Meet the site
Gunton Island is another of the rarely dived islands of the Recherche Archipelago. Marine Life Network describes a jagged, weedy bottom of rocky ridges, bommies, crevices and undercuts in up to 35 m, with fish including samson fish and sweep, and the remains of a wooden boat.
The topography is broken and varied, rewarding divers who take their time to explore the undercuts, where crayfish, harlequin fish and bullseyes shelter. The weed cover – kelp and other brown algae – gives the site a classic southern character, and samson fish often circle divers in numbers.
No public information identifies the wooden boat. The site suits experienced divers on a multi-dive Esperance trip, and like most of the archipelago it is weather-dependent and remote.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Gunton Island is recorded as Island in Esperance & Recherche Archipelago. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Gunton Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Gunton 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
Samson fish, sweep, harlequin fish, bullseyes, southern rock lobster, blue groper, kelp and brown algae, sponges
Location
Island in the Recherche Archipelago with a jagged, weedy bottom of rocky ridges, bommies, crevices and undercuts to 35 m, and the remains of a wooden boat.
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.