Meet the site
Cape du Couedic is the south-western tip of Kangaroo Island, marked by a lighthouse and one of the island's great natural sights: Admirals Arch, a rock arch weathered over thousands of years, beneath which lives a colony of long-nosed fur seals (formerly New Zealand fur seals). National Parks SA manages the site as part of Flinders Chase National Park, with a boardwalk and platforms that bring visitors close to the seals without disturbing them.
It is included here because divers ask about it and because it appears in lists of Kangaroo Island marine highlights. In practice it is not a dive site. There is no water access from the boardwalk, the coast faces the full Southern Ocean with heavy swell and surge most days, and entering the water around a breeding seal colony would disturb the animals and expose divers to risks from large male seals and from white sharks, which patrol seal colonies. The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park covers these waters, and zoning should be checked for any activity. Nearby Weirs Cove, with the ruins of the lighthouse storehouses and flying fox, shows how difficult even landing supplies was here.
For divers, the best way to enjoy Cape du Couedic is on a rest day: walk the boardwalk, watch the seals playing in the arch's rock pools and surge channels, and then look for seals underwater at sheltered north-coast sites such as Western River Cove, where encounters are common.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cape du Couedic – Admirals Arch is recorded as Reef in Kangaroo Island. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Cape du Couedic – Admirals Arch 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 Cape du Couedic – Admirals Arch 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
Long-nosed fur seals (colony), kelp, seabirds; white sharks occur in the region
Location
The rugged south-west tip of Kangaroo Island in Flinders Chase NP, where Admirals Arch shelters a colony of long-nosed fur seals; viewed from boardwalks – no public water access.
Facilities nearby
Car park, toilets and boardwalk at Cape du Couedic; Flinders Chase visitor centre; park entry fee.
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
parks.sa.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.