Best for intermediate divers, 0-500m, boat entry, mild current.
Ashmore Reef is a remote offshore marine site in Australia featuring a mix of reef and seagrass habitats. The topography includes hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges, with depths ranging from 1 to 500 metres, averaging 39 metres. Access is by boat only, and the site is suited for intermediate divers due to oceanic currents that vary seasonally. Visibility typically ranges between 20 and 40 metres. Divers should be aware of the remote location, which is far from emergency services, and the presence of seasonal currents. The site is generally not recommended for snorkelling.
-12.24170, 123.04170
Plan your dives around slack water to manage the stronger current phases, and check conditions locally before committing to a dive plan. The best months run from May through to November when conditions tend to be more settled.
Access is by liveaboard or private vessel only. The reef is extremely remote, located approximately 630 kilometres north of Broome. Most of the marine park is a Sanctuary Zone requiring a permit for entry; a small Recreational Use Zone is available for visitors.
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
Up to 500m
Visibility
20-40m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-28°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
70 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
No nearby dive sites found within 50km.
The site features habitats including hard corals, soft corals, sea fans, sponges, and seagrass beds.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to the remote location, open ocean conditions, and variable oceanic currents.
Depths at the site range from 0 to 500 metres, with an average depth of 39 metres.
Snorkelling is not recommended at Ashmore Reef, with a rating of 1 out of 5.
The best months to visit are from May through to November, when conditions are generally more settled.
Access to Ashmore Reef is by boat only, as it is located 630 kilometres from the shore.
Diving at Ashmore Reef in Islands requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Ashmore Reef in Islands. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C.
Divers at Ashmore Reef in Islands should be aware of crocodiles, jellyfish, lionfish, stonefish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Ashmore Reef in Islands typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Ashmore Reef in Islands typically ranges from 20 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.
