Clerke Reef: Clerke Lagoon

Clerke Reef: The Slot

Imperieuse Reef: The Aquarium

Imperieuse Reef: Coconut Well

Imperieuse Reef: Cod Hole

Mermaid Reef: Klein Bay

Mermaid Reef: North Horn

Mermaid Reef: The Wall

Dining at the Rowley Shoals is exclusively aboard the liveaboard vessel, where the expedition chefs prepare meals using fresh Western Australian produce, seafood, and provisions loaded in Broome. The liveaboard dining experience typically includes freshly caught reef fish and pelagic species prepared in various styles, alongside quality Australian wines, craft beers, and refreshments. The isolation of the Rowley Shoals means that the liveaboard dining is self-contained, and the quality of the food and service is an important part of the expedition experience. Before and after the liveaboard trip, Broome offers excellent dining including fresh seafood from the Indian Ocean, Asian-influenced cuisine reflecting the town's multicultural heritage, and the famous Broome mangoes and tropical fruits. The Matso's Brewery in Broome produces excellent craft beer, and the town's restaurants provide outstanding dining in relaxed tropical settings.

Cable Beach Club Resort

Cable Beachside Villa

Broome Vacation Apartments

Brooke's Bar Backpackers

The Rowley Shoals, a chain of three coral atolls located approximately 300 kilometers west of Broome on the edge of the continental shelf, represent one of Australia's most remote, pristine, and extraordinary diving destinations – a true frontier diving experience in the Indian Ocean. The three atolls (Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef, and Imperieuse Reef) rise from the deep ocean floor, creating isolated coral ecosystems surrounded by blue water that attract pelagic species including tuna, trevally, wahoo, and reef sharks in extraordinary numbers. Mermaid Reef, the northernmost atoll, features a large central lagoon accessible by boat through a narrow channel, with the surrounding reef walls dropping into the abyss and supporting spectacular coral growth and diverse marine life. Clerke Reef offers exceptional drift diving along the outer walls where the currents attract schooling hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and manta rays. Imperieuse Reef, the southernmost atoll, features a spectacular sand cay and pristine coral gardens. The Rowley Shoals are accessed exclusively by multi-day liveaboard expeditions departing from Broome, with trips typically running 5-7 days and offering 15-20 dives at the various reef systems. The isolation of the Rowley Shoals has preserved the marine environment in near-pristine condition, with healthy coral systems, abundant fish life, and the absence of crowds making every dive an extraordinary adventure. The region's remoteness is its greatest asset – those who make the journey are rewarded with diving that rivals the world's best tropical destinations. The atolls are famous for their dramatic tidal changes, where the massive volume of water moving in and out of the lagoons creates high-energy environments perfect for drift diving. This constant water exchange ensures that the reefs are supplied with clear, nutrient-rich oceanic water, resulting in visibility that frequently exceeds 40 meters. For the few lucky enough to visit each year, the shoals provide a rare glimpse into a marine world that remains largely untouched by human influence, offering a sense of scale and abundance that is increasingly rare in more accessible parts of the world.

Western Australia – Rowley Shoals

The Rowley Shoals are accessed exclusively by multi-day liveaboard expeditions departing from Broome, Western Australia. Broome Airport (BME) receives direct flights from Perth (approximately 3 hours) and seasonal flights from other capital cities. The liveaboard journey to the Rowley Shoals takes approximately 18-24 hours each way, with trips typically lasting 5-7 days to allow adequate time at the three atolls. The liveaboard season runs from April to October during the dry season, when sea conditions are most favorable. Several operators run expeditions from Broome, with advance booking (often 6-12 months ahead) essential due to limited capacity. The journey across the continental shelf is part of the adventure, with opportunities for pelagic encounters en route.

Dive Sites in Western Australia – Rowley Shoals