Meet the site
When the old Tanker Jetty was demolished, the site of its seaward end – known locally as 'The Island' and now marked by a navigation beacon – became a no-fishing zone, and the area's tyre-module artificial reef remains a key habitat for the marine life that made the old jetty famous. Esperance Diving & Fishing describes the Tanker Jetty Artificial Reef as tyre modules in a no-fishing zone, accessible to all divers and home to leafy and weedy seadragons, seals and many fish species, and popular with underwater photographers. Perth Scuba describes it as recently reopened.
The tyre modules sit on sand and seagrass in shallow water, now encrusted with sponges, ascidians and algae. Seadragons use the weed around the modules, while old wives, skipjack trevally, herring, whiting and wrasse gather over the structures. Australian sea lions and fur seals occasionally swing by – as they regularly did under the old jetty.
Because fishing is banned here, the fish are more numerous and relaxed than elsewhere around the jetty. The main practical issue is the surface swim from the jetty platform; a surface marker buoy and dive flag are essential given boat traffic.
It is an easy, rewarding dive for Open Water divers and photographers and pairs naturally with a dive under the new jetty. Ask the local dive shop for the latest seadragon sightings and advice on the best route. Because the reef is small, a slow, methodical search pattern works best, and a macro lens is ideal for the seadragons and nudibranchs on the modules.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tanker Jetty Artificial Reef ('The Island') is recorded as Artificial Reef in Esperance & Recherche Archipelago. The listed access is shore or 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 Tanker Jetty Artificial Reef ('The Island') 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 Tanker Jetty Artificial Reef ('The Island') 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
Leafy seadragons, weedy seadragons, Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, old wives, skipjack trevally, herring, whiting, wrasse, sponges, ascidians
Location
Tyre-module artificial reef in a no-fishing zone at the end-point of the original Tanker Jetty ('The Island', marked by a navigation beacon), beyond the end of the new Esperance Jetty.
Facilities nearby
As for Esperance Jetty – town facilities on The Esplanade; air fills at Esperance Diving & Fishing.
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
esperancedivingandfishing.com.auesperance.wa.gov.auperthscuba.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.