It’s an underwater world so vivid, it feels unreal. Made up of a chain of three pristine coral atolls, Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef, and Imperieuse Reef, rising dramatically from the deep, 300 kilometres off the coast of Broome.
It’s a journey, not just a trip, and one of our recent guests, Dawn, shared her incredible experience aboard the Reef Prince.
It’s an underwater world so vivid, it feels unreal.
The water clarity is unreal.
The adventure begins with an overnight voyage aboard the Reef Prince, a comfortable and well-appointed home-away-from-home for your expedition.
Dawn described the twenty-hour sea journey as the passage into another world. And once you arrive, you understand why.
These isolated atolls form what can only be described as a giant, tropical aquarium in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
To experience this magic at its best, timing is key. The prime season for a Rowley Shoals expedition is between September and December, when the weather is calm and the underwater visibility is at its peak.
Dawn travelled in October and found the conditions spectacular, perfect seas, warm water, and marine life everywhere.
With access heavily restricted, only a few hundred travellers make it out here each year. This isolation and limited access preserve its untouched quality, a rare privilege in today’s world.
Perfect seas, warm water, and marine life everywhere.
It’s like swimming in a perfectly curated aquarium, but on a massive, wild scale.
Snorkelling and diving at Mermaid and Clerke Reefs is the heart of the experience. Dawn’s impression was unanimous: It’s like swimming in a perfectly curated aquarium, but on a massive, wild scale.
The sheer volume and diversity of life — from giant clams to curious octopus — makes the Rowley Shoals one of the richest, most pristine marine environments in Australia.
The rhythm of life on the Reef Prince is perfectly calibrated to maximise your time in the water and your relaxation on deck.
Days start early with a continental breakfast, followed by the first snorkel or dive at seven o’clock. After a morning tea, it’s back in the water. Delicious, satisfying meals punctuate the day — fresh salads for lunch and afternoon snacks, leading up to the evening’s delights.
The evenings are just as spectacular: Cocktails on deck as the sun dips below the horizon, followed by a hearty and delicious dinner.
The perfect fuel after a long day exploring the ocean.
The Reef Prince crew are friendly, fun, and genuinely passionate about the marine world.
An expedition is made memorable not just by the destination, but by the moments and the people you share it with. For Dawn, one morning stood out: Being surrounded by dozens of dolphins racing the bow, jumping and spinning through the waves.
The Reef Prince crew are the final ingredient in this perfect adventure — friendly, fun, and genuinely passionate about the marine world. They make every snorkel, every meal, and every interaction feel effortless.
The Rowley Shoals is a true privilege to experience — a place where you can genuinely disconnect, witness nature at its most pristine, and make memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for the ultimate remote Australian marine adventure, this is it.
Disconnect, witness nature at its most pristine, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Dawn is based in Cairns. Her experience in the industry comes from many years working with expedition cruise operators so she is well qualified to help her clients choose the trip that is right for them.
Expedition Partners (formerly Flower Travel) specialise in expedition style travel by small ship cruise and private rail journeys.
PH: 1300 654 861
Monday-Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
contact@expeditionpartners.com.au
