

Fish Hook Bay offers a gentle introduction to reef diving in Western Australia, with easy shallow waters reaching just 10 metres and visibility that can stretch to 20 metres on a good day. The reef supports coral gardens alongside a varied cast of marine life, including western blue devils, king wrasse, buffalo bream, and several ray species such as smooth, black, fiddler, and eagle rays. Sea stars, sea cucumbers, and nudibranchs are worth seeking out along the bottom, and dolphins occasionally pass through. Current is typically mild, making it manageable for newer divers. Watch for boat traffic and occasional surge near the reef.
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Visibility tends to be at its best during calmer weather, so check conditions before heading out and ask locally about any active boat traffic in the bay before entering the water.
The site is on the remote western end of Rottnest Island. Access is by private boat or a chartered tour, typically departing from Thomson Bay.
General boating traffic is present around the island. During moderate swell, seas may break in depths of around 6m. While not a common threat, visitors should be aware of sharks in Australian waters.
Depth
1-10m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
22-28°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Mar, Apr, Apr, May, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Nov, Dec
Fish Hook Bay on Rottnest Island, Western Australia requires boat access as there is no shore entry available. The site is located off the coast of Rottnest Island near the Western Australian mainland. No facilities are available at the site, so visitors must arrive fully prepared with their own equipment and supplies.
Fish Hook Bay supports diverse marine life including tropical fish, coral formations, sea stars, sea cucumbers and nudibranchs. Larger species regularly spotted include buffalo bream, western blue devils and king wrasse. The shallow depths of 1 to 10 metres make these species easily observable for snorkellers.
Fish Hook Bay is classified as a beginner-level snorkelling site with shallow depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres. However, snorkellers should be aware of mild currents, occasional surge conditions and boat traffic in the area. An Open Water certification is recommended despite the beginner designation due to these environmental factors.
Water temperatures at Fish Hook Bay range from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The warmest conditions occur during the Australian summer months, whilst winter temperatures drop to around 16 degrees Celsius. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort during cooler months.
The best months for snorkelling Fish Hook Bay are February through June and September through December. These periods offer the most favourable combination of water temperature, visibility and sea conditions. Visibility at the site ranges from 0 to 20 metres depending on weather and seasonal factors.
Fish Hook Bay presents three primary hazards: boat traffic due to the boat-only access, surge conditions that can push snorkellers around, and the presence of sharks in Western Australian waters. Snorkellers should maintain awareness of vessel movements, avoid snorkelling in rough conditions, and follow standard shark safety protocols for the region.
There is no entry fee to snorkel at Fish Hook Bay itself. However, visitors must arrange their own boat transport to reach the site from Rottnest Island or the mainland. Standard Rottnest Island landing fees may apply when visiting the island.
Diving at Fish Hook Bay in Rottnest Island requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Fish Hook Bay in Rottnest Island. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C.
Fish Hook Bay in Rottnest Island has depths ranging from 1 metres to 10 metres.
Fish Hook Bay in Rottnest Island offers snorkelling with a rating of 1 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 1 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.
A typical dive at Fish Hook Bay in Rottnest Island lasts approximately 45 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.