Meet the site
The south-east point of West Cove is rated 7 out of 10 by the Marine Life Network guide as a colourful dive that appeals to all types of diver. A moderately exposed, steeply sloping bottom provides caves and crevices; crayweed (0-5 m) gives way to strapweed, red algae and then sponges at depth, with sand and paddleweed at 35 m. Butterfly perch and barber perch hang deeper; leatherjackets, wrasse, magpie perch, white-ear, sweep, southern hulafish, long-finned pike, herring cale and schools of trumpeter fill the shallows. Bryozoans, red-mouthed ascidians, gorgonians, hydroids, tube worms and sea daisies are abundant. The guide describes it as a colourful dive for every kind of diver, from photographers to naturalists. The Marine Life Network guide's descriptions are the only detailed published account, so expect some changes in the decades since and plan to explore.
The Kent Group is one of the most isolated island groups in Australian waters, protected as the Kent Group National Park on land, with the surrounding waters managed as a marine reserve. It sits in the middle of Bass Strait where warm and cool currents mix, and its granite walls and clear water support rich invertebrate growth rarely seen by divers. The historic Deal Island lighthouse (1848), once the highest in the southern hemisphere, overlooks the anchorages.
With no facilities beyond the caretakers' station and a long passage back to the mainland or Flinders Island, any diving injury is a serious emergency requiring aeromedical evacuation, most likely to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital. Diving here is for experienced, completely self-sufficient expedition divers.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
West Cove South-East Point (Deal Island) is recorded as Wall in Kent Group. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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 West Cove South-East Point (Deal Island) 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 West Cove South-East Point (Deal Island) 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
Butterfly perch, barber perch, leatherjackets, wrasse, magpie perch, white-ear, sweep, southern hulafish, long-finned pike, herring cale, trumpeter, bryozoans, red-mouthed ascidians, gorgonians, hydroids, sea daisies
Location
A moderately exposed, steeply sloping point at West Cove, Deal Island, with caves and crevices from crayweed shallows to sponges at depth and sand at 35 m.
Facilities nearby
None apart from the Deal Island caretakers' station; no fuel, water or supplies for visitors.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.