Meet the site
Cape Raoul is the southern tip of the Tasman Peninsula's western arm, famous for its spectacular organ-pipe columns of dolerite and a 300 m clifftop walk. The Marine Life Network guide lists Salters Point near Cape Raoul as a boat dive of 8-28 m, describing a volcanic bluff with kelp and ridges of boulders, and recording crayfish, sea tulips and butterfly perch. The ridges run down the slope like spokes, creating gutters and overhangs where rock lobsters shelter. Sea tulips – stalked ascidians that sway on the reef – are a notable feature; they are the same animals that spotted handfish use for spawning in the Derwent estuary. Schools of butterfly perch hang over the deeper ridges, and wrasse, leatherjackets and morwong are common on the kelp-covered upper reef. Seal Rock, a fur seal haul-out near Cape Raoul, can be seen from the cape walking track and from cruise boats, so seals may appear during a dive. The site is rarely dived and documentation is limited, but its setting is magnificent. It suits experienced divers with their own boat and good local knowledge. Remember the seal-watching rules: vessels must keep at least 50 m from seals and 100 m during the November-December pupping season, and slow down within 200 m of a colony. Cape Raoul is best combined with other western-side sites such as Wedge Island or Fosters Rock on a calm day. The run around the cape passes some of the finest coastal scenery in Tasmania, and even on a day when conditions do not allow a dive, the boat trip under the columns is worth making.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Salters Point (Cape Raoul) is recorded as Reef in Tasman Peninsula. 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.
- 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 Salters Point (Cape Raoul) 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 Salters Point (Cape Raoul) 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
Southern rock lobster, sea tulips, butterfly perch, kelp, wrasse, leatherjackets, morwong, fur seals
Location
Volcanic (dolerite) bluff with kelp and boulder ridges near Cape Raoul, the columnar southern tip of the Tasman Peninsula's western arm.
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.orgnre.tas.gov.auract.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.