Meet the site
The islands off Cape Le Grand National Park, including Thomas Island, form part of the Recherche Archipelago's inner group east of Esperance.
The islands are granite domes rising from sand and reef, with the typical Recherche habitat: boulders, gutters and overhangs covered in kelp, sponges, gorgonians and encrusting corals, and fish such as blue groper, queen snapper, harlequin fish, boarfish, sweep and bullseyes. Several islands in the archipelago host Australian sea lion and New Zealand fur seal colonies, and the Sanko Harvest oil spill of 1991 affected seal colonies in this area.
Diving here is by private boat or by arrangement with the Esperance dive shop, and the long run and exposure mean trips are weather-dependent. For better-documented Recherche diving, see Remark and Frederick Islands, Long Island, Woody Island and the Sanko Harvest.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Thomas Island & Cape Le Grand Islands is recorded as Island in Esperance & Recherche Archipelago. 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.
- 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 Thomas Island & Cape Le Grand Islands suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Thomas Island & Cape Le Grand Islands 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
Blue groper, queen snapper, harlequin fish, boarfish, sweep, bullseyes, Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, kelp, sponges, gorgonians
Location
Granite islands off Cape Le Grand National Park east of Esperance, including Thomas Island, dived occasionally by boat for sea lions and granite reef.
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.auwoodyisland.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.