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.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ile des Phoques is recorded as Island in Tasmania East Coast. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Ile des Phoques suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Ile des Phoques 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
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.
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.autsdc.org.audiscovertasmania.com.auspiritoftasmania.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.