Meet the site
The Manfred was a barque wrecked on the Lacepede Islands in 1879, during the era when the islands were mined for guano (1876–1884). The Marine Life Network and divingwawrecks both highlight it as the notable wreck of the Lacepedes: it is visible at low tide and accessible by snorkel. Cyclones have battered the site, and other pearl luggers lost in the area have not been found.
Kimberley diving context: the Kimberley coast between Broome and Wyndham is one of the least-dived coastlines in Australia. Huge tides (up to 10–11 m), turbid inshore water, saltwater crocodiles around the islands and rivers, and large sharks mean that inshore diving is generally discouraged by experienced local boaters, and expedition cruise ships mostly offer snorkelling or Zodiac excursions rather than scuba. The serious diving is offshore, on atolls and island reefs far from river run-off, visited on a handful of liveaboard departures a year from Broome or Darwin. Medical help is many hours away; divers should be conservative and carry DAN or equivalent evacuation cover.
Planning notes: this is primarily a snorkelling site. Expect to spend most of the dive around 2 m, with a maximum of about 4 m. It can only be reached on a multi-day expedition or liveaboard, so it is usually one of several sites dived on the trip and choices are made by the crew on the day. Currents are significant, so timing around the tide is part of the plan. Best season: September–November (calmest window). Traffic: remote/expedition 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.
Manfred Wreck (Lacepede Islands) is recorded as Wreck in Broome & Kimberley. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Manfred Wreck (Lacepede Islands) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Manfred Wreck (Lacepede Islands) 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
Reef fish on wreckage, turtles
Location
Remains of the barque Manfred (1879) on the Lacepede Islands reef, visible at low tide and accessible by snorkel.
Facilities nearby
None – remote; all services on the vessel.
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.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.