Rowley Shoals

The Rowley Shoals are three atoll-like reefs, Mermaid, Clerke and Imperieuse, sitting on the edge of the continental shelf about two hundred and sixty kilometres west of Broome, rising steeply from water hundreds of metres deep. Their isolation has kept them in exceptional condition, with over two hundred coral species and nearly seven hundred fish species recorded, and because they are so rarely visited the fish show little fear of divers. The lagoons fill and drain through narrow channels with the tide, producing a drift snorkel through Clerke's channel that carries swimmers over coral at speed. Access is only by liveaboard charter, running a short season each year.

What you actually see

• The pristine coral - reefs in condition rarely seen closer to the mainland.
• The drift snorkel - the tidal race through the lagoon channel.
• The wall diving - reefs dropping into deep ocean water.
• The unafraid fish - marine life largely unaccustomed to people.

When to go

September to November, when the seas are calmest and the charter season runs; outside that window trips do not operate. The crossing takes around twelve hours each way, usually overnight.

Honest expectations

Access is by expensive liveaboard charter only, running a handful of trips a year that book out far ahead. The crossing is long and can be rough. There is no land-based accommodation and no way to visit independently.

Nearby

Broome is the only departure point.