Meet the site
Seal Island is a small granite outcrop in the south-western part of King George Sound, best known to divers as the neighbour of the HMAS Perth, which lies 500 m to its south-west. It is a worthwhile dive in its own right, and a relaxed shallow option after a deep wreck dive.
The reef is shallowest on the western side, from about 5 m, and deepens toward the east to around 20 m. Marine Life Network lists an unusually broad mix of life for such a small site: plate corals on the rock, western blue devils, pineapple fish in the ledges, scorpionfish, queen snapper, yellowtail kingfish, blue groper and harlequin fish, along with sea dragons and nudibranchs. As the name suggests, seals occasionally appear; the island is used as a haul-out by New Zealand fur seals and the odd Australian sea lion.
The granite forms boulders, overhangs and small gutters rather than big walls, with patches of kelp and seagrass on the surrounding sand where cuttlefish, squid and Port Jackson sharks are found. Pineapple fish and blue devils make it a favourite night dive – the pineapple fish's light organs glow in torchlight – and the sheltered position means night trips can often go ahead when the rest of the coast is rough.
Seal Island suits all levels: new divers can stay on the shallow western reef, while experienced divers can explore the deeper eastern side. Combined with the Perth it makes an easy double-dive morning from Albany, and snorkellers can enjoy the shallow reef on calm days.
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 Island (King George Sound) 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.
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 Island (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 Island (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
Plate corals, western blue devil, pineapple fish, scorpionfish, queen snapper, yellowtail kingfish, blue groper, harlequin fish, leafy and weedy sea dragons (occasional), nudibranchs, cuttlefish, New Zealand fur seals
Location
Small granite island in the south-western part of King George Sound, about 500 m north-east of the HMAS Perth wreck, with reef from 5 m on the west to 20 m on the east.
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.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
