Meet the site
The Pinnacles lie off the north-western end of Montague Island. The Marine Life Network lists the site at 8–32 m for experienced divers only, describing kelp-covered shallows that drop away to a spectacular deep sponge garden. It is one of the deeper, more dramatic dives around the island.
The tops of the pinnacles are covered in kelp at 8–12 m, with blue groper, wrasse, sweep and leatherjackets. Below the kelp the rock faces fall into a sponge garden with sea whips, gorgonians and sea squirts in bright colours. The exposure to current brings in schools of yellowtail and pelagic fish such as kingfish, bonito and trevally, and grey nurse sharks, which aggregate on the northern side of the island in summer, may pass through. Seals from the nearby colony often join divers on the ascent.
The combination of depth and current makes this an Advanced dive. Operators choose it only when the current is manageable, and divers should be comfortable ascending in open water with an SMB. Dive profile and depth information is based on the Marine Life Network summary; local operators can supply more detail on the day. On a good day with blue water, it is one of the best deep reef dives on the South Coast. Montague is a nature reserve and part of the Batemans Marine Park, with fishing restricted in sanctuary zones. Expect to share the ascent with curious seals.
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 Pinnacles (Montague Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Narooma & Montague 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.
- 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 The Pinnacles (Montague 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 The Pinnacles (Montague 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
Sponges, sea whips, gorgonians, sea squirts, kelp, blue groper, wrasse, sweep, leatherjackets, yellowtail, kingfish, bonito, trevally, grey nurse sharks (seasonal), fur seals
Location
Pinnacles off the north-western end of Montague Island with kelp-covered shallows dropping to a deep sponge garden; 8–32 m, experienced divers.
Facilities nearby
Narooma town wharf and marina.
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.auunderwatersafaris.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.