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Rowley Shoals
The Rowley Shoals are located approximately 260 kilometres (170 nautical miles) west north-west off the coast of Broome. Consisting of a chain of three coral atolls, the Rowley Shoals lie along the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world. The three atolls are Clerke Reef, Imperieuse Reef and Mermaid Reef and are very similar to each other in shape, dimension, and orientation. The three atolls have shallow, pristine lagoons that have an abundance of marine life and colourful coral, making it a must-see marine paradise for lovers of snorkelling, diving, and fishing.
The only way to reach the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is by boat and Ocean Dream is one of only several charter boats taking guests to this remote location. The best time of year to travel is during the “doldrums,” when there is a weather window of light winds and calm sea. Ocean Dream will take a maximum of 12 guests in 6 ensuite staterooms, making the Rowley Shoals the perfect west coast Private Charter destination.
Departure is from Broome around 1:30 pm for an overnight steam. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the onboard chef before settling in for the evening. Arrival the next morning to the Rowley Shoals is an adventure in itself as the vessel negotiates a narrow channel at high tide to reach the crystal deep blue lagoon. Brimming with sea life and prized for its pristine coral gardens, the following 5-7 days will be spent in an extremely remote and pristine marine sanctuary. Departing in the late afternoon on the final day, Ocean Dream will cruise through the night to arrive in Broome the following morning.
Our 6-Night Rowley Shoals Dream Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Broome – Rowley Shoals, Clerke Reef
Broome – Rowley Shoals, Clerke Reef
On the day of embarkation, a courtesy vehicle will collect you from your accommodation in Broome at 1:30pm and take you to Gantheaume Point beach for your tender transfer to the awaiting Ocean Dream. Enjoy a refreshment on the deck and settle into your floating hotel as Ocean Dream sets sail towards the ultimate aquatic playground destination: the Rowley Shoals Marine Park.Day 2: Clerke Reef – The Aquarium
Clerke Reef – The Aquarium
The Rowley Shoals are located approximately 170 nautical miles west-north-west of Broome, and after cruising through the night, you’ll arrive at Clerke Reef – one of the three atolls at the shoals. On approach to the atoll, you’ll gather on the bow to view the amazing reef emerge as you cruise through the channel into the lagoon. With plenty of time to swim and snorkel, you’ll discover the pristine reefs, home to an abundance of tropical fish, swimming amongst untouched coral gardens offering protection to Giant Potato Cod and Māori Wrasse. Inside the atoll is a great introductory scuba dive, allowing your gear to be checked to ensure everything is in order. Following lunch back aboard Ocean Dream, you’ll venture outside the atoll for another scuba dive in deeper water. Snorkelers will finish the day with a drift snorkel through the main channel, as well as an opportunity to troll for some big eye tuna.Day 3: Clerke Reef
Clerke Reef
On day three, you’ll have an opportunity for an early morning dive or snorkel at the Clerke Wall. For those not keen on getting swimming, you’ll have an opportunity to wet a line within the lagoon. Be blown away by the abundant marine life in the area, with plentiful dive and snorkel sites to explore. You’ll also take an excursion to the shore at Bedwell Island, with usually perfect conditions! Everyone who visits loves the birds and the colours of the lagoon. You’ll end the day doing drift snorkels through the dinghy channels.Day 4: Clerke Reef – Bedwell Island
Clerke Reef
Day four sees you off for a morning scuba dive to the north of the atoll, stopping along the way to swim with mantas before an amazing dive at Blue Lagoon. Snorkellers can opt to snorkel inside the bommie where the current is gentler. You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel the new wreck here, which is an Indonesian boat just near the moorings. Following lunch back on board, you’ll have the option to return to Bedwell Island for a sunbake or paddleboard, while the others prepare for a fish, dive or relaxing onboard.Day 5: Mermaid Reef
Mermaid Reef
On day five, you’ll head approximately 20 miles north over to Mermaid Reef. Here you’ll cruise through the western face of Mermaid Atoll, before entering the reef. Mermaid Reef, home to an abundant manta ray population, presents plentiful diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as other skurfing fun. Your evenings at Mermaid Reef consist of some special celebrations, delicious dinners and fancy dress on occasions with all the crew joining in on the dancing!Day 6: Mermaid Reef
Mermaid Reef
Your final day presents the last opportunity for an early morning dive, snorkel or swim in the Mermaid channel. It is not uncommon to see large schools of Big Eye Trevally or Barracuda in water so clear you can see to the bottom at 40 metres. For morning tea, we’ll set up at the sand cay as it starts to appear out of the water. With chairs and umbrellas set up, you’ll enjoy kicking back on the 10 metre-wide cay while waves wash across the island and your feet. Surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon, it’s almost guaranteed that you won’t want to leave! In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch on board as Ocean Dream sets sail for Broome, arriving in time for disembarkation the following morning.Activities include:
- Diving in coral gardens home to giant clams, Wrasse, Giant Potato Cod, shark and many
tropical fish. - Snorkelling in lagoons and through channels between the reef that help propel swimmers with gentle currents.
