Charlotte Cove is a small cove at the mouth of the Huon River, on the stretch of coast between Cygnet and Verona Sands. The Marine Life Network guide describes a thin band of rocky reef that supports a small but very thick kelp garden in 2-6 m, with reef fish, and notes that the area is subject to Huon River runoff. It also records practical complications: shore access may require the landowner's permission, the boat ramp is rocky and shallow and suitable only for small dinghies, and the area was being developed for housing.

The dense kelp makes a pleasant shallow snorkel or dive, sheltering wrasse, leatherjackets, weedfish and juvenile fish, with sea stars and crabs among the holdfasts. As at nearby Ninepin Point, the Huon's tannin-stained water darkens the environment, and visibility is typically low. The cove is a modest local site rather than a destination, most useful for divers living in the Huon Valley or combining it with Ninepin Point and Butts Reef.

Because access arrangements may have changed with residential development, check before visiting and respect private property. Take a torch to see colour in the dim water. The Huon Valley's orchards, cafes and markets make the area a pleasant base for a weekend, and divers can combine a morning dive with a visit to Cygnet or Franklin.

On a calm, dry day, a slow snorkel along the edge of the kelp can turn up weedy seadragons and seahorses in the understorey, and the shallow depth means long, relaxed dives without cold-water fatigue setting in too quickly.

Charlotte Cove is on the Huon River mouth south of Cygnet, about 1 hour from Hobart via Huonville or the Channel Highway. The Marine Life Network guide notes that divers may need permission from the local landowner for shore access, and that the rocky, shallow boat ramp suits only small dinghies. The area has since been developed for housing, so check current public access before diving.

The Huon River mouth and lower D'Entrecasteaux Channel are sheltered from ocean swell by Bruny Island, but northerly and southerly winds funnel along the channel and raise a steep chop. The dominant influence is the Huon River: its tannin-stained, fresher water forms a dark surface layer that cuts light, especially after rain, when visibility can drop to 1-3 m. After dry spells visibility may reach 8-10 m beneath the tannin layer.

Tidal currents are mostly mild. Late summer and autumn, after dry weather, are best; the area can be dived year-round.

Enter at the reef, swim through the thick kelp garden along the band of rock at 2-5 m, and return the same way.

No operator trips; local and club divers only.