Bare Rock (Dampier)

Meet the site

Bare Rock is described by the Marine Life Network as a limestone reef with massive coral outcrops, gutters and ledges along a drop-off at 15–20 m, visited by trevally, gropers, batfish, turtles and stingrays. It is one of the few Dampier sites without shallow water, so it suits Advanced divers.

Its exact position is not published; ask local operators.

About the Dampier Archipelago: the archipelago's 42 islands off Dampier and Karratha hold one of the most diverse marine environments in Western Australia, with more than 650 recorded fish species, coral reefs, sponge gardens and seagrass meadows — all set against red Pilbara rock and the world's largest concentration of Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga). It is heavily fished and boated by locals but lightly dived, and visiting divers usually go with Pilbara Dive and Tours or a local club. The combination of big tides, turbid inshore water and strong currents means the outer islands generally offer the best visibility and coral, and dive timing is planned around slack water.

Planning notes: Advanced Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated intermediate. Expect to spend most of the dive around 17 m, with a maximum of about 20 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Currents are significant, so timing around the tide is part of the plan. Best season: April–October (outside cyclone season; best visibility in cooler months). Traffic: moderate (occasional charters/club dives).

What you might see

Trevally, gropers, batfish, turtles, stingrays, massive corals

Location

Limestone reef with massive coral outcrops, gutters and ledges along a drop-off in the Dampier Archipelago, 15–20 m.

Facilities nearby

Dampier boat ramp and Withnell Bay ramp: parking, toilets at Dampier. Air fills, hire and cylinder testing at Pilbara Dive and Tours, Karratha.