Meet the site
The Easter Group is the central cluster of the Houtman Abrolhos. Eco Abrolhos describes Little Sandy Island as its primary mooring, with a channel ideal for snorkelling where plate corals line the reef edge in excellent condition and the largest colony of sea lions in the Abrolhos – around 13 individuals – is found. Wooded Island nearby is a birdwatchers' paradise hosting the lesser noddy, found in only two places in the world. Rat Island is the group's main rock lobster fishing-camp island.
The Easter Group is also home to Anemone Lump and Rolland Passage (separate rows), making it the core of most liveaboard itineraries.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Easter Group – Rat Island & Little Sandy Island is recorded as Reef in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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 Easter Group – Rat Island & Little Sandy Island 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 Easter Group – Rat Island & Little Sandy 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, plate corals, reef fish, lesser noddy (Wooded Island), sergeant majors, buffalo bream
Location
Central Easter Group islands: Rat Island (the group's main fishing-camp island) and Little Sandy Island, whose channel has plate corals and the largest Australian sea lion colony in the Abrolhos.
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
ecoabrolhos.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.