Night 1
Following an informal briefing from our divemaster at our Broome depot at 2.00pm our transfer bus will take us to “Odyssey” at her mooring so we can stow our gear before departing. A light dinner will be served shortly after leaving port and then its an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals.
Day 1
We arrive at Clerke Reef, the middle of three coral atolls after morning tea and will soon be ready for our first dive before lunch. The Aquarium is a relatively easy dive inside the lagoon and is a good opportunity to sought out any gear problems before heading deeper.
After lunch depending on the tide direction we will drift dive through the Clerke Channel which can be exhilarating as the warm current carries you through.
Back to Odyssey prior to our third dive of the day which will be right on dusk and into the night at the Aquarium which takes on a whole new perspective after the sun has gone down. Perhaps its time for a coldie prior to a sumptuous dinner that has been prepared by our chef.
Day 2
For those that are up early there may be a chance for a walk on Bedwell Island prior to our first dive. Into Homer at 6.30 for a 7.00am dive at Clerke Wall before tucking into a hearty cooked breakfast then after a short break its off to Jimmy Goes to China. Luckily for Jimmy he came back but not before he went way to deep.
Our next dive is after lunch and possibly exploring some of the many caves and crevices that Clerke Reef has to offer or even Blue Lagoon depending on the tides. For those that are keen to get wet again we could snorkel through the dingy channels like superman, let the tide do the work for you and then a late afternoon or evening dive at Eel Creek or the Mooring Bombie and maybe a chance to catch some fresh fish for those that are keen.
Day 3
Clerke Gutters will be our first dive of the day before a mid morning Rollercoaster ride through the Channel as you drift with the racing tide. You are suspended in turquoise waters surrounded by delicate lace coral fronds of vivid pink, orange and yellow and darting in and out is a metallic rainbow of attendants.
A roast lunch has been prepared for our return to Odyssey and after a surface break it is back into Homer to head for the North Tip of Clerke Reef for an afternoon dive at Blue Lagoon. The clarity of the water on the incoming tide will be talked about forever and you then appreciate just where in the world you are.
For those that are keen it will be back in the water at dusk for another look at the wonders of night on this amazing reef system.
Day 4
Last look at Bedwell Island as after our first dive today followed by another cooked breakfast we will head off to Mermaid Reef which is around 20 miles to our North. As we cruise up the western face of Mermaid Atoll on our way to the passage that allows us to enter the inner reef we will stop at V in the Wall for our first Mermaid dive. V in the Wall is a huge chunk of reef that has broken of the main atoll in the shape of a V which divers can circumnavigate.
We now enter the reef in Odyssey through Mermaid Channel and prepare for a dive at Cod Hole which is home for our favourite LARGE resident Cod “Cuddles”. If you like to get up close and very personal with our finned friends then this is the place, Cuddles will follow you around or just lay on the bottom and blow kisses.
A night dive has been scheduled close to where our mooring is and is called “Night Critters” and yes it is home to many different species of critters.
Day 5
Mermaid Wall has been voted number three in the top dives of the world and after you have dived here we are sure you will agree. Rising from 400meters deep the sheer wall is alive and there is good chance to see some large fish patrolling along the wall or perhaps a school of curious Dolphins or even Manta Rays and Turtles. Even mighty Humpback Whales are known to cruise past leaving divers awe inspired.
Coral Gardens is second up on the dive schedule and the name says it all, just like the Garden of Eden so they say and a pleasure to dive, lots of great photo opportunities for the avid photographers. Labyrinths are next and you will now be thinking that all these sites are aptly named.
To finish of this amazing day we will drift dive with the tide through the channel, good time to save energy as we are set for a three course meal this evening.
Day 6
By popular demand we are going back to the Mermaid Wall this morning and you will wish you still had a week left to continue diving this wonderland and we are sure that most will also want to return to Cod Hole for a farewell dive with “Cuddles” the curious Cod. These two dives are ones that nobody could ever get enough of so we will have our share too.
Mermaid Caves will be our afternoon dive at around 1.30pm and then it is time to stow our gear after a final wash as we depart Mermaid at around 3.00pm for an overnight cruise back to Broome.
It is time to reflect with fellow adventurers and talk about the week that was as we witness the last of those amazing sunsets. You are welcome to come and chat with the crew as they navigate our way through the night or watch a movie before you are succumbed by the motion and fall asleep.
Day 7
We arrive back in the pearling town of Broome and after breakfast we will transfer you to the shore where a waiting bus will take you to town or your accommodation.
NOTE: Due to tidal and weather conditions, Odyssey's itineraries are to be used as a guide only as it may be changed to make the most of your cruise. We endeavour to optimise each trip to suit your preferences along with the tidal conditions.
