Lacepede Islands

About 120 kilometres north of Broome and 15 nautical miles (28km) west of the Dampier Peninsula, the Lacepede Islands are a chain of four low-lying coral cays—East, West, Middle, and Sandy Island—forming the Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve, one of Western Australia’s most important protected wildlife sanctuaries.

The Nyul Nyul, Nimanburr, and Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl Traditional Owner groups share Native Title over around 12,000 square kilometres of Country, encompassing the Lacepede Islands.

Bird is the word!

Once guano mining outposts in the 19th century (the extraction of phosphate-rich bird droppings for fertiliser), these remote islands are now strictly off-limits to the public—visited only by expedition vessels with permission to cruise nearby. Today, the Lacepedes remain under the care of the Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service, ensuring this fragile ecosystem continues to thrive.

Their isolation has allowed wildlife to flourish, creating a haven for nesting seabirds and turtles.

The islands hold international significance as they support one of the world’s largest colonies of brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) and host the Indian Ocean’s biggest breeding population of lesser frigatebirds (Fregata ariel). The Lacepede Islands are also among Western Australia’s most vital nesting sites for green turtles (Chelonia mydas).

Pictured above – Exploring the Lacepedes with Coral Expeditions

Over 50 Bird Species

The Lacepede Islands are only sparsely vegetated with spinifex and saltbush, yet they provide vital habitat for more than 50 bird species. Many of these are listed as threatened or protected, including:

• Fairy tern (Sternula nereis)
• Eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)
• Curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
• Great knot (Calidris tenuirostris).
• The world’s largest known breeding colony of brown boobies (Sula leucogaster)

Turtles, Rays, and Marine Life

Beneath the surface, the Lacepedes are just as alive. Green turtles nest here in significant numbers while dolphins, manta rays, and even humpback whales are often spotted in the surrounding shallows. The reefs support a healthy coral ecosystem and serve as vital feeding grounds for marine species that thrive in these warm tropical waters.

Experiencing the Lacepedes on a Kimberley Cruise

Most Kimberley expedition cruises include a stop near the Lacepede Islands as they depart from Broome. Tenders often drift just offshore, with naturalists providing commentary as seabirds soar overhead and turtles pop their heads up alongside the vessel.

If you love birdwatching, please be sure to mention that when you contact us as some boats are more geared toward birdwatching than others!