Meet the site
The Portland Maru is the largest wreck on Kangaroo Island and the island's best wreck dive. A 5,865-ton, 385 ft Japanese steel steamer built in 1919, she struck an unidentified object in 1935 and began to settle by the bow; her master beached her near Cape Torrens on the north-west coast, about 11 km east of Cape Borda, to save the ship. She could not be saved and was broken up by the sea over the following decades.
DEW's shipwreck trail notes that the site offers rewarding experiences for divers, with the remains lying in about 15 m, 200 m offshore, including visible boilers, engine, propeller shaft and winches. The Marine Life Network puts it about 500 m offshore at 16 m, with visible hull remains, two boilers and the steam engine, and heavy fish concentrations. The machinery stands proud of the reef and is encrusted with sponges and algae, and the wreckage has become an artificial reef for snapper, old wives, boarfish, blue devils and schools of bullseyes and sweep.
Cape Torrens, just east, has the highest coastal cliffs in South Australia (263 m), and the setting beneath them is spectacular. Access is only by boat along the remote north coast, and the site depends on calm southerly weather. As a protected historic shipwreck, nothing may be removed. The dive suits Open Water divers comfortable with boat diving; the moderate depth allows a relaxed exploration of the whole debris field in one dive. Bring cylinders from Kingscote and plan a full day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Portland Maru Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Kangaroo Island. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Portland Maru Wreck 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 Portland Maru Wreck 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
Snapper, old wives, boarfish, blue devilfish, bullseyes, sweep, leatherjackets, sponges and algae on machinery
Location
The remains of the 5,865-ton Japanese steamer Portland Maru, beached in 1935 near Cape Torrens, 11 km east of Cape Borda; boilers, engine, shaft and winches in about 15 m, 200-500 m offshore.
Facilities nearby
None – remote.
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
environment.sa.gov.aumarinelife.org.auoceans1.customer.netspace.net.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.