

Best for beginner divers, 8-18m, boat entry, moderate current.
Roe Reef, located 1500 metres off Rottnest Island, is a boat-accessible site featuring a mix of reef and cave topography. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 8 to 18 metres, with visibility typically between 10 and 25 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions require careful assessment as currents can reach 2 knots and surge is common. Water temperatures fluctuate between 19C and 23C, with potential for thermoclines. Species recorded around this area include various wrasses, nudibranchs, rays, and butterflyfish. Due to the exposure to wind and swell, morning dives are recommended when conditions are calm.
-31.97917, 115.53333
Book a guided tour rather than a self-guided charter if you are newer to diving, as the moderate current can strengthen without much warning and a local guide will know the best slack-tide windows. Keep a sharp eye along sandy patches at the reef edges, which is where wobbegong sharks and leafy sea dragons tend to sit still and blend in.
Access is by charter boat from Hillarys, Fremantle, or directly from Rottnest Island.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8-18m
Visibility
10-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
19-23°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, nudibranchs, eagle rays, western blue devils, baldchin groper, star octopus, harlequin fish, smooth rays, long-nosed fur seals, threadfin butterflyfish, common stingrays, and speckled butterflyfish.
Yes, Roe Reef is considered beginner-friendly, though it is recommended that newer divers book a guided tour to navigate the moderate currents effectively.
The depth at this site ranges from 8 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 16 metres.
Roe Reef is a boat dive located 1500 metres from the shore; a boat is required to access the site.
Yes, Roe Reef is suitable for both diving and snorkelling activities.
The site can be visited throughout the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
Diving at Roe Reef in Rottnest Island requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Roe Reef in Rottnest Island. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Roe Reef in Rottnest Island. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C.
Expect moderate currents at Roe Reef in Rottnest Island. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Roe Reef in Rottnest Island typically ranges from 10 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.