Meet the site
Coffin Island is a small granite island lying just south of Two Peoples Bay, and a rare chance near Albany to dive with Australian sea lions. Marine Life Network describes rocky reefs with caves, gutters and sponge gardens, abundant marine life and colonies of both Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals, with sheltered areas for swimming with the seals.
The reef is typical outer-coast granite: large boulders and slabs broken by gutters and small caves, kelp on the tops and sponges, ascidians and gorgonians in the shaded walls. Blue groper, harlequin fish, boarfish, western blue devils and schools of sweep and bullseyes are common, with crayfish in the cracks. The main attraction is the pinnipeds – young sea lions and fur seals often investigate divers in the shallows, twisting around them and blowing bubbles.
Australian sea lions are an endangered species that breed only in WA and SA, and the south coast colonies are small; divers should never approach hauled-out animals, should let the seals come to them, and should keep clear of pups. The island is a nature reserve with no landing.
Access is the challenge. Most visitors use small private boats launched at Two Peoples Bay, from where the island is close, but the site is exposed to easterly weather and ocean swell. It rewards divers prepared to organise their own trip on a good day with an uncrowded site and memorable wildlife encounters. Carry oxygen and a first-aid kit on board: the nearest help is Albany, and recompression is in Perth.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Coffin Island is recorded as Island in Albany & Great Southern. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 Coffin Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Coffin 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
Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, blue groper, harlequin fish, boarfish, western blue devil, sweep, bullseyes, southern rock lobster, sponges, gorgonians, kelp
Location
Granite island just south of Two Peoples Bay with rocky reefs, caves, gutters and sponge gardens, and colonies of Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
