Meet the site
Marine Life Network lists several offshore reef dives near Geraldton. Lighthouse Passage, in about 18 m, has good fish and coral coverage, with buffalo bream, kingfish, trevally, soft corals, stingrays and turtles. Hell's Gates, also about 18 m, is described as a strong reef ecosystem with jewfish (dhufish), kingfish, western blue devils, coral trout, baldchin groper and turtles. Shallow Reef, in 4-12 m, has soft corals, blue devils, rock lobsters and pineapple fish, and needs windless days.
These reefs reflect Geraldton's position in the transition zone, where tropical coral trout and turtles overlap with temperate dhufish, blue devils and pineapple fish. Public detail is limited to the Marine Life Network summaries and exact locations are not published. They are dived occasionally by the local dive shop and private boat owners, and offer a worthwhile alternative to the South Tomi on a calm day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lighthouse Passage & Hell's Gates (Geraldton) is recorded as Reef in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. 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.
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 Lighthouse Passage & Hell's Gates (Geraldton) 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 Lighthouse Passage & Hell's Gates (Geraldton) 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
Buffalo bream, yellowtail kingfish, trevally, WA dhufish, western blue devil, coral trout, baldchin groper, pineapple fish, rock lobsters, soft corals, stingrays, turtles
Location
Offshore reef boat dives near Geraldton in about 18 m, with soft corals, turtles and a mix of temperate and tropical fish; Shallow Reef nearby in 4-12 m.
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.