External Territories · 1 sites
Ashmore Reef dive sites
Ashmore Reef is a marine park 320 km off the Kimberley coast, closer to Indonesia than to any Australian town, with seagrass, sand cays and a reef that supports dugongs, turtles and one of the highest densities of sea snakes recorded anywhere. It is visited by research vessels and very occasional expedition charters.
- Sites
- 1
- Wrecks
- 1
- Shore
- 0
- Boat
- 1
- Beginner
- 0
- Deepest
- 30 m
Conditions outlook · Late September – October 2026
Written 27 September 2026September–November is the calmest window on the reef, but access is by permit and research or agency vessel only; there is no commercial diving.
Getting there
Expedition charter from Broome or Darwin only, with a permit from Parks Australia.
When to go
September to November for the calmest conditions.
Water & suit
Summer 29-31 °C · winter 25-27 °C. 3 mm full suit or skin
Nearest chamber: Royal Darwin Hospital (Darwin) or Fiona Stanley Hospital (Perth) – RFDS evacuation; many hours away from the Kimberley coast
Most recorded marine life in Ashmore Reef
- 833 fish species 1
- Corals 1
- Green turtles 1
- Molluscs 1
- Sea snakes 1
- Seabirds 1
- Sharks (recovering) 1
The most-dived sites in Ashmore Reef
Map of Ashmore Reef dive sites
Click a pin for the site.
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1 pinned site. Pins marked approximate on their pages show the general area only; not for navigation.
All 1 Ashmore Reef dive sites
All Ashmore Reef sites at a glance
1 sites in Ashmore Reef · click a column to sort
| Ashmore Reef | Reef | Max 30 m | Advanced Open Water | Boat (multi-day/liveaboard) | Expedition |
Ashmore Reef diving FAQ
How do I get to the dive sites in Ashmore Reef?
Expedition charter from Broome or Darwin only, with a permit from Parks Australia.
When is the best time to dive Ashmore Reef?
September to November for the calmest conditions.
How many dive sites are there in Ashmore Reef?
1 documented sites, including 1 wreck. The deepest reaches 30 m.
How cold is the water in Ashmore Reef?
Typically 29-31 °C in summer and 25-27 °C in winter. Most divers wear 3 mm full suit or skin.
Where is the nearest recompression chamber to Ashmore Reef?
Royal Darwin Hospital (Darwin) or Fiona Stanley Hospital (Perth) – RFDS evacuation; many hours away from the Kimberley coast. In an emergency call 000, then DAN Asia-Pacific on 1800 088 200.
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