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.
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.