Meet the site
Vivonne Bay has been voted one of Australia's best beaches, a 5 km curve of white sand on Kangaroo Island's south coast. At its western end a 79 m jetty runs out beside Point Ellen, an 8.5 m mound of Pleistocene dune limestone ringed by rocks that shelters the western corner of the bay from swell. Tourism Kangaroo Island calls it the safest of the south-coast spots, best around the jetty and towards Point Ellen, with southern goatfish, smooth stingrays and dusky morwong; Wander adds brilliant azure rock pools.
The jetty is small, but its pylons and the adjoining reef support a mix of jetty and reef life: sponges and algae on the piles, kelp-covered limestone towards the point, rays on the sand, goatfish rooting in the sediment and schools of sweep and leatherjackets. Rock lobster shelter under ledges, and sea lions occasionally visit from colonies along the south coast. Visibility is often excellent in calm conditions, thanks to the clean Southern Ocean water. Bay depths are generally 9-11 m offshore.
The caveat is the south coast itself. The bay has a significant undertow and sizeable swell at times, and in 2011 two tourists drowned when a wave swept them from Point Ellen. Tourism Kangaroo Island stresses checking conditions on arrival and throughout. The jetty corner gives a real chance of a dive on the south coast, but only on calm days. It suits snorkellers and Open Water divers who respect the sea, and it is a pleasant stop with the Vivonne Bay general store nearby.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Vivonne Bay Jetty is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Kangaroo Island. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Vivonne Bay Jetty 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 Vivonne Bay Jetty 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
Southern goatfish, smooth stingray, dusky morwong, sweep, leatherjackets, rock lobster, kelp, sponges; sea lions occasionally
Location
A 79 m jetty at the western end of Vivonne Bay on KI's south coast, sheltered by the limestone mound of Point Ellen; reef and rock pools towards the point.
Facilities nearby
Jetty car park and boat ramp; toilets nearby; Vivonne Bay general store (fuel, food); no fills – nearest Kingscote.
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
tourkangarooisland.com.auen.wikipedia.orgwander.com.auen.wikivoyage.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.