East Woody Island – Dhamitjinya in Yolŋu Matha – is a small, uninhabited island just north of Nhulunbuy, joined to the mainland by a sand spit. It is one of the recreation sites managed by Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation and is a favourite place for Nhulunbuy residents to walk, fish and picnic.

It is included here as the most accessible shore-based marine site near town rather than as an established dive. No dive-specific description has been published. From the coast's geography, expect rocky shore and boulders around the island grading to sand and patches of coral and seagrass in shallow water, with reef fish such as damselfish, wrasse, parrotfish and small cod among the rocks, and turtles and rays over the sand.

The big caveat is safety. Local tourism guidance for Nhulunbuy is blunt: do not swim in rivers, creeks or at beaches, because saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish are both present. Any snorkel or shore dive at East Woody Island should only be considered in the dry season (outside peak stinger months), in clear water, with a lookout on shore and a quick exit plan.

For visiting divers the island's value is mostly as a scenic, easily reached coastal spot for a short look at shallow marine life while waiting for boat weather. Serious diving around Gove is done offshore at Bremer, Bromby and the other islands. Dhimurru permits must be carried. The spit and surrounding shallows are also a popular fishing spot, so watch for anglers' lines around the rocks.

East Woody Island (Dhamitjinya) is a few minutes' drive from Nhulunbuy along the coast road to the East Woody beach area; the island is joined to the mainland by a sand spit that can be walked at lower tides. A Dhimurru On-Country Pass is required. Park at the beach access, carry gear across the sand and enter from the spit or rocks.

Boats can also reach the island from the Gove Boat Club ramp.

The Gove Peninsula sits at the north-west corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and tidal ranges here are much smaller than at Darwin (roughly 2–3 m), so diving is less tide-bound – but slack water still matters at channel and point sites. From April to September the south-east trade wind blows hard (often 15–25 knots), making the exposed east-facing coast and offshore islands rough by late morning; early starts and sites in the lee of islands are the norm. The build-up and early wet (October–December) bring glassy calm days and the best visibility.

In the wet season (December–March) the Gulf side is often still diveable, but inshore sites lose visibility after rain, cyclones are possible and box jellyfish are present.

Only in calm, clear conditions outside stinger season: enter from the spit on a rising tide, snorkel or dive the rocky fringe of the island at 2–6 m keeping close to shore, and exit where you entered. Always dive with a spotter on shore watching for crocodiles.

Gove Diving & Fishing Charters (Nhulunbuy, ph 08 8987 3445) has provided air fills, gear hire, courses and boat trips to the offshore islands; confirm current operation before travelling. Otherwise private boats from the Gove Boat Club ramp, and local residents' informal dive groups.