Meet the site
Blubber Head marks the northern entrance of Port Esperance, the bay on which the town of Dover stands in Tasmania's far south; its name recalls the whaling era, when whale blubber was rendered at stations around these bays. The Marine Life Network guide describes a steep underwater slope dominated by large boulders in 5-10 m, a large variety of leatherjacket species including toothbrush and horseshoe leatherjackets, and a range of reef fishes. It notes that the site is regularly dived and potted, and that it is unsafe in strong southerly weather. The boulders create a three-dimensional reef with gaps and overhangs, covered in kelp and brown algae on top and encrusting sponges and ascidians on shaded faces. Leatherjackets are the stars: the horseshoe leatherjacket, with its striking yellow horseshoe marking, and the toothbrush leatherjacket, named for the bristles near its tail, are among several species present. Wrasse, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter and rock lobster are also common. The site is easy, shallow and close to Dover's boat ramp, making it a good introductory boat dive in the far south. Watch for cray pot lines, as the guide notes the area is potted. Dover has accommodation, a store and fuel, and makes a good base for exploring the far-south sites, including the Katherine Sharer wreck and Lomas Point in Port Esperance. The far south has no dive shop, so bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston, and allow for patchy mobile coverage by carrying a VHF radio and leaving a trip plan.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Blubber Head (Port Esperance) is recorded as Reef in Huon & Far South. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Blubber Head (Port Esperance) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. 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 Blubber Head (Port Esperance) 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
Horseshoe leatherjackets, toothbrush leatherjackets and other leatherjacket species, wrasse, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter, rock lobster, kelp, sponges, ascidians
Location
Headland at the northern extremity of Port Esperance near Dover, with a steep underwater slope dominated by large boulders.
Facilities nearby
Dover boat ramp and jetty, store, fuel and accommodation; no dive shop – fills in Hobart or Kingston.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.