Meet the site
Tasman Island is a flat-topped dolerite island ringed by cliffs off Cape Pillar, crowned by a lighthouse first lit in 1906. Go Dive Tasmania lists it at 10-40 m or more as a remote site beneath towering cliffs for Advanced and Deep divers. The Marine Life Network guide recommends the north-east side near the old lighthouse, in 15-35 m, describing a quick drop-off with deep-water sponges, currents, sea mammals and schooling fish. The walls drop steeply from a kelp fringe into deeper water where sponges, sea whips and gorgonians take over. Fur seals from the Cape Pillar–Tasman Island colonies are regular companions, and schools of butterfly perch and real bastard trumpeter hang in the current. Whales pass the island during their winter and spring migrations, and pelagic fish are seen occasionally. The island is exposed on all sides and currents in the passage between it and Cape Pillar can be very strong, so it is a dive for well-prepared groups with an experienced skipper and a live boat. Weather windows are rare, and most divers who dive here do so as part of a planned expedition-style day. The clarity of the water – often well over 20 m – and the sense of isolation make it a memorable dive. The island's history adds interest: lighthouse keepers and their families lived on the summit for decades, hauling supplies up the cliffs by a flying fox and haulage, remains of which can still be seen from the water. The island is now part of Tasman National Park and landing is restricted. Divers should plan conservatively, carry oxygen and a VHF radio, and have a sheltered fallback site in mind.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tasman Island is recorded as Island 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Tasman Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Tasman 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
Deep-water sponges, sea whips, gorgonians, jewel anemones, fur seals, butterfly perch, real bastard trumpeter, boarfish, pelagic fish
Location
Steep-sided island with a lighthouse off Cape Pillar at the south-eastern tip of the Tasman Peninsula; the north-eastern side below the old lighthouse haulage has a quick drop-off.
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
godivetas.com.aumarinelife.org.aunre.tas.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.