Roe Reef is a spectacular limestone reef system located 4.6 km east of Rottnest Island in the channel between the island and the Western Australian mainland. Known for its intricate swim-throughs, caverns, and ledges, the reef offers incredible underwater topography with depths from 10–22 metres. Schools of western blue groper, dhufish, samson fish, and buffalo bream patrol the structure, while western rock lobsters, wobbegong sharks, octopus, cuttlefish, and Port Jackson sharks hide beneath ledges and in crevices. The warming Leeuwin Current nurtures sponge gardens, gorgonian fans, and soft coral cover, making this one of the Perth region's most popular and productive snorkel and dive sites.
Roe Reef
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.5 knPrecipitation 1.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Exposure to wind and swell
The reef is exposed to wind, swell, and surge from the Southern Ocean. Only safe to snorkel in calm conditions with minimal swell.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep around the reef structure, particularly during outgoing tides.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The reef is accessed by charter boat; surface marker buoy essential to stay visible to vessels.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can run strongly through the channel between Rottnest and the mainland.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures range from 16–18°C in winter to around 22°C in summer, posing cold-water risk without proper wetsuit protection.
Low risk: Swell and surge
Exposed channel location can experience significant swell and surge, especially in rough weather.
Low risk: Depth variation
Drop-offs from 10 m to 22 m require good buoyancy control; deeper sections are for experienced snorkelers/divers only.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Roe Reef is a boat-access-only site located 4.6 km east of Rottnest Island. Charter boats depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour, Fremantle, or directly from Rottnest Island (Thompson Bay). Trips typically take 20–40 minutes from Rottnest or 45–60 minutes from the mainland.
Parking & facilities
Park at Hillarys Boat Harbour (paid parking) or at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (paid parking) if joining a charter. No parking at the reef itself.
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Charter fees vary by operator; expect $60–$120 per person for a guided snorkel/dive trip including gear.
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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