beyond.

Now with the new flag ship Wai Nawana offering the next level of comfort you're sure to experience that fishing trip of a lifetime with Arafura Bluewater Charters.

All our live aboard charters depart at 2000 hrs. Meet the Wai Nawana (outside the lock gates) at the Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal at 1945. Be greeted by Arafura's friendly crew and stow your gear in their air conditioned accommodation. Then settle in for a few drinks and meet the rest of the group, before getting your head down for the night and wake at the fishing grounds ready for a bacon and egg sandwich a cuppa and some awesome fishing action.

2 Day Trip

The two day charters are usually to the Perron Islands area, approx 80 nm west south west of Darwin. The clearer water in this area is home to the Red emperor, Coral trout, Golden snapper, tusk fish, the mighty Black Jew fish, cod, and also a variety of pelagic fish, including large schools of trevally, Spanish mackerel, tuna and the majestic sail fish.

This area has proved popular with several TV fishing personalities, including "I Fish" with Paul Worstling, "Hooked" with Dave Butfeild and Jason Kennedy from "Fishing Trips" has also "Stopped the bus" in these fish rich waters returning regularly on the 2-3 day charters to enjoy a taste of what the territory has to offer. Flat Top Banks & the Tiwi Islands are also possible on the 2 day charters however this is dependent on tides and weather conditions. Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

3 Day Trip

These charters open up a huge area of remote territory fishing depending on weather, the time of year and tidal movement. Flat top banks 100 nautical miles from Darwin is one option for the neaps (Small tidal movement) and is home to huge mangrove jacks, Red emperor, tricky snapper, giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, with a stop at Cape Fourcroy on Bathurst Island for a session on the areas large golden snapper and powerful black Jew fish on the way home.

One the larger tides we head past the Perron Islands to the remote fish rich grounds near Cape Scott, Emu Reef & Cape Ford again home to Red emperor, golden snapper, Tricky snapper, jew fish, tusk fish, bar cheek coral trout to name just a few and with some trolling thrown in to give the arms a rest and the chance to tussle with some Spanish mackerel or land a trophy sail fish. Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

4 or 5 Day Trips

For the truly adventurous fisho a long steam through the night some 170 nm will see you close to international waters. Fishing the remote Tassie, Evans or Flinders shoals, these trips are limited to the calmest times of the year and specific tides. The fishing is world class, with some of the finest table fish in abundance and some awe inspiring sports fishing as well. With exotic species like the powerful Dog tooth Tuna, the electric blue of the blue trevally and the chance to tackle with one of the oceans fastest fish, the impressive Wahoo, all this between the main game, chasing gold band snapper, small and large mouth Nannygai, red emperor, long nose emperor, coral trout, corination trout, trout cod and a myriad of other species never seen close to Darwin. On past trips we have had several encounters with sail fish and large Black Marlin. Again on the last morning tides permitting a stop at Cape Fourcroy on the way home for a Black Jew if your arms still work.

All tackle is provided however if you wish to bring along your own gear we suggest a minimum of 50 lb braid, a good jigging outfit and some Gulp soft plastics will add to the fun whilst drifting the shallower grounds and the trout love them.

We suggest that you have at least one night in Darwin on return from the trip, this will give our staff time to ensure your catch is properly frozen and allow us to pack it in an air line approved box. (The cost of the box is $15.00AUD and holds approx 10 kg+ of filet.) This will be ready for collection on your way to the air port, at Top End Tackle World Stuart Highway Pinelands. Remember to allow for this extra weight when packing or pre paying excess baggage to avoid any nasty surprises at the air port on the way home.. 

Individual Rates

2 days/2 nights - $1,100 per person

3 days/3 nights - $1,650 per person

4 days/4 nights - $2,200 per person

5 days/5 nights - $2,750 per person

Sole Boat Charter Rates

Wai Nawana - $5,000 per day (max 10)

Wai Nawana - $6,000 per day (max 12)

3 days/3 nights

Dept 8pm 10th and returning 3.30pm 13th April 2012  (Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  12 seats available

Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Mackerel, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish. 

Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

 

 

3 days 3 nights

Depart 8pm 7th May and returning 3.30pm 10th May 2012  3 seats available

(Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish.

Depart 8pm 20th May and returning 3.30pm 23rd May 2012    5 seats available

(Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish. 

  Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

4 days/4 nights

29 30 31 May 1st June departing 8pm 28th and returning 3.30pm 1st June 2012  (Bathurst Island, Marie & Evans shoals) 1 seats available

14 15 16  June departing 8pm 13th and returning 3.30pm 16th June 2012   1 seat available

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emperor. Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish! Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions.      

 

3 days/nights

Depart 8pm 28th June and returning 3.30 pm 1st July 2012.  (Fishing bathurst Island and outer Shoals chasing golden snapper, jew fish, coral trout, mackerel, red emporer, sail fish and many other reef species) 10 seats available

 

Depart 8pm 6th July and returning 3.30pm 9th July 2012   8 seats available  Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

(Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish. 

4 days/4 nights

Depart 8pm12th July and returning 3.30pm 16th July 2012 (Tiwi Islands, Tassie & Marrie Shoals) 1 seat available

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emporer.   Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish! 

 

 

3 day/3 nights

Depart 8pm 27th July and returning 3.30pm 30th July 2012 (Tiwi Islands & shoals)

Depart 8pm 7th August and returning 3.30pm 10th August 2012 (Perron Islands, Cape Ford, Cape Scott & surrounding reefs) Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish.  

 

4 days/4 nights

Depart 8pm 24th August and returning 3.30pm 28th August 2012 (Tiwi Islands, Marie & Tassie Shoals)

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emporer. Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish!  

3 days/3 nights

Depart 8pm 24th September and returning 3.30pm 27th September 2012.  3 seats available

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emporer.

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish!  

 

Depart 8pm 2nd and returning 3.30pm 5th October 2012.  (Perron Islands, Cape Ford, Cape Scott & surrounding reefs) 12 seats available

Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish.  

 

Depart 8pm 12th October and returning 3.30pm15th October 2012. (Perron Islands, Cape Ford, Cape Scott & surrounding reefs) Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Perron Islands, Cape Ford & Cape Scott)  Chasing Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Jew Fish, Makeral, Tuna, Golden & Tricky Snapper, Cod, Cobia, Sailfish  & many mixed reef fish.  

 

 

5 days/5 nights

Depart 8pm 21st October and returning 3.30pm 26th October 2012. 5 seats available 

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emperor.    Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish! Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions.   

4 days/4nights

Depart 8pm 5th December and returning 3.30pm 9th December 2012

Fishing the remote Tassie, Marrie & Evans Shoals for rare species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Goldband snapper, Wahoo plus your qualilty reef fish such as coral trout and red emperor.  Please be aware area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions. 

Also Fishing Bathurst Island on your return chasing golden snapper and giant black jew fish!  

2013 ENQUIRIES WELCOME POA

Other dates are available on request (min 10 pax to operate). Please note area's fished may change due to weather or current fishing conditions.

Tackle

All quality Shimano game & spin rods and reels spooled with braided line, all fishing tackle, lures and fresh bait. 

Fish

Fish may be kept within NT bag limits and will be filleted and frozen ready for you to take home. Airline approved fish carry boxes are available from Tackle World at $15 each.  (As per N.T. fisheries legislation skins must be left on all filets)

Meals, snacks & refreshments

Your friendly crew will cook for you each day a scrumptious breakfast, lunch & dinner.

There’s something for everyone with a variety of fresh fruits & hot options for breakfast including assorted toasted sandwiches & bacon & egg rolls.

Assorted Cereals, yogurts & toast.

For lunch there are salads, cold meats, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fresh fish and the best Arafura hamburgers.

For dinner our Fresh seafood night is a highlight which includes fresh local prawns, freshly opened natural oysters and the catch of the day with garden salads. 

Depending on the length of your charter you will also enjoy cuts of prime Aussie beef, freshly caught fish & squid and marinated chicken all cooked on the BBQ.

Morning and afternoon tea are also provided being either an assortment of fresh fruit & cheese, biscuits, dips, cold meats, assorted cakes & pastries or Arafura’s special spicy “nachos”.

