For the serious diver, certain destinations represent more than a trip, they are an expedition into some of the planet's last pristine marine wildernesses. The Rowley Shoals, rising from the abyssal plain 300 km off the coast of Western Australia, is one such place. Reaching these isolated atolls requires a capable vessel and an experienced crew, which is precisely what the Odyssey liveaboard provides. This purpose-built 24m catamaran is not merely transport; it is your mobile base camp for exploring the untouched coral citadels of Imperieuse, Clerke, and Mermaid Reefs.

Odyssey Expeditions operates with a clear philosophy: to facilitate access to remote ecosystems with a focus on safety, environmental respect, and genuine adventure. Their knowledge of the Rowley Shoals, built over years of operation during the limited October season, is integral to the experience. Spaces on these 6-night liveaboard trips are notoriously limited and highly sought after by a global community of divers, making advance planning not just advisable, but essential.

The Odyssey liveaboard is engineered for stability and comfort in open ocean conditions, offering a smooth passage to the Shoals. Its catamaran hull provides generous space for 20 guests, avoiding the cramped feeling of smaller vessels. Between dives, guests can unwind in the air-conditioned lounge and dining area, complete with entertainment systems for photo sharing, or seek out sun and sea breezes on one of the multiple open decks. Dining is a social highlight, with meals created from fresh provisions served either indoors or al fresco on the upper deck, often accompanied by panoramic ocean views.

Accommodation is offered in a selection of Deluxe double/twin or Classic twin cabins. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with essentials like hairdryers and personal refrigerators, providing a comfortable, private retreat after days filled with scuba diving.

Diving the remote Rowley Shoals is an expedition to vertical wilderness, where 3 coral atolls rise from more than 440m depth to create sheer walls draped in pristine soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges, with visibility often surpassing 40m. Each atoll offers distinct character: Mermaid Reef's protected coral gardens and fish-filled sites contrast with the dramatic walls and channel drifts of Imperieuse and Clerke Reefs, where tidal currents can attract larger pelagic life. The adventure promises vibrant, healthy coral ecosystems with fish schools and resident species like potato cod, while encounters with mantas, sharks, or dolphins remain a possibility in this truly wild, offshore environment.

To maintain its focus on remote operations, the Odyssey liveaboard follows an expedition-style protocol. Guests are required to bring their full personal diving kit, including dive computer, safety sausage (DSMB), and torch. The vessel supplies tanks, weights, and weight belts only. The crew, comprising knowledgeable guides and seasoned mariners, provides comprehensive briefings and leads dives with an emphasis on safe, low-impact exploration.

With only a handful of scheduled departures each year, berths on the Odyssey liveaboard are a scarce commodity. To secure your place on this unique expedition to the Rowley Shoals, we recommend contacting our specialist dive travel consultants well in advance to discuss availability and ensure you are fully prepared for this extraordinary adventure.