Rowley Shoals Expedition Cruise
Coral atolls at the edge of the Indian Ocean
Three hundred kilometres west of Broome, rising from ocean depths of over four hundred metres, lie the Rowley Shoals, three of the most pristine coral atolls on earth. This five-night voyage is devoted to exploring them, with just thirty guests aboard a boutique ship. You drift the outer walls where the reef falls away into the blue, snorkel crystalline lagoons among giant clams and resting turtles, and ride tidal currents past trevally, mackerel, reef sharks and manta rays. Protected and remote, the marine life here shows no fear, creating encounters found almost nowhere else. It is expedition snorkelling at its purest, in ocean aquariums few travellers ever reach.
Itinerary highlights
Snorkel three pristine, rarely-visited coral atolls 300 km off the Western Australian coast.
Drift the outer reef walls where coral plunges into the deep blue.
Explore crystalline lagoons of staghorn coral, giant clams and resting turtles.
Meet fearless marine life in a protected marine park, including reef sharks and manta rays.
Ride tidal channel drifts past schools of trevally and mackerel.
Travel with marine biologists aboard a boutique ship of about 30 guests.
Coral atolls at the edge of the Indian Ocean
Three hundred kilometres west of Broome, rising from ocean depths of over four hundred metres, lie the Rowley Shoals, three of the most pristine coral atolls on earth. This five-night voyage is devoted to exploring them, with just thirty guests aboard a boutique ship. You drift the outer walls where the reef falls away into the blue, snorkel crystalline lagoons among giant clams and resting turtles, and ride tidal currents past trevally, mackerel, reef sharks and manta rays. Protected and remote, the marine life here shows no fear, creating encounters found almost nowhere else. It is expedition snorkelling at its purest, in ocean aquariums few travellers ever reach.
Itinerary highlights
Snorkel three pristine, rarely-visited coral atolls 300 km off the Western Australian coast.
Drift the outer reef walls where coral plunges into the deep blue.
Explore crystalline lagoons of staghorn coral, giant clams and resting turtles.
Meet fearless marine life in a protected marine park, including reef sharks and manta rays.
Ride tidal channel drifts past schools of trevally and mackerel.
Travel with marine biologists aboard a boutique ship of about 30 guests.
What's Included
- 5 nights aboard a boutique expedition ship (about 30 guests) in an en-suite stateroom
- Guided snorkelling sessions with marine biologists
- Use of tenders to access reef and lagoon sites
- All meals aboard the ship
- Expedition briefings and marine-life talks
- Not included: flights, drinks (confirm), gratuities, scuba diving where offered, travel insurance
What's Included
- 5 nights aboard a boutique expedition ship (about 30 guests) in an en-suite stateroom
- Guided snorkelling sessions with marine biologists
- Use of tenders to access reef and lagoon sites
- All meals aboard the ship
- Expedition briefings and marine-life talks
- Not included: flights, drinks (confirm), gratuities, scuba diving where offered, travel insurance
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FAQs
They are three remote coral atolls, Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs, about 300 kilometres west of Broome in the Indian Ocean, reached by an overnight ocean passage.
It is primarily a snorkelling expedition, with guided sessions led by marine biologists. Scuba diving may be available as an optional extra on some departures; confirm at booking.
The atolls are pristine and largely protected, so fish and other creatures show little fear, and the coral walls drop into very deep water, creating world-class visibility and abundance.
Yes, you embark and disembark in Broome, so flights are simple. There are only a limited number of departures each year, timed to the best conditions.