Meet the site
Cape Sonnerat is the south-eastern corner of Schouten Island and, according to the Marine Life Network guide, one of the best dive sites in Tasmania - it rates it 10 out of 10 and calls it breathtaking both above and below water. Depths are 30-40 m, and the guide rates it as a category 3-4 dive.
The topography is granite crevices and vertical formations, with a 4 m-wide cave that has a flue-like opening through which rays of light fall from the surface. Clouds of butterfly perch swarm around the rocks, cave-dwelling fish and crayfish shelter in the cracks, schools of fish pass through and seals are regular visitors. The guide notes that the most scenic caverns lie at decompression depths, which is what makes the dive both memorable and demanding.
Cape Sonnerat suits highly experienced divers, ideally with technical training, who can manage decompression in a remote location far from a chamber.
Schouten Island is part of Freycinet National Park. Its granite and dolerite peaks rise to over 400 m, and the island has no permanent residents, jetty or facilities apart from a Parks hut and campsite at Moreys Bay, so divers visit with self-contained boats. The island's sites were described in detail in the Marine Life Network regional guide, but few have been documented since; with no operator currently running trips, they are among the least-dived good sites in Tasmania.
A typical Schouten day combines one deeper dive on the exposed eastern or southern side with a shallow second dive in a sheltered bay, choosing sides according to the swell. Because the island is at least 45 minutes from the Coles Bay ramp and more than four hours by road and boat from the Royal Hobart Hospital chamber, conservative profiles, oxygen on board and a reliable weather window are essential.
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 Sonnerat (Schouten Island) is recorded as Wall in Tasmania East Coast. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Sonnerat (Schouten Island) 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 Sonnerat (Schouten Island) 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
Butterfly perch, cave fish (bullseyes), crayfish, schooling fish, Australian fur seal, sponges, sea whips
Location
The south-eastern cape of Schouten Island, with granite crevices, vertical formations and a 4 m-wide cave with a flue-like opening at 30-40 m.
Facilities nearby
No facilities on Schouten Island except a Parks hut/campsite at Moreys Bay. Coles Bay: boat ramp, toilets, store, cafes, fuel and accommodation. No air fills - bring cylinders from Launceston, Hobart or elsewhere.
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.