Fish Hook Bay - Rottnest Island snorkelling

Fish Hook Bay sits on the south side of the West End, just below Cape Vlamingh, and takes its name from its curved, hook-like outline. The small cove is walled in by high limestone cliffs that give it the feel of a natural amphitheatre, and on a calm day its water runs through every shade of blue.

The rugged seabed holds plenty of fish, including buffalo bream, western blue devils and king wrasse, along with rays, nudibranchs, sea cucumbers and sea stars. The bay lies inside the West End Demersal Sanctuary Zone, which protects bottom-dwelling fish. Reaching the water means a scramble over rock or arriving by boat, and rough weather can shut the bay off entirely.

• Experience level: Moderate
• Depth: 2-6 m
• Access: On the south side of the West End next to Cape Vlamingh; Island Explorer Stop 11 (West End). Public toilets at Cape Vlamingh (RIA map); nothing in the bay. No beach: getting into the water means scrambling down the limestone rocks, or arriving by boat. It cannot be reached in rough weather; the best months are December to May.
• Fish Hook Shape
• High Limestone Cliffs
• Turquoise Waters
• Reef Fish & Rays
• Sanctuary Zone

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