Rowley Shoals Cruise 2023 & 2024

Your TRUE NORTH Luxurious cruise commences in the frontier pearling port of Broome. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1800. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals.

(Please note that the TRUE NORTH visits the Rowley Shoals only during the months of September, October and November. These months are normally associated with “the doldrums” – a period of light winds and calm seas. In addition, the TRUE NORTH is fitted with computer controlled motion stabilisers that minimise vessel movement. Guests can therefore anticipate comfortable conditions when travelling to the Shoals – however observing the normal precautions associated with the prevention of seasickness is always recommended.)

Arrive early at Clerke Reef and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before heading-out with our experienced crew to explore the atoll's huge lagoon. You will marvel at pristine reefs teaming with life – clouds of fish and corals of every imaginable shape and colour. There will be opportunities for diving on the outer reef, relaxed snorkelling in tropical waist deep water, beach combing on Bedwell Island, or perhaps some “catch and release” lagoon fishing using eco-friendly tackle. Our experienced crew will be on-hand to personally introduce the delights of this remarkable coral atoll.

When you’re not on excursion, relax onboard TRUE NORTH and enjoy our renowned cuisine in air-conditioned comfort. The licensed open-air bar will definitely be the spot to witness your first ‘Rowley’s Sunset’.

Start the day with a visit to the Aquarium. Forget the Great Barrier Reef – this is world-class snorkelling at its very best! Even if you have never put your head under water before – this is an absolute must. The water is only waist deep however the experience is literally ‘out of this world’! More brilliantly coloured corals, giant clams and more than 600 of the world’s most beautiful tropical fish species at your fingertips! Don’t forget your underwater camera.

In the afternoon we’ll ‘crank up the action’ with something very unique – high-speed snorkel drifts through the outer reef! Again, our experienced crew members will be on hand to ensure that everyone gets to try this once-in-a-lifetime experience – as many times as you like! See Maori wrasse, potato cod, reef sharks, trevally and other large species up-close.

Our anchorage tonight is in the “swimming pool like” waters of Clerke Lagoon – 300 kilometres off the coast of Australia!

Perhaps an early morning swim and breakfast on the deck before the adventure boats set off to explore the outer reef. Snorkelling on the outer reef of a coral atoll is a totally different experience – sheer coral walls teeming with life will take your breath away. The fishing boats will troll the deep blue in search of pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel, giant dog tooth tuna, wahoo and of course the fastest fish in the sea - the prized sailfish! Close encounters with humpback whales and manta rays are also on the agenda. Finish the day with sunset drinks on the beach and one of our famous Island Parties. Then it’s back to the ultimate comfort of your TRUE NORTH cabin and, another perfect night in Clerke Lagoon – 360° stars reflected in a glassy ocean.

By now you will be addicted to snorkelling and diving amongst the untouched corals of Clerke Reef and, your wish is our command. Spend the day exploring the outer reef, or perhaps discover ‘The Maze’ – a labyrinth of coral bombies inside the lagoon. Stroll along your very own sand cay, enjoy a swim at the beach or relax in the shade of one of our colourful umbrellas. Take a stand-up board for a paddle or circumnavigate the island in one of our twin kayaks. The dedicated fishers will be out again – one last chance to win the ‘Fish Hat’!

Then all too soon it’s time for our overnight steam to Broome. Join the crew in the bar lounge and reflect on our shared adventures. Re-live what is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime as the Rowley Shoals melt into a blazing western sky.