8 Day Rowley Shoals – Odyssey Expeditions

from $4,990 per person twin share

Located 300kms from the nearest land the Rowley Shoals are a chain of coral atolls that rise nearly vertically from approximately 440 metres deep on the edge of one of the widest continental shelves in the world. Rising from the deep blue of the Indian Ocean each of the three coral atolls covers around 90sq km and features a diverse array of snorkelling and diving environments with exceptional visibility.

The Rowley Shoals are amongst the few reefs in the world that are affected by a huge tidal range. The dramatic five metre tides pour massive volumes of water in and out of the coral framework and have created unearthly and enchanting coral landscapes. The Rowley Shoals is home to an amazing 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish including many that are not found on near shore coral reefs.

Less than 400 people a year are privileged to experience the swimming pool like conditions of the Rowley Shoals Marine Park. Be one of the few to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Rowley Shoals as you dive crystal clear lagoons, shear vertical walls and drift dive through deep, clear canyons amongst turtles, sharks and the many species of marine life that inhabit this unique and remote area.

Rowley shoals is a remote location. A recognised open water certification is required to dive a the Rowley Shoals. Odyssey Expeditions recommends, for your safety, that all divers have maintained their dive skills on a regular basis and have logged 20+ dives.

What’s included when you choose a 8 day Rowley Shoals adventure Odyssey Expeditions?

8 days on board Odyssey with all meals included. Our onboard chef will provide you with fresh, wholesome gourmet delights daily. If you have any dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to accommodate your requirements. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a range of soft drinks and snacks are complimentary and are conveniently available at your leisure. In your room linen is provided so no need to fill up your luggage with extra blankets we have plenty on board. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin.

Accommodation, A deluxe or classic style cabin with each cabin fully equipped with all linen, ample storage, a bar fridge, 240 volt power and hair dryer.
All meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas are all freshly prepared by our on board chef. Dietary requirements are catered for just let us know when booking.
Beverages, complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a range of soft drinks and juices are available at all times. Alcoholic beverages are available from the bar, all very reasonably priced.
Air Fills are provided by our 21cfm compressor. All fills are free whilst aboard the Odyssey.
Belts and Weights are provided by Odyssey or you can bring your own if you choose.
Fishing is very restricted at the Rowley Shoals Marine Park; there is an abundance of fish in the waters however fishing is only allowed at Clerke Reef where we will stay for approximately 4 nights. MV Odyssey is well equipped with Shimano and Penn fishing equipment to help with your catch or if your prefer bring you own favourite rod and tackle. Our experienced crew will take you out in one of our 3 tender vessels equipped with fishing gear and tackle and help you as much as you require.
Whilst all our guest are invited to fish, Odyssey Expeditions has a catch and eat or release licence, if you catch it our chef will scale it, clean it and make a mouth watering feast of it, but no one can take fish home, just a photo, a permanent reminder of your catch.
Fishing is prohibited at Mermaid Reef.
On-Board Entertainment, MV Odyssey is equipped with state of the art viewing and surround sound SONOS system. Two large plasma and LCD screens will keep you informed and entertained. Our DVD and CD library offers a large range of music, movies and documentaries for you to choose from.
First aid / Medical, All the crew of Odyssey hold a current senior first aid certificate and will assist you if a medical emergency should arise. As well as a general first aid kit MV Odyssey is also equipped with a Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) Medical Chest; the chest contains a range of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical items which enables emergency and non emergency treatment to be given. The consultation and support of the Royal Flying Doctors Service is available to Odyssey 24 hours a day via satellite phone.

Broome – Rowley Shoals

Day: 1

Meet at Odyssey Expeditions depot in Broome @ 9.00 am. Our dive master will be there to greet you and your check dive certifications. We will transfer you and your luggage to the vessel, please make sure that you have all your equipment. Cold beverage and a light lunch will be served shortly after leaving Broome and then it's an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals.

Day: 2

We arrive at Clerke Reef, one of three atolls approximately 300 km north-west off the coast of Broome. On approach to the atoll, we will gather on the bow to view the spectacular reef emerge as we cruise through the channel into the lagoon. Following a dive/snorkel briefing you will be assigned your buddy pairs and be ready for the first dive/snorkel of the day, an introduction dive inside the atoll, "The Aquarium". After lunch, we will head outside the atoll where the water is deeper.

Day: 3

Into Homer at 6.30 am for a 7.00 am dive/snorkel at Clerke Wall before tucking into a hearty cooked breakfast. After a short break, its off to another of the many dive/snorkel sites, so much to see; schools of Hump Headed Wrasse, Parrot Fish, Pelagic species, game fish like Trevally, Tuna, Wahoo not to forget the amazing colourful reef. Our next dive/snorkel is after lunch exploring some of the many caves and crevices of Clerke Reef. Late afternoon or evening dive/snorkel depending on conditions at Eel Creek.

Day: 4

Clerke Gutters will be our first dive/snorkel of the day before a mid-morning roller coaster ride through the channel. After a surface break, it is back into Homer to head for the north tip of Clerke Reef for an afternoon dive/snorkel at Blue Lagoon.

Day: 5

After our first dive/snorkel we take a last look at Bedwell Island before we head off to Mermaid Reef, 20 miles to our North. We cruise through the western face of Mermaid Atoll before entering the inner reef. Our first dive/snorkel "V in the Wall", a huge chunk of reef that has broken of the main atoll in the shape of a V. Mermaid Channel dive/snorkel is next.

Day: 6

Mermaid Wall rising from a depth of 400 meters is a sheer wall alive with corals and fish. Dolphins, manta rays and turtles are frequently spotted in this area. Coral Gardens is our second dive/snorkel. Labyrinths is next and to finish of this amazing day we will drift dive/snorkel the channel.

Day: 7

Back to spectacular Mermaid Wall this morning followed by a visit to the Cod Hole for a farewell dive with the curious Potato Cod. These two dive/snorkel spots are ones that nobody could ever get enough of. Mermaid Caves will be our afternoon dive/snorkel around 1.30 pm and then it is time to store our gear and depart Mermaid Reef for an overnight cruise back to Broome.

Day: 8

Cruising over night this day has come all to soon we arrive back to the Port of Broome at approximately 9:00 am. After breakfast your courtesy bus will transfer to your Broome accommodation or airport.

What to Bring?

Pack simply and lightly for your adventure with Odyssey, in soft bags please for easy storage. Comfortable, casual clothing such as shorts, with cotton tops are the best for day time, with jeans and a light jumper at night, when it can be cool. Shirts with long sleeves will protect you from sunburn and light colours are cooler in the sun. Simple reef or wet suit shoes are great for trips ashore.

The following packing list may be helpful

Sun hat / sunscreen.
Personal toiletries (we supply sunscreen, body wash, insect repellent, tissues & hairdryers)
Water bottle with large opening for ice
Camera with plenty of memory, all cabins have 240v outlet for recharging.
Beach towel and bathers
Dive and snorkelling gear (tanks 80c/11.1 litre, weights & weight belts are supplied).
Skin suit or wet suit (3mm recommended) – water temperature is around 25^oC
Spare parts kit that should include glow sticks, safety sausage and dive touch.
Dive log and Dive certification
Dive torch and spare batteries
Light summer clothing (typically around 30 degrees during the day and less than 20 during the night)
Warm clothing as the mornings/evenings can be cool, long pants and a jumper are suggested
Prescription drugs or vitamins, each cabin has a personal bar fridge for storing medication.
Motion sickness preventative
Fishing gear is provided on the vessel, however, keen fishermen & women might want to bring their own lures or they are available for purchase on board Odyssey.