PRINCE OF WALES GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
From Buttertin Beach: A High‑Speed Water Taxi to the Torres Strait’s Near Islands
A concise guide to the Kaiwalagal Ferries & Charters water taxi service that runs from Buttertin (Prince of Wales Island) to several nearby islands for picnics and day trips.
From Buttertin Beach: A High‑Speed Water Taxi to the Torres Strait’s Near Islands.
At Buttertin on Prince of Wales Island, a speedy water taxi links the island’s shore to a ring of nearby islands — a short, scenic transit that turns a beachside meeting point into the launch for day trips, picnics and island hopping.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A fastest water taxi for quick island transfers
The operator runs a fast water taxi service from Buttertin, designed to whisk passengers to nearby islands for quick day spends and picnics — ideal for short, flexible island itineraries.
Multiple island destinations within easy reach
The service provides water transfers to and from a set of nearby islands, giving travelers the flexibility to visit places such as Keriri (Hammond Island), Gailag (Friday Island) and others for single‑day outings.
Short trips that maximize daytime exploration
With short transit times and an emphasis on day spends and picnics, these water taxis are built to turn a half‑day on the water into an efficient, memorable island visit.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to go
Meet at Buttertin beach on Prince of Wales Island and board a speedy water taxi that does short transfers to a handful of nearby islands; the service is aimed at picnics and day trips, delivering quick, scenic crossings rather than long passage-making.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this service suits — and when to check with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical transit time for this water taxi service is around 30 minutes; confirm the meeting point and departure time at Buttertin (Prince of Wales) Beach with the operator prior to travel.
The service caters to day spends and picnics — plan accordingly with food, shade, sun protection and water for your island visit, and confirm any storage or baggage limits with the operator.
Boarding occurs at Buttertin (Prince of Wales) Beach; the water taxi provides transfers to a set list of nearby islands — verify the exact island destination and return options with the operator when booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where is the pickup point for this service?
The meeting location is Buttertin (Prince of Wales) Beach.
How long does a typical transit take?
The service lists a duration of 30 minutes.
Which islands does the water taxi serve?
The water taxi provides transfers to or from Ngurupay; Waibene; Keriri (Hammond Island); Gailag (Friday Island); Palilag (Goodes Island); and Mawai (Wednesday Island).
What type of trips is the service intended for?
The service is described as the fastest water taxi to nearby islands, intended for picnics and day spends.
Who operates the water taxi service?
The operator is Kaiwalagal Ferries & Charters.