The Abrolhos Islands Long Island Dive Trail

Navigating around the Abrolhos

Consult nautical chart AUS 751 for soundings and other charted features. The Abrolhos reefs are notoriously treacherous, and a wide safety margin should be allowed, particularly by skippers unfamiliar with Island waters.

Bear in mind that the Abrolhos are first in the path of any weather moving in from the west or north-west. Weather conditions can be highly change able, and cold and warm fronts may reach the Islands 24 hours or more in advance of weather bureau forecasts for the mainland.

In the event of an impending cyclone, take heed of weather forecasts and take appropriate action.

Be prepared for a prevailing westerly or south westerly swell, which may reach several metres in unprotected waters.

Sea safety

Make sure you have life jackets, flares, two-way radio, EPIRB (electronic position indicating radio beacon), fire extinguishers and other safety gear aboard in line with marine safety regulations for open sea (over 30 miles offshore). Full details are available from the Maritime Division of the Department of Transport.