A barrier reef across the mouth of the inlet protects it from rough seas.

[2] During World War II, the Australian Army laid land mines along the shore of the inlet near Port Moresby, which later needed to be cleared by divers.

[3] Numerous species of fish, shellfish, and turtles may be found in Bootless Bay, and historical evidence indicates that dugongs and crocodiles were once present as well.

[2] The islands within the bay are home to various species of reef corals and sponges.

[4] In 1989, Motupore Island was proposed as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Wildlife Management Area.