The Abrolhos Islands Long Island Dive Trail

Following the Trail

The Abrolhos Islands Long Island Dive Trail is located just inside the Beacon Island Reef Observation Area. This is one of four special areas in the Abrolhos set aside for the conservation and study of resident reef fish species and their habitats.

All species of fish, including molluscs, algae and coral are totally protected in the Reef Observation Areas, with the exception of western rock lobster which may be taken by licensed recreational and commercial fishers using pots during the season.

The huge diversity of life along the Long Island Dive Trail can be appreciated equally well on SCUBA or snorkel. The trail is 125m long and commences approximately 250m due north of the northern tip of Long Island.

Beacon Island Reef Observation Area in detail and the coordinates for the Beacon Island Reef Observation Area.

The northern end of the trail is indicated by a small spar buoy, while each dive station is marked by a plinth with a mounted plaque. Each plaque contains a colourful illustration by Western Australian artist Kellee Merritt.

The Abrolhos Islands mark the overlap of tropical and temperate waters, with the result that plants and animals of both worlds live here. One of the aims of the trail is to highlight this unique 'zone of overlap.'

In the waters of the Abrolhos, tropical fish such as parrot fish, butterfly fish and coral trout swim alongside temperate fish, such as buff bream, western rock lobster and baldchin groper.

Also found in the area of the dive trail are fascinating tropical water features, such as 'bombies' and staghorn coral. Bombies are massive spherical boulders of Porites spp coral, whose shape ensures a maximum surface area for their coral polyps to filter food from the water. This coral grows very slowly - a 3m-high bombie will be about 1000 years old.

In contrast, tropical staghorns are fragile, but grow quickly - about 15cm per year. Unlike other places where staghorns are found, staghorn coral polyps at the Abrolhos are extended during the day. When staghorns spawn, they produce pink egg bundles.

Sandy areas can also be seen in the vicinity of the dive trail. These sandy patches are very important for some fish - the goatfish uses its sensitive chin whiskers to probe them for worms and shrimps, while other fish like some wrasses and rays bury themselves in the sand for protection from predators.

The Department of Fisheries hopes you will enjoy the unique experience of the Long Island Dive Trail. Please follow our Code of Safety.