

Best for beginner divers, 6-24m, boat entry, mild current.
Picnic Island is a reef site located 800 metres off the Tasman Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, this site offers depths ranging from 6 to 24 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility fluctuates between 5 and 12 metres. The water temperature remains cold throughout the year, ranging from 13C to 19C, making a wetsuit necessary for all divers and snorkellers. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Due to the presence of tour boats in the area, all water users should remain vigilant and keep surface markers or snorkel flags visible at all times.
-42.12400, 148.26850
The best months to visit run from October through to April, when conditions are generally more settled and whale sightings become possible. Boat traffic can be active in the area, so stay close to your guide and keep your surface marker or snorkel flag visible.
Access is via private or chartered boat, typically departing from the Coles Bay Boat Ramp. Picnic Island is a private island that offers marine tours.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
6-24m
Visibility
5-12m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
13-19°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Yes, the site is considered suitable for beginners, though it requires boat access and awareness of local boat traffic.
The depth at this reef site ranges from 6 to 24 metres.
While the site is accessible for both diving and snorkelling, it has a low snorkel rating of 1/5.
Access is by boat only, and it is recommended to use a local boat charter or guided tour.
Diving at Picnic Island in East Coast requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Picnic Island in East Coast. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C.
The best months to visit Picnic Island in East Coast are October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Picnic Island in East Coast typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Picnic Island in East Coast typically ranges from 5 metres to 12 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.