The Hippolyte Rocks are an isolated group of steep granite islets well off the Tasman Peninsula, famous for their fur seal colony and for the two shipwrecks lost on the Needle nearby. The Tasmanian Scuba Diving Club describes towering rock pinnacles, extensive kelp forests and intriguing caves, with large schools of fish, fur seals and vibrant invertebrates. An ABC report on a 2024 Easter dive gives the depth profile: bull kelp grows to about 15 m, coral and sponge reefs begin at around 30 m, and the reef extends to 55-65 m.

Instructor Matt Testoni described the reef as filled with fish, with more than 20 species visible at once – butterfly perch in their thousands, large schools of real bastard trumpeter, boarfish and even southern bluefin tuna passing through. Go Dive Tasmania lists the main rock at 10-40 m or more with large boulders, prolific marine life and strong currents, and the Marine Life Network guide notes volcanic outcrops, swim-throughs and invertebrate-rich walls with anemones, sea whips, nudibranchs and sponges. The seals are a highlight: Australian and New Zealand fur seals haul out on the rock and dive with visitors in the kelp.

Tasmanian seal-watching guidelines require vessels to stay at least 50 m from seals (100 m in the November-December pupping season) and to slow down within 200 m, and landing on the colony is not allowed; in the water, let the seals come to you. The Hippolytes are one of the most exposed sites in the state and are only dived a few times a year. The ABC report noted that recreational divers are limited to 40 m and suggested a minimum of 60 logged dives; deeper parts of the reef are the domain of technical divers.

For experienced divers who get a window, it is one of Tasmania's great dives.

Boat access only. Most trips use the Fortescue Bay boat ramp (Arthur Highway to Taranna, then 12 km of gravel on Fortescue Road; national park pass required), which is the closest launch to Cape Hauy, the Hippolytes, Munro Bight and Cape Pillar. Eaglehawk Dive Centre and Go Dive Tasmania run from Pirates Bay at Eaglehawk Neck (or Port Arthur for Go Dive), adding 20-30 minutes each way.

There are no moorings on these exposed sites; boats drift or hover and run a live-boat pick-up. Carry full safety gear, a VHF radio and oxygen – the nearest help is at Port Arthur or Eaglehawk Neck and the chamber is in Hobart, about 1.5-2 hours away.

These are the most exposed dive sites on the Tasman Peninsula, facing the Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea with no shelter from southerly or easterly weather. Divers interviewed by the ABC said the Hippolytes need no swell and a westerly wind, and that such windows may occur only a handful of times a year; Easter weekend was noted as one. Anything more than about 1-1.5 m of south-easterly to southerly swell, or easterly winds, makes them undiveable.

Currents are strong and unpredictable, particularly around the Needle, Tasman Island passage and Cape Pillar; plan around neap tides and expect to drift. Late summer and autumn (February-May) offer the best chances; operators confirm on the day.

Drop on the lee side of the main rock, descend through the bull kelp to the boulder slope and continue to 25-30 m where sponges and corals begin. Work along the boulders with the current, then ascend through the kelp where seals are most active, deploying an SMB early.

Reef continues to 55-65 m; below 40 m requires technical training and trimix. Minimum 60 logged dives suggested.

Go Dive Tasmania – The Hippolyte (10-40 m+, Advanced/Deep) on calm-weather boat days; Eaglehawk Dive Centre – occasional in exceptional conditions; Tasmanian Scuba Diving Club and technical divers – private boats from Fortescue Bay.