Destination Guide
Rowley Shoals
Three remote coral atolls 260 km off the Broome coast — among the most pristine and biodiverse reef systems on earth, visited by fewer than 200 people each year.
Australia's most remote reef system
The Rowley Shoals are three submerged coral atolls — Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef and Imperieuse Reef — rising from the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. Declared a Marine Park in 1990, they remain one of the least-visited reef systems in the world, accessible only by liveaboard vessel from Broome.
Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, the Rowley Shoals see almost no tourist traffic. The result is reef in near-pristine condition — walls of hard coral, crystal-clear lagoons with 30-metre visibility, and an abundance of marine life that has simply never learned to fear humans. For snorkellers and divers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Best season & conditions
The Rowley Shoals are only accessible during a narrow window each year. The season runs from October to November, after the Kimberley dry season ends and before the wet season closes the Indian Ocean to small vessels. During this window, conditions are typically calm, visibility is exceptional and the water temperature sits around 26–28°C — ideal for extended snorkelling and diving.
October
RecommendedEarly season. Winds are light and variable, seas are generally calm. Water clarity is excellent. Ideal for first-time visitors.
November
Late season. Conditions remain good but can be more variable as the wet season approaches. Still excellent diving and snorkelling.
Planning tips
- Book early — the season is short and vessel capacity is very limited
- Bring a wetsuit (3mm) for extended snorkelling sessions
- Seasickness medication recommended for the overnight crossing from Broome
- Tidal currents can be strong — drift snorkelling and diving is common
Season at a glance
Diving & snorkelling highlights
The Rowley Shoals offer world-class underwater experiences across three distinct atolls, each with its own character.
Lagoon Drift Snorkelling
Ride the tidal flow through the lagoon channels as the tide rushes in and out of the atolls. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres and the current carries you effortlessly over spectacular coral gardens.
Vertical Reef Walls
The outer walls of the atolls drop away dramatically into deep blue water. Divers encounter large pelagic species — sharks, trevally, barracuda — alongside pristine hard and soft coral formations.
Shark Alley
A legendary channel at Clerke Reef where grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead congregate. Snorkellers and divers regularly encounter dozens of sharks in a single session.
Giant Clam Gardens
The lagoons are home to enormous giant clams — some over a metre across — in extraordinary concentrations. A highlight for snorkellers exploring the shallower reef flats.
Manta Ray Cleaning Stations
Manta rays regularly visit cleaning stations on the reef, hovering motionless while small wrasse remove parasites. Patient snorkellers are often rewarded with extended close encounters.
Night Diving
After dark the reef transforms — octopus, cuttlefish, sleeping turtles and bioluminescent plankton make night dives at the Rowley Shoals an unforgettable experience.
Marine life guide
The Rowley Shoals support an extraordinary diversity of species, many rarely encountered elsewhere in Australian waters.
Sharks & Rays
- Grey reef shark
- Whitetip reef shark
- Blacktip reef shark
- Hammerhead shark (occasional)
- Manta ray
- Eagle ray
- Stingray
Large Pelagics
- Giant trevally
- Spanish mackerel
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Dogtooth tuna
- Wahoo
- Barracuda
Reef Fish
- Napoleon wrasse (Maori wrasse)
- Bumphead parrotfish
- Potato cod
- Coral trout
- Lionfish
- Moray eel
- Clownfish & anemonefish
Turtles & Invertebrates
- Green sea turtle
- Hawksbill turtle
- Giant clam (up to 1m+)
- Octopus
- Cuttlefish
- Nudibranchs
- Lobster
Rowley Shoals Cruise Itineraries
All vessels operating Rowley Shoals cruises depart from Broome. The season runs October to November — book early as capacity is extremely limited.
Rowley Shoals Cruise – 5 Nights
From
From $7,595
per person
Explore the pristine Rowley Shoals Marine Park aboard True North II — world-class snorkelling and diving across three remote coral atolls, 260 km off the Broome coast.
Highlights
- Pristine Rowley Shoals Marine Park
- World-class snorkelling & diving
- Extraordinary marine biodiversity
- Remote coral atoll exploration
- Broome return voyage
Coast and Coral – 10 Nights
From
From $19,995
per person
The best of both worlds — combine spectacular Kimberley coastline exploration with the remarkable coral gardens of the Rowley Shoals in one extraordinary 10-night voyage.
Highlights
- Kimberley coastline highlights
- Rowley Shoals coral gardens
- Snorkelling & diving included
- Remote wilderness exploration
- Five adventure boats
5 Night Rowley Shoals Snorkelling Cruise
From
From $5,900
per person
Broome return. Explore three remote coral atolls aboard the intimate 13-guest Lady M — some of the most pristine reef systems in the world, visited by fewer than 200 people each year.
Highlights
- Three remote coral atolls
- Crystal-clear lagoon snorkelling
- Shark Alley & giant clams
- Sunset drinks on Bedwell Island
- Sailfish, marlin & Spanish mackerel fishing
- Maximum 13 guests
7 Day Rowley Shoals Cruise
From
From $8,995
per person
A remote marine adventure exploring the pristine coral atolls of the Rowley Shoals aboard the purpose-built Reef Prince catamaran, with opportunities for snorkelling, diving and extraordinary marine-life encounters.
Highlights
- Rowley Shoals coral atolls
- Snorkelling & diving
- Marine wildlife
- Remote atoll anchorages
6 Night Rowley Shoals Dream Cruise
From
From $8,630
per person
Explore the pristine coral atolls of the Rowley Shoals aboard the intimate 12-guest Ocean Dream — snorkelling, diving and extraordinary marine-life encounters in near-pristine reef conditions.
Highlights
- Rowley Shoals coral atolls
- Snorkelling & diving
- Marine wildlife
- Remote atoll anchorages
8 Day Rowley Shoals Expedition
From
From $5,090
per person
A remote marine adventure to the pristine coral atolls of the Rowley Shoals aboard the 20-guest Odyssey — one of Australia's most spectacular dive and snorkel destinations, 260 km off the Broome coast.
Highlights
- Rowley Shoals coral atolls
- World-class snorkelling and diving
- Extraordinary marine wildlife
- Remote atoll anchorages
Coral Frontiers & Kimberley Icons – 10 Nights
From
From $9,660
per person
A unique off-season voyage combining the remote atolls of Ashmore Reef, Scott Reef and the Rowley Shoals with Kimberley coastline highlights — aboard the 120-guest Coral Geographer.
Highlights
- Ashmore Reef & Scott Reef remote atolls
- Rowley Shoals snorkelling & diving
- King George River gorge
- Ancient rock art galleries
- Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
Frequently asked questions
Ready to experience the Rowley Shoals?
Our Broome-based team can help you choose the right vessel and secure your berth before the season sells out.