Meet the site
Seal Cove is one of the less publicised King George Sound sites, and one of the most attractive when conditions allow. Marine Life Network's Albany list describes a reef in 18-30 m with large gorgonian fans, black coral and a coral garden, supporting a wide range of reef species, and notes that visibility here is rarely below 20 m – considerably clearer than on the HMAS Perth and the inner sound.
The depth and clarity give the site a distinctly different feel from the shallow granite reefs around the islands. The fans are big and intact, the black coral forms bushes on the deeper ledges, and the plate and encrusting corals that turn up in patches across the sound form a more continuous garden here. Expect blue groper, queen snapper, harlequin fish, boarfish, western blue devils and schools of bullseyes, with kingfish and samson fish passing overhead.
Because the site starts at 18 m and runs to 30 m, it suits Advanced Open Water divers who are comfortable managing depth and no-decompression limits in cold water. Nitrox is useful. It is sheltered from ocean swell and most winds, but exposed to the north-easterly that blows into the sound on many summer afternoons.
Little has been published about Seal Cove beyond Marine Life Network's summary, and the exact location is not given in public sources. Divers should book through the local dive shop, which will select it when the weather suits. It is a good choice for experienced divers wanting deeper reef scenery on a day when the Breaksea walls are out.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Seal Cove (King George Sound) is recorded as Reef 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Seal Cove (King George Sound) 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 Seal Cove (King George Sound) 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
Large gorgonian fans, black coral, plate and encrusting corals, sponges, blue groper, queen snapper, harlequin fish, boarfish, western blue devil, bullseyes, yellowtail kingfish, samson fish
Location
Deeper reef in King George Sound known for large gorgonian fans, black coral and a coral garden in 18-30 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.
