Jelajahi Broome
Terletak 186 mil di lepas pantai Broome, Australia Barat, terdapat Taman Laut Rowley Shoals. Karena lokasinya yang terpencil di Broome, tempat ini merupakan rahasia penyelaman WA yang paling dijaga dengan kurang dari 200 orang yang menyelam di lokasi yang terpencil dan masih alami ini setiap tahun. Dengan sedikitnya orang yang mengunjungi taman laut ini, tiga atol terpisah yang dikelilingi perairan biru kehijauan ini memiliki kehidupan laut yang tidak terganggu, yang dikenal sebagai salah satu terumbu karang paling beraneka ragam di Australia Barat. Paus bungkuk, hiu martil, dan pari manta sering terlihat di area ini, yang menyenangkan setiap penyelam yang menyaksikan megafauna yang luar biasa.
Scuba diving di Broome tidak beroperasi dari pusat selam dan resor selam karena The Rowley Shoals Marine Park hanya dapat diakses dengan liveaboard di area tersebut, yang membutuhkan waktu 12 jam perjalanan ke taman laut. Garis pantai Broome memiliki pergerakan pasang surut yang besar dan tetap keruh dengan lumpur, sehingga menyelam di Broome hanya mungkin dilakukan di taman laut, dan menyelam di sana lebih dari sekadar menutupi kekurangan di tempat lain.
Top Broome Dive Sites
1. Mermaid Reef – Cod Hole
Home to massive potato cod, Maori wrasse, and schooling trevally, Cod Hole lies at the entrance of Mermaid Reef’s channel. With depths beyond 30m and frequent sightings of manta rays, this is best for advanced scuba divers. As part of the Mermaid Reef National Nature Reserve, it offers protected, pristine reef systems and vibrant coral walls.
2. Odyssey Alley (Mermaid Reef)
A dramatic dive into the blue, Odyssey Alley features giant gorgonian fans, reef sharks, and colorful reef fish. The steep drop-off into the deep ocean makes this site ideal for experienced divers. Expect scuba diving only with potential sightings of sailfish and pelagics in season.
3. Vee in the Wall (Mermaid Reef)
This site boasts a striking "V"-shaped canyon with walls covered in hard corals and small reef fish. Trevally and turtles frequent the area, and visibility is often excellent. Suitable for intermediate to advanced scuba divers. The site’s topography provides beautiful swim-throughs and reef views.
4. Clerke Reef – The Aquarium
A gentle, easy dive perfect for scuba and freediving, The Aquarium is rich with staghorn coral and thousands of reef fish in dazzling colors. Located in the calmer inner lagoon of Clerke Reef, it offers a relaxing break from more current-heavy dives nearby.
5. Jimmy Goes to China (Clerke Reef)
Named for its deep, wall-like drop-offs, this site lies at the confluence of strong oceanic currents. Expect pelagic action, including grey reef sharks, tuna, and trevally. For advanced divers, this is a thrilling drift and wall dive with excellent biodiversity and visibility.