Things to Do Travel

Rowley Shoals Boat Tours

Home to Mermaid Reef, one of the world's top dive sites.
Kosa Monteith
April 17, 2023

Overview

In northern Western Australia, you can easily head out into an ocean wilderness. The Rowley Shoals sit within a marine sanctuary and are roughly 260 kilometres from Broome. Gorgeous clear waters offer unparalleled views of marine life and coral forms. This remote, beautiful and unspoiled place is reachable only by cruise or charter — like Kimberley Boat Cruises — which can take anywhere between several days to a full week — and a few even have on-board parties.

Tourism Western Australia

There are three coral atolls that make up the shoals: Clerke Reef, Imperieuse Reef and Mermaid Reef. You'll have ample opportunity to dive and swim several times a day, including some drift-diving in open waters. Prepare to encounter underwater wonderlands of coral, tropical fish, reef sharks and maybe even humpback whales.

Our rec? Take a deep dive at the northern wall of Mermaid Reef, one of the world's top dive sites. Discover secret fishing spots far from shore and haul in a marlin or trout. Or, simply relax on board in the calm of the great wide sea and your isolated tropical paradise.

Top image: Tourism Western Australia & @saltywings

Features

Information

Where

Rowley Shoals