Ile des Phoques

Meet the site

Ile des Phoques - the island of seals - is a small granite island rising steeply from the sea between Maria and Schouten islands, and it is regarded as one of the best dives in Tasmania. The Marine Life Network guide rates it 10 out of 10, and Discover Tasmania and the Spirit of Tasmania guide single it out as one of the state's most exciting dives, among fur seals and sea caves.

The seal colony on the south-west side is the main attraction. Hundreds of Australian fur seals now use the island, and in the water at around 20 m the younger animals swirl around divers, mouthing fins and blowing bubbles. The second highlight is a cave system that passes through the north-west corner of the island, well lit and emerging on the eastern side; the TSDC describes dramatic caves, large swim-throughs and towering rock formations. Walls around the island carry sponges, sea whips and colourful invertebrates, and reef fish are plentiful.

Depths are typically 15-25 m, with deeper water off the walls. The island is small enough that the skipper can move divers to the most sheltered face, but it is still an exposed offshore site, and the boat run from Triabunna takes the best part of an hour.

Ile des Phoques suits Advanced Open Water divers comfortable with open-ocean boat diving, swim-throughs and the unpredictability of large seals. It is a seasonal highlight for Hobart dive shops and clubs whenever a calm weather window allows the trip.

What you might see

Australian fur seal (colony of hundreds), sponges, sea whips, jewel anemones, butterfly perch, banded morwong, wrasse, leatherjackets, crayfish

Location

A small, steep granite island in the Tasman Sea between Maria Island and Schouten Island, home to a large Australian fur seal colony and a cave system through its north-west corner.

Facilities nearby

None at the island. Triabunna: ramp, fuel, supermarket.