Meet the site
Beacon Island is the small island in the Wallabi Group where most of the Batavia survivors camped in 1629 and where most of the mutiny's murders took place; archaeologists have excavated mass graves there, and it is known as Batavia's Graveyard. Today it has a jetty and fishing shacks used seasonally by the rock lobster fleet.
Marine Life Network describes a dive trail off the jetty from 2 to 32 m, rated a great dive for fish: the passages bring in large pelagics such as Spanish mackerel, trevally and yellowtail kingfish, and bronze whaler and hammerhead sharks have been recorded, alongside coral-covered reef slopes and the Abrolhos mix of tropical and temperate reef fish. The passages can break heavily in swell.
The site is a natural complement to the nearby Batavia and Hadda wrecks and to a visit to the Wiebbe Hayes forts on West Wallabi Island. It suits Advanced Open Water divers comfortable with depth and possible current.
On a liveaboard itinerary the trail is usually dived early in the day when the tide suits, since the passages run hard mid-tide. The shallow top of the trail near the jetty makes a good safety-stop area, and the coral here shows the same tropical-temperate overlap as the rest of the Wallabi Group. Divers should respect the island itself: Beacon Island is an archaeological site of national significance, and landing is restricted. Bring a DSMB for pickup if drifting off the passage.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Beacon Island Dive Trail is recorded as Reef in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Beacon Island Dive Trail suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Beacon Island Dive Trail through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Spanish mackerel, trevally, yellowtail kingfish, bronze whaler and hammerhead sharks, baldchin groper, coral trout, buffalo bream, corals
Location
Dive trail off the Beacon Island jetty in the Wallabi Group, 2-32 m, known for big pelagics in the passages; Beacon Island is the 'Batavia's Graveyard' of the 1629 massacre.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.