Minstrel Shoal, also known as Clerke Reef, is the middle atoll of the remote Rowley Shoals Marine Park, 260 km west of Broome, WA. This pristine pear-shaped coral atoll rises steeply from the ocean floor (390 m depth) and features shallow crystal-clear lagoons filled with untouched coral gardens. With over 200 species of hard coral and 600 species of fish, it offers some of the most pristine snorkelling on the planet — giant clams, sea turtles, and colourful tropical fish are abundant in the warm, calm lagoon waters. The atoll's isolation has preserved its ecosystem in near-pristine condition, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurous snorkellers.
Minstrel Shoal (Clerke Reef)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 7.7 sWind Speed 5.5 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© MacleariteThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Remote location
The reef is 260 km (~12 hours by boat) from Broome; no immediate medical facilities or emergency services nearby.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Drift snorkelling through channels at Clerke Reef can involve powerful tidal flows between the lagoon and open ocean.
Low risk: Sharp coral
Extensive coral gardens with sharp branching and table corals that can cause cuts and abrasions if touched.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in tropical waters; protective clothing recommended.
Low risk: Exposed drying boulders
Several boulders that fall dry on the eastern and western sides of the reef pose a navigation hazard for boats.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Minstrel Shoal is located approximately 260 km west of Broome, WA. Access is exclusively by liveaboard charter or expedition cruise from Broome. Boat journeys take roughly 12 hours. Operators include Kimberley Expeditions, Ocean Dream Charters, and Summerstar Cruises. Best season is September to December.
Parking & facilities
No parking available — spot is accessed via boat charter from Broome. Park at the Broome departure marina (parking available at Broome port facilities).
toilets
Access is via paid liveaboard charter or expedition cruise. Prices vary by operator and trip duration (typically 3–7 days). No single-day entry fee.
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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