The Actaeon Islands guard the southern entrance to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, south of Southport, and are one of the more remote diving destinations in the state. The Marine Life Network guide describes the landward side of Actaeon Island as relatively sheltered, with a thick forest of kelp in 4-15 m, and notes that the island lies about 12 km from the Recherche Bay ramp and requires very calm weather. Go Dive Tasmania mentions the Acteons among its kelp-forest diving areas.

The reef takes its name from the ship Actaeon, a 305-ton full-rigged ship bound from Mauritius to Hobart that struck the outer ledge of the reef in 1822. All on board reached safety, although two men drowned when a salvage boat capsized; the exact wreck location remains unknown. The kelp forest is the attraction: a canopy of giant kelp (in good years) and dense stands of other brown algae, sheltering wrasse, leatherjackets, magpie morwong, bastard trumpeter and schools of juvenile fish, with rock lobster and abalone on the reef below.

Clean water from the Southern Ocean often gives good visibility. Fur seals and dolphins frequent these waters. Because it is exposed and remote, Actaeon Island is only reached on calm days by well-equipped private boats; combine it with Sterile Island and Black Reef for an expedition-style day.

The far south has no dive shop or air fills – bring filled cylinders from Hobart or Kingston – and mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a VHF radio and leave a trip plan.

Recherche Bay is at the end of the Huon Highway and the gravel road beyond Southport and Lune River, about 2 hours (110 km) south of Hobart; it is Australia's southernmost road-accessible coastline. The Catamaran River boat ramp at the southern end of the bay is the usual launch; Cockle Creek has camping and is the start of the South Coast Track. The Marine Life Network guide describes Actaeon Island as about 12 km from the Recherche Bay ramp (roughly 25-35 minutes), requiring very calm weather.

Boats can also run from Southport. Anchor on the landward (sheltered) side in sand, clear of the kelp.

The far south – Port Esperance, Southport and Recherche Bay – opens southward to the Southern Ocean. Southerly and south-westerly swell and strong southerly winds make the exposed sites unworkable and quickly reduce visibility, while northerly and light westerly winds give calm water. Sheltered bays such as Port Esperance and inner Recherche Bay remain diveable in moderate conditions.

Weather changes rapidly and fronts arrive every few days; plan around high-pressure systems in late summer and autumn and watch for south-westerly changes. The Marine Life Network stresses that very calm weather is needed; the landward side is relatively sheltered.

Descend on the landward side into the kelp at 8-12 m, swim slowly through the forest, and work towards the island's shallows. Keep a compass bearing to the boat, as navigation in thick kelp is difficult.

Go Dive Tasmania mentions the Acteons as a kelp-forest diving area; otherwise private expedition boats from Recherche Bay or Southport.