Meet the site
Tuna Hut is the second half of a typical West End day at Rottnest. Perth Scuba and Divernet describe it as a large site on the north-west of the island with caves and swim-throughs, lots of crayfish, and a seal colony nearby, noting that it makes a good dive shortly after Shark Cave and offers good photographic opportunities. The name presumably comes from an old fishing hut on the shore, a reminder that this part of Rottnest was once used by tuna fishers.
The reef is shallower than Shark Cave, which makes it a sensible second dive after the deeper shark site, and its limestone is eroded into the familiar Rottnest mix of overhangs, caves and swim-throughs. Western rock lobster are common in the cracks. With the seal and sea lion colony close by, there is a chance of a curious animal joining the dive, and the clearer offshore water at this end of the island gives good visibility.
Published detail about depths and layout is limited, so treat the depths given here as indicative and follow the charter's brief. It suits Open Water divers with some experience in surge and swim-throughs. Because it is only reachable on the handful of calm days each year when boats get to the West End, it is less dived than the north-east sites but well worth doing when the chance arises.
Combine it with a look at the seal colony from the boat, keeping a respectful distance from animals hauled out on the rocks.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tuna Hut is recorded as Reef in Rottnest 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.
- 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 Tuna Hut suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Tuna Hut 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
Western rock lobster, buffalo bream, bullseyes, old wife, western king wrasse, Australian sea lions and fur seals (nearby colony), sponges
Location
Large reef site with caves and swim-throughs on the north-west of Rottnest near the seal colony, commonly dived after Shark Cave.
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
perthscuba.comdivernet.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.