With steep drop-offs, speedy channel drifts and pristine coral, Western Australia's remote Rowley Shoals offer deep and unforgettable charter adventures
Into the deep a dive charter in Australia
22 January 2015By Kara Murphy
The coral reef in this area rivals that of the Great Barrier Reef Dreamstime
Typical marine life in Rowley Shoals Alamy
Inhabitants of these atolls include some 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish Dreamstime
Meanwhile, Great Escape's three tenders shuttle her 12 guests to nearby dive and snorkel sites, where we scout for giant potato cod, manta rays and turtles. We have the place to ourselves, and the inhabitants of these atollswhich include some 233 species of coral and 688 species of fishappear free to feed, frolic and grow with minimal human impact.
With so many activities on offer, Chef Mitch Alomes serves up spreads including soft poached eggs, tangy hollandaise sauce, crisp bacon, perfectly sectioned mangoes and applepear muffins for breakfast ensuring we keep our energy levels up.
After breakfast, we head out for our pre-dawn dive. After about 10 minutes, I turn my flashlight away from a resting pufferfish and notice a large school of trevally. Suddenly, a current sweeps me past the trevally, 15 feet away from the wall, and attempts to pull me farther into the deep. This is one of the dangers of diving this area it can have very strong currents.
I would say Rowley Shoals is probably best suited for more seasoned divers, preferably with advanced qualifications. Snorkellers and beginners are well catered for as well though, however, it's a long way to travel if you're not prepared to embrace the offerings fully. But if you're up for the challenge, the Rowley Shoals promises one of Australia's most exciting, beautiful and remote diving adventures.