Meet the site
Gates Bluff Bay is the easy shallow site of the Schouten Island group, rated 6 out of 10 by the Marine Life Network guide as a sheltered bay with thick weed in 5-10 m, suited to a second-tank dive. The guide notes that clean ocean currents keep the water clear.
The weed garden supports wrasse, leatherjackets, southern hulafish (Trachinops) and banded morwong, and abalone and crayfish shelter under the ledges. It is the kind of dive where slow, careful searching of the weed turns up small animals, and it is also good snorkelling.
It suits all levels in a self-sufficient boat party and is a comfortable place to finish a Schouten Island day.
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.
Gates Bluff Bay (Schouten Island) is recorded as Reef 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.
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 Gates Bluff Bay (Schouten 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 Gates Bluff Bay (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
Wrasse, leatherjackets, southern hulafish (Trachinops), banded morwong, abalone, crayfish, thick brown algae
Location
A sheltered bay with thick weed at Gates Bluff, Schouten Island, used as an easy shallow second-tank dive.
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.