Meet the site
Gia Batta Patch is a small limestone reef in King George Sound that serves as a workhorse site for Albany's dive community. Marine Life Network describes it as a limestone reef in 10-12 m with sponge formations and small fish, suitable for divers of all levels and a good night dive.
The reef is low-relief, with ledges, holes and undercuts in the limestone that shelter a variety of invertebrates – sponges, ascidians, nudibranchs, feather stars, small crabs and shrimps – and small reef fish such as western blue devils, scalyfin, wrasse, bullseyes and cardinalfish. The surrounding sand and seagrass bring cuttlefish, squid, flathead and Port Jackson sharks, especially at night.
With a maximum depth of about 12 m and no swell exposure, it is a practical choice for training dives, check-outs and night dives when outer sites are unreachable. It will not compete with Breaksea Island or the HMAS Perth for scenery, but it is a reliable, easy dive and a good place to practise buoyancy and photography.
Little is published about the site beyond Marine Life Network's summary and the exact location is not given, so divers should arrange it through South Coast Diving Supplies. The name may also be spelled differently locally.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Gia Batta Patch is recorded as Reef 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.
- 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 Gia Batta Patch 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 Gia Batta Patch 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
Sponges, ascidians, nudibranchs, feather stars, western blue devil, scalyfin, wrasse, bullseyes, cuttlefish, squid, Port Jackson sharks
Location
Limestone patch reef in King George Sound in 10-12 m, with sponge formations and small fish, used for training and night dives.
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.
