Meet the site
Long Island is one of the western islands of the Recherche Archipelago, and one of the more varied reef dives accessible from Esperance. Marine Life Network describes large rock formations with caverns and swim-throughs, and reef ridges separated by sand gutters, in 20-30 m, with western blue groper, queen snapper and harlequin fish (harlequin cod) as signature species.
The granite has been sculpted into overhangs and caverns lined with sponges, ascidians and gorgonians, and the ridges and gutters give the dive a structured, easy-to-navigate layout. The blue groper here are large and curious, queen snapper school in the gutters, and harlequin fish sit in the caves. In the sand gutters look for rays and flathead.
The island also shelters the Lapwing, an intact small fishing-boat wreck in 32 m, so Long Island makes a natural two-dive day: the wreck first, then a shallower reef dive. The site suits Advanced Open Water divers; swim-throughs should be avoided if there is surge.
The Recherche Archipelago – more than 100 granite islands and 1,500 islets stretching 230 km along the coast – is one of the least-dived temperate island groups in Australia. With the local operator the only regular dive boat, divers who make the trip often have sites to themselves. Surveys record more than 260 fish species and 450 sponge types across the archipelago, and the sponge diversity is obvious on the Long Island walls, where every overhang holds a different colour and form. Plan Long Island as part of a multi-day Esperance stay to allow for weather.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Long Island (Recherche) 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Long Island (Recherche) 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 Long Island (Recherche) 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
Western blue groper, queen snapper, harlequin fish, boarfish, sweep, bullseyes, rays, sponges, gorgonians, ascidians
Location
Island in the western Recherche Archipelago off Esperance with large rock formations, caverns, swim-throughs and reef ridges with sand gutters in 20-30 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.