Blue Lagoon, Clerke Reef

The Blue Lagoon is a spectacular dive site located within Clerke Reef, one of the three remote coral atolls that make up the Rowley Shoals Marine Park in Western Australia. Situated about 260-300 kilometers west of Broome, the Rowley Shoals are renowned for their pristine, untouched coral gardens, incredible marine biodiversity, and exceptionally clear waters. Blue Lagoon itself is characterized by multiple shallow lagoons, typically with white coral-rubble floors at depths of 8-12 meters, enclosed by sheer walls of vibrant coral. This makes it a fantastic site for both divers and snorkelers, and it's often used as an initial dive on liveaboard trips, allowing visitors to acclimatize to their gear and the unique environment. The conditions are generally calm and warm, with water temperatures around 27-28°C and visibility often exceeding 30-50 meters, sometimes even reaching 60+ meters on perfect days. The marine life at Blue Lagoon and across Clerke Reef is incredibly abundant and diverse. Divers can expect to encounter a thriving ecosystem, including a profusion of colorful tropical fish like anemonefish and large schools of trevally. White-tip reef sharks are also frequently sighted. The broader Rowley Shoals are home to over 200 species of coral and 700 species of fish, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, various types of sharks, turtles, and pelagic species like tuna and mackerel. The isolation of the Rowley Shoals, combined with their unique position on the edge of the continental shelf and the influence of deep, nutrient-rich currents, contributes to their exceptional health and the vibrant marine life found within sites like the Blue Lagoon.