- Swimming in warm waters that are calm and clear.
- Fishing for a huge variety of fish including large game fish species like Sail Fish, Marlin, Spanish Mackerel and smaller reef fish like Trout, Cod and Emperors at a range of secret fishing spots.
- Exploring Bedwell Island and observing the wildlife inhabitants including one of only two colonies in WA of red-tailed tropic birds.
- Paddle boarding and tender vessel exploration.
- Relaxing on board the luxurious Ocean Dream and enjoying the service provided by an
exceptional crew.
Activities include:
- Diving in coral gardens home to giant clams, Wrasse, Giant Potato Cod, shark and many tropical fish.
- Snorkelling in lagoons and through channels between the reef that help propel swimmers with gentle currents.
- Swimming in warm waters that are calm and clear.
- Fishing for a huge variety of fish including large game fish species like Sail Fish, Marlin, Spanish Mackeral and smaller reef fish like Trout, Cod and Emperors.
- Exploring Bedwell Island and observing the wildlife inhabitants including one of only two colonies in WA of red tailed tropic birds.
- Paddle boarding and tender vessel exploration.
- Relaxing on board the luxurious Ocean Dream and enjoying the service provided by an exceptional crew.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Dive and snorkelling gear – we recommend hiring your equipment prior to departing home.
Please note that all diving at the Rowley Shoals is drift diving in the open ocean water.
It is recommended that all divers have their Advanced Dive ticket.
If it has been some time between dives or since completing ticket, then a refresher course is advised prior to the charter.
Number of dives is based on guest preference but you can expect 2-3 dives per day.
Alcohol – can be arranged through a local bottle shop and delivered to the vessel.
Beverage orders are finalised 6 weeks prior to departure.
Pricing is available on enquiry with one of our team.
Rowley Shoals
Pricing And Availability
PLEASE MAKE A SELECTION TO RESERVE YOUR CABIN
Pricing & Availability 2025
Pricing & Availability 2026
Pricing & Availability 2025
Cruise Information | Stateroom Availability | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cruise Dates | Cruise Direction | Kimberley Stateroom Superior Queen $8,510 pp | Whitsunday Stateroom Superior Twin $8,510 pp | Rottnest Stateroom Superior Queen $8,510 pp | Abrolhos Stateroom Superior Queen $8,510 pp | Rowley Shoals Stateroom Deluxe Queen $7,990 pp | Montebello Stateroom Deluxe Queen $7,990 pp | 2025 |
27 SEPT – 03 OCT | Broome – Rowley Shoals | PRIVATE | CHARTER | PRIVATE | CHARTER | PRIVATE | CHARTER | |
04 OCT – 10 OCT | Broome – Rowley Shoals | Booked | Booked | Booked | Booked | Booked | Booked | |
11 OCT – 17 OCT | Broome – Rowley Shoals | Booked | Available | Booked | Available | Booked | Available |
Pricing & Availability 2026
Cruise Information | Stateroom Availability | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cruise Dates | Cruise Direction | Kimberley Stateroom Superior Queen $9,190 pp | Whitsunday Stateroom Superior Twin $9,190 pp | Rottnest Stateroom Superior Queen $9,190 pp | Abrolhos Stateroom Superior Queen $9,190pp | Rowley Shoals Stateroom Deluxe Queen $8,630 pp | Montebello Stateroom Deluxe Queen $8,630 pp | 2026 |
19 SEPT – 25 SEP | Broome – Rowley Shoals – Broome | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | |
27 SEPT – 03 OCT | Broome – Rowley Shoals – Broome | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | |
05 OCT – 11 OCT | Broome – Rowley Shoals – Broome | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
Pricing & Availability