Meet the site
The Godfrey Islands are small islands near Robe that the Marine Life Network lists as a boat dive, with good diving in the lee of the island and seals on the island itself.
Like the mainland reefs around Robe, the islands are limestone, and the reef around them is likely to share the same character: kelp and brown algae over ledges and boulders, with rock lobster, wrasse, morwong and sweep. The seals are the draw. Australian and New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions haul out along the South Australian coast, and young animals often approach divers in the water, twisting and blowing bubbles. Where seals congregate, predators can follow, and white sharks are present throughout southern Australian waters – a background risk rather than a reason to avoid the site, but worth knowing.
Access is by private boat from Robe, and the islands' value is that one side or the other usually offers some shelter. On a calm day they combine well with the Cape Dombey reefs. Divers should keep a respectful distance from hauled-out seals, avoid landing on the islands, and follow any posted rules. The Godfrey Islands suit experienced, self-sufficient boat divers wanting a quieter site with a chance of seal encounters. As with any lightly documented site, go first with someone who knows the area, and treat the first visit as a reconnaissance dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Godfrey Islands (Robe) is recorded as Island in Limestone Coast. The listed access is 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Godfrey Islands (Robe) 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 Godfrey Islands (Robe) 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
Seals (fur seals/sea lions), kelp, rock lobster, wrasse, morwong, sweep
Location
Small islands near Robe with a seal colony, dived in the lee of the island.
Facilities nearby
Robe marina/boat ramp. Nearest air fills and hire: Dive Experience, Mount Gambier.
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.