King George Beach is one of the less-visited north-coast snorkel and dive spots that Tourism Kangaroo Island recommends for adventurous snorkellers. The reef lies at the rocky end of the beach, which requires a 4WD to reach along the sand from the King George Beach Road car park, and it rewards the effort with a varied reef community.

Tourism Kangaroo Island names longsnout boarfish, herring cale and old wives among the species – the boarfish in particular, with their long snouts and striped bodies, are a southern Australian speciality and usually found sheltering under ledges. Expect the typical north-coast mix alongside them: brown algae and kelp over granite and limestone, sponges, blue-throat wrasse, magpie perch, sweep, leatherjackets and, in the weed, the chance of weedy or leafy seadragons. The north coast's clear water, when northerlies are absent, makes it a pleasant shallow dive.

Because it is remote and requires beach driving, you are unlikely to meet other divers. There are no facilities, so bring everything including water, and tell someone your plans. It is a good choice for independent divers with a 4WD exploring the north coast between Kingscote and Emu Bay. It suits confident shore divers and snorkellers. Carry a first-aid kit and plan for no mobile coverage on parts of the north coast. On calm days it can be combined with a dive at Emu Bay jetty further west, making a full day of north-coast shore diving from Kingscote. Deflate tyres before driving on the sand and reinflate before returning to the road. Check the tide before driving the beach.

From Kingscote head north-west towards the north coast and follow King George Beach Road to the beach car park. To reach the rocky end of the beach where the reef lies you need a 4WD to drive along the sand (check tides and tyre pressures); otherwise it is a long walk with gear. Enter from the beach beside the rocks.

Kangaroo Island's north coast faces Investigator Strait and is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly swells, so it is usually calm when the south coast is wild. It is exposed to northerly winds and swell, which make entries difficult and reduce visibility – dive on southerly or south-westerly winds. Summer and autumn bring the most settled weather.

Beach driving depends on tides and soft sand after storms.

Enter beside the rocks, fin along the reef edge in 3-8 m looking for boarfish under ledges and herring cale in the weed, and return to the entry.

No regular operator – independent. Kangaroo Island Dive & Adventures (Kingscote) for fills/advice.