Where to book
Diving on the MV Great Escape liveaboard
Trips on the MV Great Escape offer an unforgettable exploration of Rowley Shoals, located along the wild Kimberley Coast in Western Australia.
The isolated Rowley Shoals are made up of three coral atolls that reach from the seabed all the way to the surface. This large coral garden covers an area of 90 square miles (145 square km) and showcases a diverse array of soft and hard corals.
Situated 186 miles (300 km) west of Broome, Australia, this is a truly isolated, pristine marine environment. The dive cruise is only available from October to December because of weather, so a limited few divers get to visit every year.
Key dive sites such as Western Wall and Tiger Alley are home to abundant marine life. Experienced divers have the freedom to explore independently, while novices stay in proximity to the divemaster.
Exceptional water clarity plus warm water, ranging from 73 to 86 F (23 to 30 C), combine to create a memorable, relaxed dive experience. The boat offers three to four daily dives, including optional night dives for experienced divers.
Beyond diving, Rowley Shoals cruises offer opportunities for beachcombing, snorkeling, and whale watching.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear waters
- Diverse marine life and coral
- Easy drift dives through coral gardens
- Guests are free to dive with just a buddy
Onboard the MV Great Escape
Built in 2006, MV Great Escape is an 85-foot (26 m) custom-built vessel, designed to offer a comfortable and stylish trip. Accommodating 14 passengers, the vessel boasts seven deluxe cabins, each equipped with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, personal fridge, and queen-sized bed.
Onboard, guests can relax in a cozy dining and lounge area. Meals are served in the dining room or alfresco with ocean views. The spacious, air-conditioned salon has a large flatscreen TV, board games, and books to enjoy on the huge sectional couch. Satellite WiFi and a satellite telephone are available in case of emergency. Real-time television covers events like sporting matches.
Outdoor relaxation options include a hot tub under the stars and a sundeck for post-dive unwinding.
The dive deck on the MV Great Escape features tanks, a camera table, rental gear and a rinse tank. Tanks, weight belts, and marine lifeline/GPS systems are provided for every diver, with a variety of rental equipment available as well.
Note that you must request any rentals in advance, as the boat does not keep it onboard; rather, it is hired from another local business before departure.
Highlights:
- Luxurious cabins
- Onboard hot tub
- Real-time television coverage of sporting events
Dining on the MV Great Escape
Meals on the MV Great Escape are served buffet-style, with a menu showcasing a mix of international, Italian, and local cuisines. Breakfast, lunch, and three-course evening meals are served each day, and an island barbecue is also incorporated into the trip. Guests with dietary preferences are welcome, but should let the boat know at time of booking.
Complimentary beverages include tea, coffee, soft drinks, water, and juice. Guests who would like alcoholic beverages on their cruise can bring their own, as the boat is not licensed to serve alcohol.
Highlights:
- Buffet-style meals with international, Italian, and local cuisines
- Island barbecue
- Complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, water, and juice
Things we like:
- Helpful crew
- Luxury catamaran
- Truly untouched coral garden environment
- Excellent and well-prepared food
Things we don't like:
- Deficiencies in some dive briefings
- Very brief seasonality of the trip
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2006 |
| Max Divers | 14 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes ($) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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