The Kingscote Tyre Reef is one of South Australia's early artificial fishing reefs, listed in the Scuba Divers Federation of SA's artificial reef inventory as 'Kingscote (Tyre module) Artificial Reef', with coordinates published in the state's Marine Scalefish Fishery user guide. Like other tyre reefs built in SA, it consists of groupings of old tyres, cleaned of oil and contaminants, placed on the sand to create habitat and attract fish.

Little diver-specific information exists. Tyre reefs of this era were designed for anglers rather than divers, and the structures are low and relatively small. Over the decades they tend to become covered in sponges, ascidians and algae and attract schools of fish such as old wives, leatherjackets, snapper and whiting, along with crabs and octopus in the crevices. Visibility in Nepean Bay is usually moderate, and the bay is sheltered from the prevailing swell, so the reef is diveable on most days when you have a boat.

There is some debate across Australia about tyre reefs – some have broken up or failed to colonise – so its current condition is unknown. Divers who visit should record what they find and share it with the SDFSA or local dive shop. The site suits curious boat divers looking for something different near Kingscote and anyone interested in artificial reef history; it is unlikely to be a highlight of a Kangaroo Island trip compared with the jetty, the north-coast reefs or the wrecks. Carry a reel for the search pattern and a surface marker, as anglers fish the site.

Launch from the Kingscote boat ramp on the foreshore and run a few kilometres south-east into Nepean Bay to the published position (the coordinates are also in the SA Marine Scalefish Fishery user guide). The modules are low, so use a sounder to locate them and drop a shot line rather than anchoring on the structure. No charter visits regularly; private boats only.

Nepean Bay faces north-east and is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly swell, so Kingscote's sites are diveable on most days of the year. Strong north-easterly to easterly winds push chop into the bay and cloud the water; south-westerly gales have little effect beyond wind chop. Tidal movement is modest, but visibility is best on a high tide and after several calm days.

Summer afternoon sea breezes add surface chop – mornings are best. Autumn and winter often bring the clearest water.

Descend the shot line, circle the tyre modules looking for fish aggregations and invertebrates, then expand the search pattern over the sand before returning to the shot.

No regular operator – private boats; primarily a recreational fishing reef.