Meet the site
The Fin was a 93-ton steam whale chaser from the Norwegian Bay whaling station that went aground during a cyclone at Point Cloates in 1923. It now lies in 1–2 m on the submerged remains of Fraser Island, about four miles offshore from the whaling station ruins, with its engine block and boiler above the water.
In gin-clear water within a sanctuary zone, it is an excellent snorkel: the hull is visible below and reef fish shelter in the wreckage. Beside it lie the remains of the Fraser Island lighthouse, which collapsed in the 1960s.
The Point Cloates coast: the stretch of Ningaloo between Coral Bay and Yardie Creek is a notorious ship trap where the reef lies close to the shipping route and an uncharted north-west current set vessels onto the reef. The WA wreck-diving guide divingwawrecks lists nine wrecks here, from the 1811 Rapid to the 1931 Chofuku Maru. All are remote, require a private boat, calm seas and self-sufficiency, and are protected historic sites — look, photograph and leave everything in place.
Planning notes: this is primarily a snorkelling site. Expect to spend most of the dive around 1.5 m, with a maximum of about 2 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Best season: April–October on glassy days. Traffic: remote/expedition only.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
SS Fin is recorded as Wreck in Ningaloo – Coral Bay. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 SS Fin suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 SS Fin 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
Reef fish, coral on wreckage, turtles
Location
Partly exposed wreck of a 93-ton steam whale chaser in 1–2 m in Norwegian Bay, beside the collapsed Fraser Island lighthouse remains, within a sanctuary zone.
Facilities nearby
None; remote station coast. Air in Coral Bay or Exmouth.
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
divingwawrecks.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.