Rosemary Island

Meet the site

Rosemary Island is one of the largest outer islands of the archipelago, with multiple reef types and sandy bays that provide sheltered anchorages. The Marine Life Network lists depths of 8–15 m with reef fish, colourful corals and invertebrates.

Its size means a lee shore is usually available, and the island is a turtle-nesting site. The sheltered bays make it a practical destination for a day's diving and snorkelling.

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: Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated intermediate. Expect to spend most of the dive around 12 m, with a maximum of about 15 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

Reef fish, hard and soft corals, invertebrates, turtles

Location

Large outer island in the Dampier Archipelago with several reef types and sheltered sandy bays, 8–15 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.