Pulu Mariah (also spelled Pulu Maraya) is a tiny, uninhabited sand cay at the southern end of West Island's lagoon, accessible by a reef walk from Scout Park at low to mid tide. This shallow drift-snorkel paradise (1–2 m depth) lets you float around the island on a gentle current, passing over coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, baby reef sharks, rays, and the occasional green turtle. Each lap reveals something new — schools of fish hiding under overhangs, curious reef sharks cruising in ankle-deep water, and eels being chased by trevally. It's like swimming in an aquarium in one of Australia's most remote and pristine marine settings.
Pulu Mariah
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 12 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Tide-dependent reef crossing
A reef walk across the channel to Pulu Maraya is only possible at low to mid tide. At high tide the water is too deep to wade safely.
Moderate risk: Sharp coral/rock on reef crossing
The reef walk across from Scout Park involves sharp coral rubble and rock — reef shoes are essential to avoid cuts.
Low risk: Drift current around Pulu Maraya
A current flows around Pulu Maraya Island, which can carry swimmers away from the shore if not anticipated.
Low risk: Sharp coral/rock underfoot
Sharp coral and rocky substrate on the walk across to Pulu Maraya. Reef shoes are essential.
Low risk: Extreme shallow water at low tide
At low tide the water around the island becomes extremely shallow (30 cm or less in parts), making snorkeling difficult and increasing the risk of scraping against coral.
Low risk: Drift current around the island
A gentle but persistent current flows around the island, which can carry swimmers away from their entry point if they are not paying attention.
Low risk: Tide-dependent access
Tides control access entirely; the crossing is only possible at low to mid tide, and at high tide the route may be too deep or the current too strong.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From West Island's main settlement, head 4.5 km south to Scout Park. At low to mid tide, walk or swim across the shallow channel from Scout Park beach to Pulu Maraya (also spelled Pulu Mariah/Pulu Maraya). The crossing is waist-deep at mid tide. Alternatively, join a motorised canoe tour that drops you directly at the island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Scout Park on West Island, about 4.5 km from the main settlement.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
Free for shore entry. Snorkel gear hire available from the Visitor Centre (cash deposit required). Motorised canoe tours charge a 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