Meet the site
West Bay is the second documented site at Wedge Island, the largest of the remote Gambier Islands. The Marine Life Society of South Australia describes sheer walls and deep ledges in places, with moderately large boulder-covered crevices on the south side, in 10-25 m, and calls it spectacular but distant. The invertebrate life is rich: sponges, nudibranchs, small gorgonians, zoanthids and soft corals decorate the walls, and the Society records horseshoe leatherjackets, western blue groper, southern blue devils, leafy seadragons, stingrays and spotted catsharks. Water clarity at the Gambiers is often exceptional, as the islands sit in oceanic water at the mouth of Spencer Gulf. Like the rest of Wedge Island, West Bay is an expedition dive – a long open-ocean crossing from Pondalowie Bay, strong currents, no nearby help and depths that reward careful planning. Very few divers ever reach it, which is part of its appeal. It suits highly experienced divers with a large, well-equipped boat and a flexible schedule to wait for weather. Combine it with Shark Cove (see Wedge Island) on the same trip. Because the crossing takes well over an hour each way, most groups plan two dives and a surface interval in the lee of the island, and carry spare fuel, a satellite beacon and full first-aid and oxygen kits. The reward is a seldom-seen reef where fish show little fear of divers and where the only other visitors are seals, dolphins and seabirds from the island colonies.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wedge Island – West Bay is recorded as Wall in Yorke Peninsula. 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.
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 Wedge Island – West Bay 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 Wedge Island – West 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
Horseshoe leatherjackets, western blue groper, southern blue devils, leafy seadragons, stingrays, spotted catsharks, sponges, nudibranchs, gorgonians, zoanthids, soft corals
Location
West Bay on Wedge Island in the Gambier Group, with sheer walls, deep ledges and, on the south side, boulder-covered crevices in 10-25 m.
Facilities nearby
None; Pondalowie Bay ramp and campground.
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.