Boy in a Boat Reef is a beloved limestone reef system just off Hillarys Boat Harbour on Perth's Sunset Coast. Named after a submerged boat-shaped rock formation, this reef features extensive low-relief limestone with a labyrinth of nooks, crannies, crevices, and small swim-throughs that shelter an incredible diversity of marine life. Accessible as a shore dive from the beach south of the harbour, the reef drops gradually and rewards snorkelers with the feel of entering their own private aquarium. The site is popular with both divers and snorkelers for its proximity to Perth, easy entry, and consistently good visibility in calm conditions.
Boy in a Boat Reef
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 1.7 knPrecipitation 1.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The reef is near Hillarys Boat Harbour entrance, with boat traffic in the area. Snorkelers should remain vigilant and use a dive flag.
Moderate risk: Distance from shore
A 60–75 metre swim from the rock wall in open water; not recommended for weak swimmers or beginners.
Low risk: Challenging exit
The beach exit can be challenging at low tide over limestone rocks and reef, requiring care to avoid cuts and scrapes.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility can vary significantly with swell, wind, and tidal conditions, occasionally dropping to low levels after storms or strong southerly winds.
Low risk: Rock wall access
Entry requires climbing over the limestone rock wall / groyne, which can be slippery and sharp underfoot.
Low risk: Strong currents
Ocean currents can pick up, especially on windy days or tidal changes; best visited on calm, low-wind days.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Boy in a Boat Reef is located off the coast near Hillarys Boat Harbour, about 30 minutes north of Perth CBD. It's a popular shore dive accessed from the beach south of the harbour.
Parking & facilities
Park at Hillarys Boat Harbour carpark, then walk south along the beach to the reef.
parkingtoiletsshowers
None for beach access; parking fees may apply at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports