Meet the site
Passage Rocks lies in a deep north-south channel on the northern side of Great Keppel Island, and it is described by the regional tourism body as having more hard coral species than any other site in the Keppels. The rocks provide a range of habitats, from exposed faces swept by current to sheltered pockets, which helps explain the diversity. Snorkellers and divers find hard corals of many types, including branching, plate, massive and encrusting forms, along with feather stars clinging to the rocks and a good abundance of fish. The water movement through the channel brings food, and larger fish such as trevally and mackerel may pass through. Because the channel carries tidal flow, timing is important. Near slack water, the rocks can be explored comfortably; at mid tide, the current can be strong enough to make snorkelling hard work. The channel itself is deeper, and divers should stay close to the rocks rather than drifting into mid-channel. Passage Rocks is less visited than Monkey Beach or the Middle Island sites, partly because of the tidal factor and partly because access is only by boat or kayak. For divers interested in coral diversity, however, it is one of the most rewarding shallow sites around Great Keppel. It suits confident snorkellers and Open Water divers with some experience of current, and is best visited with local guidance on the day's tides.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Passage Rocks (Great Keppel Island) is recorded as Reef in Capricorn Coast & Keppel 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Passage Rocks (Great Keppel 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 Passage Rocks (Great Keppel 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
Diverse hard corals (highest coral species count in the Keppels), feather stars, reef fish, trevally, mackerel, turtles, nudibranchs
Location
Rocks in a deep north-south channel on Great Keppel's northern side, said to have more hard coral species than any other site in the Keppels; feather stars and abundant fish.
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
visitcapricorn.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.