7 DAY ROWLEY SHOALS CRUISE- A MARINE WONDERLAND AWAITS
Dive into our 7 Day Rowley Shoals Cruise!
Set sail on one of the most extraordinary Rowley Shoals cruises departing from Broome. Over seven unforgettable days, Kimberley Expeditions will take you deep into the heart of Western Australia’s most pristine marine park. Think vibrant coral gardens, rare marine species, and tranquil lagoons – all far from civilisation and crowds.
An Iconic Marine Adventure from Broome
This Rowley Shoals boat trip begins and ends in Broome. From here, the adventure begins as we journey 300km offshore to the famed Rowley Shoals – a trio of coral atolls rising dramatically from the depths of the Indian Ocean.
These formations – Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef, and Imperieuse Reef – are famed for their near-vertical walls, crystal-clear waters, and untouched marine ecosystems. Getting to the Rowley Shoals from Broome typically takes around 12 hours aboard our luxurious vessel, Reef Prince.
Rowley Shoals Diving and Snorkelling Paradise
Whether you’re an experienced diver or curious snorkeller, our Rowley Shoals diving and snorkelling experiences offer something exceptional. Explore a dazzling world of coral atolls and marine life through high-speed drifts, gentle lagoons, and vertical reef walls.
Drift snorkelling Rowley Shoals is one of the highlights – you’ll float effortlessly over colourful reefs teeming with life. Broome snorkelling doesn’t get more pristine than this.
Rowley Shoals Tours – Nature at Its Most Raw
Our Rowley Shoals tours include everything from cultural storytelling onboard to hands-on marine adventures. Expect up-close encounters with giant potato cod, maori wrasse, reef sharks, and schools of tuna and trevally. You might even hand-feed curious fish who’ve grown accustomed to friendly divers.
Our itineraries cater to all comfort and skill levels – perfect for divers, snorkellers, and adventurers alike. You’ll explore Mermaid Reef, Western Australia, the most protected of the three shoals, and witness the isolation and serenity that make Rowley Shoals truly unique.
Our Vessel – Comfort Aboard Reef Prince
Reef Prince is a custom-built 35-metre catamaran offering premium comfort and safety. Designed for quiet operation and shallow navigation, she brings you closer to secluded marine locations with ease. Onboard, guests enjoy air-conditioned cabins – from deluxe en-suited doubles to budget-friendly twin-share bunks – ideal for every type of traveller.
Relax on the open-air decks or unwind in one of several indoor lounges, including a reading room, alfresco deck, coffee bar, or the spacious dining area. Guests also have access to satellite communication, a DVD entertainment system, and a library.
From solo single travellers looking to connect to those seeking the ultimate in small boat Kimberley cruises, the Rowley Shoals boat trip experience caters to all. Our cruise also appeals to those after Kimberley’s tours for seniors, thanks to its balance of relaxation and gentle adventure.
A Cruise That Prioritises You
Our experienced crew ensures each Rowley Shoals cruise is safe, enriching, and unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying Broome tours Rowley Shoals, exploring Clerke Reef by snorkel, or simply relaxing under the stars, you’ll be looked after every step of the way.
If you’re looking to explore the various other wonders of Western Australia, witness the majestic King George Falls on selective Kimberley Expeditions itineraries.
When to Travel on a Rowley Shoals Cruise
The ideal time to embark on a Rowley Shoals tour is between April and November, when the marine conditions are at their best. This window also aligns with peak Kimberley cruise season, including other unique Kimberley luxury cruises.
Add This to Your Kimberley Bucket List
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of Australia’s last true marine frontiers. Whether you’re comparing it to a Kimberley cruise from Broome to Darwin, or weighing it up with our other cruises from Darwin – the Rowley Shoals are in a class of their own.
Spots for our 2026 expedition are limited – book early to secure your place on one of the most awe-inspiring Rowley Shoals tours available. Let Kimberley Expeditions introduce you to the dazzling underwater world of Mermaid Reef, Western Australia and beyond.
Our 2026 Rowley Shoals expedition is sure to be very popular so book early!
2026 bookings now open!
7 DAY ROWLEY SHOALS CRUISE EXPEDITION
$8,995 PP
EX BROOME TO BROOME
23rd to 29th September 2026
1st to 7th October 2026
9th to 15th October 2026
17th to 23rd October 2026
25th to 31st October 2026
PRICING FROM
Cabin Configuration
– All with Ensuites
$8,995 PP
Cabin Allocation – First in Best Dressed – Book early to secure the best cabins!
