Meet the site
The Pages are a group of small rocky islets in the eastern Backstairs Passage, between Kangaroo Island's Dudley Peninsula and Cape Jervis. The Marine Life Network describes them as small islets in current-prone, exposed waters, 15 km from the Cape Jervis boat ramp, with large walls on the south island up to 10 m high, depths of 15-30 m, large schools of fish and seals – a pristine area for advanced divers only.
The islands are a conservation park and an important Australian sea lion breeding site, and the surrounding water is swept by the tidal flows of Backstairs Passage. That combination brings food and fish: schools of sweep, trevally, salmon and kingfish, big blue groper, and sea lions that may approach divers. The walls on the south island are covered in sponges and encrusting life, and the visibility in the clear passage water is often excellent.
It is also a place to take seriously. Currents can be strong and changeable, the islands are far from shelter, and seal colonies attract white sharks – Backstairs Passage and the Neptune Islands are among Australia's best-known white shark areas. Divers should plan for slack water, stay close to the walls, use DSMBs and have competent boat cover. The islands must not be landed on. For experienced divers with the right boat and weather, the Pages offer one of South Australia's wildest and most pristine dives. Charter availability is irregular, so most trips are organised by experienced private boat owners or dive clubs from Adelaide.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Pages is recorded as Island in Kangaroo Island. 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.
- 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 The Pages 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 The Pages 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
Australian sea lions, schooling sweep, trevally, salmon, yellowtail kingfish, western blue groper, sponges and encrusting invertebrates on walls
Location
Small rocky islets in the eastern Backstairs Passage, about 15 km offshore from the Cape Jervis ramp, with walls to 10 m high on the south island; 15-30 m; strong currents.
Facilities nearby
Cape Jervis boat ramp, toilets and ferry terminal.
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.