Meet the site
Mistaken Island is a small granite island in the south-western corner of King George Sound, only about 120 m off the Vancouver Peninsula and about 5 km from Albany's town centre. It is a 12-hectare class A nature reserve, declared in 1971, and home to a colony of little penguins whose burrows early settlers mistook for rabbit holes – hence both its name and its alternative name, Rabbit Island. In the 19th century the island was also used by shore-based whalers.
Underwater, Marine Life Network describes rocky reefs in 5-12 m, best on the deeper southern side, with sponge gardens, small fish and invertebrates. The granite is broken into boulders and ledges, with sponges, ascidians and encrusting algae on the rock and kelp and seagrass in the shallows. Small reef fish such as western blue devils, scalyfin, wrasse and old wives are common, and at dusk little penguins may be seen swimming around the island.
The nearby waters are licensed for mussel culture on long-lines, which adds plankton and can reduce visibility, but also attracts fish. The site is close to the town ramp and sheltered from most weather, making it a convenient shallow dive for local divers with their own boat, a snorkel on calm days, or a fallback when the outer sites are rough. It is not a destination dive, and visiting divers with limited time will get more from the HMAS Perth, Michaelmas and Breaksea sites, but it is a pleasant, easy reef with a genuine wildlife point of interest.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Mistaken Island is recorded as Island in Albany & Great Southern. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Mistaken 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 Mistaken 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
Little penguins, sponges, ascidians, kelp, seagrass, western blue devil, scalyfin, wrasse, old wives, cuttlefish, small invertebrates
Location
12-hectare granite island about 120 m off the Vancouver Peninsula, 5 km south-east of Albany, with rocky reefs to 12 m; a class A nature reserve with a little penguin colony.
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.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