Based on Twin Share – SOLO Travellers Welcome
(Cruise Fare + 20% SOLO Sup)
Your safety is our biggest responsibility.
To ensure the only physical defect you take home is an uncontrollable grin, your captain will provide a detailed briefing on first arrival and set a few simple guidelines in place.
In the unlikely event of an accident or illness we have an emergency evacuation plan for the Rowleys. Please be aware that we will be many hours from a decompression chamber. The Rowleys are not the place for your deepest ever dive. All scuba divers must carry a safety sausage. We carry limited emergency oxygen on board.
7 DAY ROWLEY SHOALS CRUISE
EX BROOME/BROOME
Some of the locations we visit include:
- Rowley Shoals
- Clerke Reef
- The Aquarium
- Parrot’s Edge
- Coral Gardens
- Jimmy Goes to China
- Blue Lagoon
- Clerke Lagoon
- The Superman
- Clerke Wall
- Labyrinth
- Mermaid Atoll
- Northern Wall
- Cod Hole
- Broome
Excursions
MV Reef Prince carries several smaller expedition tenders which allow guests to choose from a wide variety of activities available such as bush walking, touring waterfalls and gorges, beach picnics and sunset drinks, fishing, mud crabbing, turtle spotting, and on our Rowley Shoals expeditions; scuba diving and beach walking.
Departure
Depart Broome – Day of Cruise Departure
All guests to make their own way to 7 Farrell Street, Broome for a briefing and to load dive gear at 12pm.
At 1pm a bus will then collect all guests and shuttle you to either the Port area or Gantheaume Beach depending on wind & weather conditions. Please wear shorts or pants you can roll up and slip off shoes, as we may be boarding via tenders from the beach.
Reef Prince departs Broome for Rowley Shoals at 2pm.
Disembarking
Arrive Broome – Day of Cruise Arrival
We arrive back into Broome on the last day at around 8am in the morning depending on wind and weather conditions. Guests disembark and are bused direct to the airport or local CBD accommodation. Once you have confirmed your accommodation in Broome (CBD only), please advise us so we can add your details to our transfer schedule.
We recommend guests fly after 4pm – 24 hours between diving and flying.
Reservations
If you require more information or wish to make a reservation please either book online or send a quick inquiry, we also have a free call number for further information 1300 874 707
To confirm your reservation we require a 20% non refundable deposit to secure your booking, a signed booking form and final payment is due 60 days prior to your cruise.
We accept cheques; cash, Master and Visa Card or you can direct debit the deposit into our account. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Reef Prince.
ITINERARY
After discussion on board with you – our guests, your experienced Cruise Director will consider the best tides and weather conditions to develop your cruise plan and provide for an unforgettable tailored expedition for you and your fellow explorers. The following itinerary is a guide. You certainly wont be disappointed.
Day 1: Welcome Aboard – Reef Prince
You are “welcomed aboard” the comfortable Reef Prince in the frontier pearling port of Broome.
Our chef will serve afternoon tea as we wave good bye to Broome around 2pm. It’s an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals.
Day 2 to 4: Clerke Reef
We arrive at Clerke Reef – the Rowleys’ middle atoll and enjoy a hearty breakfast before your first dive at “The Aquarium”. There’s plenty of time to explore diving country along the outer reef including “Parrot’s Edge” and “Coral Gardens”, with the possibility of seeing a sailfish or humpback whale display acrobatics in all their glory.
Each night as the sun starts to lower on the horizon we anchor up in the lagoon where you can enjoy a beach-comb along the deserted sand cay. A night dive is on the cards before dinner on one of the evenings, if you have the energy. Each perfect night at Clerke Lagoon, where the stars reflect in the glassy ocean, is followed by scrumptious breakfasts to your liking.
At different times you may be offered a quick troll along the outer reef.
Clerke Reef
As we gently cruise through the reef you will be offered “The Superman” dive. This is an exhilarating drift dive/ snorkel through Clerke Reef channel. Here you are suspended in turquoise shallows surrounded by delicate lace coral fronds of vivid pink, orange and yellow.
The final couple of dives on this day will be spent exploring many of the caves, crevices and alleyways that the outer reef has to offer. Anyone who feels like a bit of a troll is welcome to have a go.