Beverages

Beverages include juice at breakfast, bottomless hot beverages, assorted soft drinks & ice water on tap. 

Accommodation

Air conditioned single bunk accommodation including all bed linen, blanket & pillow. 

And most importantly friendly and experienced crew.

You need to bring a small bag with change of clothes, toiletries, towel & any medications needed. 

BYO alcohol. (No glass please)

These are suggested itineraries only, please contact us to confirm your individual tour itinerary.

Perron Islands 3 Day Fishing Adventure

Day 1 - Depart Cullen Bay Ferry terminal at 6am aboard Wai Nawana or Wai Adi. Be greeted by Arafura Bluewater Charter's friendly crew. Today you will begin to experience some of Darwin's excellent fishing action from Point Blaze, and continuing down the coast fishing Perron Islands and surrounding reefs.

Golden snapper, giant black Jew fish, cod, mackerel, trevally, cobia, red emperor and coral trout plus other mixed reef species all inhabit these reefs and your sure to catch plenty!!

Your 3 day fishing adventure includes daily - a delicious cooked breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and coral trout or red emperor will definitely be on the menu for dinner!! Tea, coffee and ice water are also provided. BYO alcohol.

Day 2 - Get ready and tackle up for more great fishing action. Today will be reef fishing around the Peron's for more quality fish and also trolling lures and baits chasing mackerel, tuna & hopefully a sailfish!

At night you will be fishing the outer reefs also targeting some fresh squid to be cooked for a delicious evening snack. Fish till your hearts content and then grab some hard earned rest to be ready for the following days fishing.

Day 3 - Enjoy your last day fishing out wide along the 30m contour line from the Perron Islands and anchoring along your way back to Darwin fishing the many reefs. Arriving Cullen Bay Ferry terminal at approx 3.30pm.

Your catch will then be processed, individually packed and frozen in an airline approved fish carry box ready for you to take home.

What to bring - A small bag with change of clothes, towel, toiletries, any medicines you require, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen and hat.

How to enquire/book this suggested itinerary

Flat Top Banks 2 Day Extreme Fishing Adventure

Flat Top Banks, the ultimate 2 day/2 night extreme fishing adventure. Depart in darkness at 8pm and enjoy a selection of fresh baked pizzas, a few drinks and be greeted by Arafura’s friendly crew. Then maybe get some shut eye as you head 100 nm North West to the remote reefs at Flat Top Banks. Arrive at approx 1pm dropping first baits as the sun rises.

Then it is time for 2 days of extreme action hauling in Big red things! Red Emperor, giant Jacks, red bass, nannygai, china man fish along with a healthy mix of macks, trickies, trout, monster sharks and trevally to keep the rods bent and your reels screaming!

And with the crew dishing up 3 square meals a day and cleaning your catch all you have to do is reel them in.

This 2 days/2 nights extreme fishing charter is definitely a fishing experience of a lifetime!

Includes all meals, all quality game rods and reels, tackle, bait, eskies, and ice, as well as an experienced and friendly crew.

Fishing aboard Wai Nawana or Wai Adi - Wai Nawana is a brand new 52' custom built Legend vessel, sleeping 12 in air conditioned bunk accommodation, large comfortable air conditioned lounge and cabin.  2 toilets and shower, extra large shaded fishing deck area, large freezer, desalinator, Flat screen TV, all the latest marine technology, satellite phone. Wai Nawana has a max speed of 28 knts and cruises on 24.

Wai Adi is a  45’ Custom built fishing vessel launched 2007. Cruising at 24 knts and sleeping 8 in air-conditioned bunks. Wai Adi features all the latest marine technology, safety equipment and satellite phone, full size shower and toilet, and very large covered fishing deck.

On arrangement all your fish can be packed and frozen ready for you to take home. Airline approved fish carry boxes available @ $15 each.

What to bring - Change of clothes, toiletries, towel, medicines, hat, camera and a big smile! Along with any alcohol you wish (cans only).

How to enquire/book this suggested itinerary

  • Canceled 28 days or more - full refund
  • Canceled less than 28 days - nil refund