Marine Life Network describes the Coral Patches, north-east of Pelsaert Island, as a good reef system with steep slopes in 2-17 m, covered in finger and plate corals with sergeant majors, wrasse and buffalo bream. It is a relaxed coral dive inside the Pelsaert Group, suited to all levels and to snorkellers on the shallow tops, and a contrast to the more demanding Pelsaert Drop-off and Half Moon Reef. It makes a good second dive after the Pelsaert Drop-off, when divers want a shallow, easy profile.

The coral here is in the path of the Leeuwin Current and includes species at or near their southern limit, a reminder of why the Abrolhos coral reefs are considered globally significant. Snorkellers can explore the reef tops at low tide, but should avoid standing on or touching coral.

The Houtman Abrolhos lie 60-80 km west of Geraldton (about 420 km north of Perth). There is no public accommodation or camping on the islands, so divers visit on liveaboard trips departing Geraldton (a 3-5 hour crossing), on private vessels using the public moorings, or – for snorkelling only – on scenic-flight day tours that land on East Wallabi Island. The Coral Patches lie north-east of Pelsaert Island in the Pelsaert Group; dive from an anchored liveaboard or tender.

The Abrolhos sit on the edge of the continental shelf in the path of the warm Leeuwin Current, which keeps water at 20-24°C and supports the world's southernmost major coral reefs. The islands are exposed to the south-west swell and to strong southerly winds that blow most afternoons from October to March; the crossing from Geraldton is often rough. Marine Life Network recommends March-May and September-November; late summer-autumn highs give the calmest seas.

Western rock lobster season (15 March-30 June) brings fishing camps and boat traffic. The patches are inside the Pelsaert Group lagoon and are more sheltered than the outer reef.

Descend the steep slope to 12-17 m, then zigzag up across the finger and plate corals to the reef top.

Liveaboard only for diving: Image Dive – 'Southern Image', the only dedicated dive boat at the Abrolhos (4 days/4 nights from Geraldton, max 8 divers, 3-4 dives a day); Eco Abrolhos Cruises – 5-day small-group cruises from Geraldton with snorkelling and diving; occasional Perth club charters. Batavia Coast Dive & Watersports (Geraldton) runs Abrolhos trips when boats are available.