Our final morning at Clarke Reef starts with an exhilarating channel drift, then perhaps revisit the amazing “Clerke Wall” or “Cupcakes”. That afternoon we visit the labyrinth; a maze of caves with teams of tropical fish.
Then it will be a short steam north east to Mermaid Reef. Enjoy the sea air and maybe a quick sun bake before your next dive. Enjoy your first taste of Mermaid Atoll with a dive on around the stunning “Vee in the Wall” and “The Wet Spot”.
Dinner will be served and if you can keep your eyes open long enough enjoy a DVD movie from the large selection or put on a slide show from your digital camera for your new friends.
Day 5 & 6:
Today we explore Mermaid Reef. You will be impressed by a stop at the world famous “Northern Wall”, reputedly one of the world’s top three dives. The sheer gradient to a depth of 80 metres, gigantic gorgonians, mesmerising colour, huge dog tooth tuna, green turtles and every imaginable tropical reef species is here!!!
Then we are off to the unforgettable “Cod Hole” where you will come face to face with giant potato cod that are extremely friendly (so don’t forget the camera).
Let’s start the morning with an exhilarating channel drift, then perhaps revisit the amazing Mermaid Wall and or Cod Hole. As the diving expedition is drawing to an end we bid farewell to the breathtaking Rowley Shoals at about 3pm and settle in for the overnight steam back to Broome.
Day 7:
Arrive back at Broome around 8.30am and unload all the gear. It is time to say goodbye until we catch up with you again at the Rowleys, Abrolhos, Montebellos or in the Kimberley.
To undertake some of the shore-based excursions you will need to have a moderate level of fitness. You are however, quite welcome to enjoy the views from the vessel without going ashore. It’s your cruise so you can do as little or as much as you would like.
PACKING LIST
When packing for your Kimberley cruise we recommend that all passengers pack lightly. Laundry facilities are available on-board free of charge. You do have room to store suitcases either under your beds or in the cupboards provided in each cabin.
The Kimberley is a semi-tropical region experiencing warm, balmy days with minimal rainfall and cool, starry nights during our cruise season.
We do require you to bring your own private toiletries which include:
- Personal toiletries/hygiene items (we provide hair-dryers)
- Prescription medication
- Vitamins
- Motion sickness preventative
- Chapstick
- Sun protection (sunscreen is provided on-board)
- Insect repellent (Repellent spray is provided on-board)
- T-shirts/Blouses – Short-sleeved, quick-drying and sun protected
- Long-sleeved Shirts – Quick drying, sun-protected and breathable (Can be purchased on-board)
- Jumper/Jacket- Suitable for cooler nights
- Shorts – Loose, quick-drying and comfortable
- Pants – Long, light-weight and comfortable.
- Sleep wear, undergarments and socks
- Bathing suits for swimmers
- Enclosed walking shoes (sneakers or similar with good ankle support for bush walking) .
- Shoes/Sandals (for on board and scenic excursions)
We also recommend you bring another pair of shoes that you do not mind getting wet as we regularly have wet landings
- Reef shoes or equivalent with good ankle support – a pair of redundant joggers are a cheaper option .
- Sports towel (quick drying and light weight)
- Sarong
- Wide-brim hat (available for purchase on-board)
- Polarised sunglasses
INCLUDED
Included in your cruise fare are:
- Accommodations as booked on board
- All meals on board
- Facilities, port & handling charges,
- Excursions and tender transfers.
- Govt. Fees & Taxes.
- Whilst on the vessel all your catering, ice, tanks, weight belts and air fills.
EXCLUDED
Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to:
- Travel and medical insurance
- Emergency evacuation
- Shopping on board
- Bar expenses
- Transfers from Hotels outside of Broome
- Single fare guests who do not wish to share with a same sex passenger.
- Medical treatment
- Telephone and internet charges.
- You will need to bring your own dive & snorkel equipment.
Come on, this 6 day Rowley Shoals cruise is just what you need!
ABOUT US
Kimberley Expeditions can offer you a Kimberley expedition cruise of a lifetime!
Join us aboard MV Reef Prince in our air conditioned, catamaran with a choice of en-suited cabins. Our vessel Reef Prince is designed specifically for the Northern Australian and Kimberley coast!
SEND US A MESSAGE
CONTACT US
FREE CALL:
1300 874 707
EMAIL:
info@kimberleyexpeditions.com.au
ADDRESS:
7 Farrell Street, Broome, WA
POSTAL ADDRESS:
PO BOX 4006
Mataranka, NT, 0852