FAQs · Destination Guide
City beaches, island reefs, and snorkel trails in the Indian Ocean
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 18 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
For the most comfortable mix of water temperature and surface conditions, many divers target late summer through autumn, especially March to May. Water often stays around 22°C to 23°C and winds can be less punishing than mid-summer afternoons. Summer (December to February) has warm water but can be busier and windier later in the day, so book early departures. Winter (June to September) is cooler around 18°C and more weather-dependent, but can deliver excellent visibility in calm windows and adds whale watching from the surface.
The easiest window for relaxed snorkeling is December to April when the water is warmest and calm mornings are common. Plan to snorkel early, then use the afternoon for cycling, lunch, or sheltered swims if wind picks up. If you prefer fewer crowds, November and May can be a sweet spot with comfortable conditions in a light wetsuit. In winter, choose protected areas like The Basin or other sheltered bays, keep sessions shorter, and bring warm layers for the ferry ride back to Perth.
Most visitors go by fast ferry to Thomson Bay Jetty on Rottnest. Fremantle is the quickest launch point, with crossings commonly around 25 to 30 minutes depending on the operator and departure terminal. Hillarys Boat Harbour is another popular option at roughly 45 minutes, while Perth CBD (Barrack Street Jetty) is the longest route, often up to about 90 minutes but scenic. For a day trip, choose the first ferry out and a later return so you have time to bike, snorkel, and still eat without rushing.
Start with a wind check. Rottnest has bays facing different directions, so the "best" spot changes with conditions. If the wind is from the south or southwest, try more sheltered north-facing bays. If the wind is from the north, look for south-coast shelter. Aim for clear water with minimal surface chop, and avoid any entry where waves are breaking on the reef edge. Popular structured options include the Parker Point and Little Salmon Bay snorkel trails, while The Basin is a reliable protected swim close to the settlement.
Yes, Rottnest Island Authority admission applies to visitors, but for most travelers arriving by commercial ferry it is usually bundled into your ferry ticket as part of the fare. If you arrive by private vessel, separate admission arrangements can apply, including annual vessel admission permits for frequent boaters. Fees and structures can change by season and visitor type, so confirm what is included when you book transport. If you are planning multiple Rottnest days, compare ferry packages and multi-day options to keep costs predictable.
The standout beginner-friendly option is the Coogee Maritime Trail at Omeo Shipwreck. The site is about 25 m from shore, follows a marked trail, and stays shallow, with most of the route around 3 m to 5 m and a maximum depth near 7 m. That profile works well for buoyancy practice and long bottom times. Go on a calm day with good visibility, use a float or dive flag system, and avoid peak crowd periods when entries and stairs can be busy.
Plan around a late-summer water peak near 22°C to 23°C and a winter low around 18°C. Many scuba divers are comfortable in a 3-5mm wetsuit in summer, moving to 5-7mm plus a hood in winter, especially for multiple dives. Snorkelers often prefer a wetsuit top or shorty even in warmer months because wind on the surface interval can chill you. Pack booties for shore entries, and add a windbreaker for ferry crossings and post-dive bike rides.
Start by choosing your style: a dedicated dive charter from Fremantle or a ferry day trip with shore dives and snorkeling. For boat diving, book early departures for smoother crossings and better site choice. For shore plans, pick a bay that is sheltered for the day's wind direction and keep a backup option on the opposite side of the island. Bring an SMB, confirm whether your operator supplies tanks and weights, and build in time for bike travel or the island bus between sites. Finish with a relaxed surface interval in Thomson Bay before your return ferry.
In Australia, call 000 for life-threatening emergencies. Rottnest has on-island services, including rangers and a nursing post, but serious cases may require evacuation to the mainland. Perth's major hospitals provide advanced care, and the state hyperbaric medicine service is based at Fiona Stanley Hospital's Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. If you suspect decompression illness or arterial gas embolism, treat it as urgent: give oxygen if trained and available, keep the diver warm, and contact emergency services immediately. Dive insurance such as DAN can assist with coordination and coverage.
A solid "sampler" is 3 days: one mainland shore day (Coogee or Marmion), one full Rottnest day for snorkeling and a dive charter, and one flexible day for weather or topside exploration. If you want multiple Rottnest dive days and time for cycling and quokkas without rushing, aim for 5 to 7 days. Build in at least one buffer day because wind and swell can change plans quickly. Perth makes this easy: you can swap a water day for Fremantle, Kings Park, or a Swan Valley trip without feeling like you lost the vacation.