Meet the site
Two Peoples Bay is a large, sheltered bay about 35 km east of Albany, protected within a nature reserve famous for the rediscovery in 1961 of the noisy scrub-bird and later of Gilbert's potoroo, both once thought extinct. The bay takes its name from the 1803 meeting there between the American sealer Union and the French exploring ship Géographe – the 'two peoples'.
For divers it offers easy, uncrowded shore diving. Marine Life Network describes rocky reefs of 10-12 m dropping to 15 m, with old wives, wrasse, leatherjackets, scalyfin, harlequin fish, morwong, perch and occasional leafy sea dragons, sponges and plate corals, and extensive seagrass meadows. It notes a surprising variety of invertebrates and rates the bay as a great night dive.
The reefs are granite, broken into boulders and ledges with kelp and sargassum on top and sponges and encrusting growth below. The seagrass beds between them are nursery habitat and the place to look for cuttlefish, squid, flathead, stingarees and, with patience, leafy sea dragons in the weedy margin. The visitor centre, picnic area and small ramp make the logistics simple, and the reserve's scenery – white sand, granite headlands and peppermint woodland – makes it a pleasant day out.
Nearby are Little Beach and Waterfall Beach, two of Albany's most photographed beaches with clear-water snorkelling, and Coffin Island, a sea lion and fur seal haul-out just south of the bay that is reachable by small boat. Together they make Two Peoples Bay a worthwhile alternative to King George Sound for divers with their own gear who want to explore independently.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Two Peoples Bay is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Albany & Great Southern. The listed access is shore or boat. 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.
- 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 Two Peoples Bay 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 Two Peoples Bay 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
Old wives, wrasse, leatherjackets, scalyfin, harlequin fish, morwong, perch, leafy sea dragons (occasional), cuttlefish, squid, stingarees, sponges, plate corals, seagrass
Location
Sheltered bay 35 km east of Albany inside Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, with granite reefs to 15 m, seagrass meadows and a small boat ramp beside the visitor centre.
Facilities nearby
Visitor centre, toilets, picnic area with gas barbecues, small boat ramp and parking; no drinking water and no camping. Nearest air fills at South Coast Diving Supplies, Albany.
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.auexploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
