Hog Bay – Frenchmans Rock Reef

Meet the site

Hog Bay is where Penneshaw began – named for the pigs released by the French expedition of Nicolas Baudin – and in 1803 Baudin's crew carved an inscription on a rock at the bay. The original Frenchmans Rock is now in Penneshaw's Gateway Information Centre, and a replica marks the spot. Tourism Kangaroo Island recommends the reef in front of it, at the eastern end of Hog Bay Beach, for intermediate snorkellers, with magpie perch and scalyfin among the colourful reef fish.

The reef is shallow limestone and rock covered in brown algae and small kelp, with sponges under ledges and sand patches between. Besides magpie perch and scalyfin, expect wrasse, leatherjackets, sweep, old wives and the occasional cuttlefish, with seadragons possible in the weed. It is a pleasant, easy dive or snorkel within walking distance of the ferry terminal, cafes and accommodation, and it combines naturally with the Penneshaw jetty.

Backstairs Passage brings clear water but also tidal streams, which strengthen away from the beach, so shore divers should stay close to the reef and dive in calm weather. Little penguins nest along the Penneshaw foreshore, so take care at dusk. There is no dedicated dive documentation, and depths are estimated from the setting. It suits snorkellers, families and Open Water divers wanting a short, easy reef dive on arrival or before the ferry home. Visiting the original carved rock in the Gateway Information Centre before or after the dive adds context. Children and snorkellers can stay in the shallows close to the beach while divers work the deeper reef edge.

What you might see

Magpie perch, scalyfin, wrasse, leatherjackets, sweep, old wives, cuttlefish, sponges, brown algae; seadragons possible

Location

Reef at the eastern end of Hog Bay Beach in Penneshaw, in front of the Frenchmans Rock monument (replica of Baudin's 1803 carving).

Facilities nearby

Beach parking, toilets, cafes and accommodation in Penneshaw; Gateway Information Centre.