Meet the site
Lion Island is a shallow, sheltered site in the Recherche Archipelago. Marine Life Network describes a rocky, weed-covered bottom with numerous granite boulders supporting fish, sponges, soft corals, ascidians, hard corals and gorgonian sea fans.
Its value lies in its protection: on days when the swell rules out the outer islands and the Sanko Harvest, Lion Island offers a relaxed, colourful dive suitable for Open Water divers and for second dives. The boulders are covered in invertebrate growth, and the weed hides small fish, nudibranchs and crustaceans.
Little else has been published about the site. Like all Recherche islands it is a nature reserve, and landing requires authorisation.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lion 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.
- 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 Lion Island 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 Lion 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
Sponges, soft corals, hard corals, ascidians, gorgonian sea fans, wrasse, sweep, old wives, scalyfin, nudibranchs
Location
Shallow, sheltered island dive in the Recherche Archipelago with a rocky, weed-covered bottom and granite boulders carrying sponges, soft and hard corals and gorgonians.
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.