Meet the site
Clam Bay is a long, curving bay on Great Keppel Island's southern side, about 2 km from end to end and divided into four beaches. The first beach is about 200 m long and the main beach 550 m. In front of them a broad reef flat extends 100-150 m offshore before dropping to the reef edge, where most of the interest lies. The reef is a known breeding ground for coral trout, and snorkellers report juvenile coral colonies, anemones with their fish, and turtles feeding on the flat. Giant clams, which gave the bay its name, can still be found among the coral. Depths at the reef edge are only a few metres, so this is primarily a snorkelling site, although it can be dived as a shallow, exploratory shore dive. Unlike Monkey Beach, Clam Bay faces the prevailing south-easterly trade winds and is often windy; it comes into its own on northerly or easterly days when the western bays are rough. Timing with the tide is important, since the long reef flat must be crossed to reach the edge and it becomes very shallow at low water. Clam Bay is less visited than the reefs near Fisherman's Beach because access is mainly by boat, which gives it a quieter feel. It suits snorkellers and new divers with a boat at their disposal, and those staying on the island who want to explore beyond the busy beaches. Treat the reef flat with care: much of the young coral growth is right at the surface on lower tides.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Clam Bay (Great Keppel Island) is recorded as Reef in Capricorn Coast & Keppel Islands. The listed access is shore or 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Clam Bay (Great Keppel Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Clam Bay (Great Keppel 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
Coral trout (breeding ground), juvenile coral colonies, anemones and anemonefish, turtles, giant clams, reef-flat fish, stingrays
Location
A 2 km bay on Great Keppel's southern coast with four beaches and a reef flat extending 100-150 m offshore; a coral trout breeding ground and sheltered snorkel in northerly and easterly winds.
Facilities nearby
No facilities; bring water and shade. Nearest gear hire and fills at Keppel Dive & Water Sports on the Spit.
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.auvisitcapricorn.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.