Meet the site
The stretch between Gantheaume Point, with its red pindan cliffs and dinosaur footprints, and Riddell Point is described by the Marine Life Network as a popular snorkelling spot on patchy limestone reef around 10 m, with small reef fish, soft corals, sponges and anemones. Sea snakes are common.
It is the most accessible reef dive in Broome, but tides govern everything: plan for a neap high slack.
Diving around Broome: the town's waters are better known for pearling than recreational diving, and the Marine Life Network documents a handful of reef and rock sites off Gantheaume Point and Riddell Point and further offshore that local divers visit on neap tides. The limestone reefs are coated in soft corals, sponges and gorgonians rather than the hard coral of Ningaloo, and fish life is often dense because the sites are rarely dived. The ruling factors are tide and visibility: the same site can be clear on a neap slack and unusable on a spring tide. Saltwater crocodiles, large sharks and seasonal box jellyfish mean divers should plan conservatively, carry surface support and dive with someone who knows the area.
Planning notes: Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated intermediate. Expect to spend most of the dive around 6 m, with a maximum of about 10 m. It can be reached from shore or by boat depending on conditions. Currents are significant, so timing around the tide is part of the plan. Best season: May–September on neap tides. Traffic: rarely dived (private boat/club only).
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Gantheaume Point to Riddell Point Reef is recorded as Reef in Broome & Kimberley. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Gantheaume Point to Riddell Point Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Gantheaume Point to Riddell Point Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Small reef fish, soft corals, sponges, anemones, sea snakes
Location
Patchy limestone reef between Gantheaume Point and Riddell Point at the southern end of Cable Beach, Broome, about 10 m deep.
Facilities nearby
Entrance Point and Town Beach boat ramps; Broome town services.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.