Meet the site
The Plateau is an advanced drift dive at Montague Island. The Marine Life Network describes it as just east of the seal colony, where the currents are quite strong, suitable for experienced divers attempting drift dives, with a boulder-strewn bottom and abundant marine life, at about 33 m.
Drifting over the plateau gives a fast-moving view of boulders and rock covered in sponges, gorgonians and sea squirts. The current brings in plankton and the fish that feed on it: schools of yellowtail, silver sweep and one-spot pullers, with kingfish, trevally and bonito hunting them. Blue groper and red morwong shelter among the boulders, and seals from the colony often dart through. Grey nurse sharks, which aggregate on the northern side of the island in summer, may also be seen.
This is a site for experienced divers only. The combination of depth (around 30 m), strong current and open water means divers need good buoyancy, the ability to deploy an SMB at depth, and experience with live-boat pick-ups. It should only be done with an operator who knows the current patterns. Published detail is limited to the Marine Life Network's summary; there is no GPS. The dive can be exhilarating on the right day but is unforgiving of mistakes. Divers new to drift diving should build experience on gentler drifts, such as Lighthouse Wall at Ulladulla, first. Operators will only run it when they are confident of tracking the group and may cancel at short notice if the current is too strong or the surface too rough to see SMBs. Each diver should carry their own SMB and ideally an audible signalling device.
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 Plateau (Montague Island) is recorded as Drift 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 Plateau (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 Plateau (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
Yellowtail, silver sweep, one-spot pullers, kingfish, trevally, bonito, blue groper, red morwong, fur seals, grey nurse sharks (seasonal), sponges, gorgonians
Location
Boulder-strewn plateau just east of the Montague seal colony where strong currents allow drift dives for experienced divers; about 33 m.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.