Kingston Spit is the quieter alternative to Roe Reef on the north-east corner of Rottnest. Marinelife.org.au describes it as similar in depth to Roe Reef (roughly 6-18 m) but a more exposed reef structure that is less visited, offering more solitude and better fish life as a result. It lies near the Kingston area and the Kingston Sanctuary Zone that protects the Thomson Bay wrecks.

Published detail is thin, but the reef shares the character of other north-east Rottnest reefs: limestone ledges, small caves and crevices with sponge growth, schools of buffalo bream and sweep, wrasse, bullseyes in the shade and lobster in the cracks. The lower dive traffic means fish are less used to divers than at the busy charter sites.

Kingston Spit suits Open Water divers with their own boat who want a sheltered-side dive without the crowds, and it is close enough to Thomson Bay to combine with the wrecks or a mooring break at the settlement.

Because it lies near the busy boat route between Fremantle and Thomson Bay, surface procedures matter: fly a flag, ascend on a DSMB and keep the group together at the surface. A torch helps show colour in the sponges and find lobster at the back of the ledges.

Charter boats from Fremantle (Perth Scuba's Blue Destiny, Bucket List Diver) reach the north-east corner of Rottnest in about 40-50 minutes; private boats launch at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Woodman Point or Hillarys and run roughly 17-19 km across Gage Roads. Kingston Spit extends off the north-east corner of the island near the Kingston Sanctuary Zone; locate by sounder and anchor on sand clear of reef, and do not anchor within the sanctuary zone.

More exposed than Roe Reef; best in southerly to easterly winds and low swell. North-westerly winds and winter swell make it rough. Close to the ferry route - fly a flag.

General pattern at Rottnest: summer brings calm morning easterlies followed by a strong south-westerly sea breeze from late morning, so dive early; winter brings north-westerly fronts and large swell, with clear, calm spells between them. Check the Bureau of Meteorology coastal forecast for swell height and period before committing.

Descend on the reef edge, work along the ledges and small caves at 10-15 m, then return over the reef top; carry a DSMB for the ascent because of boat traffic. Agree a turn pressure before descending (half gas, or a third where current is likely), carry a DSMB, and make a 3-minute safety stop at 5 m.

No regular charter; occasionally used by clubs and private boats as an alternative to Roe Reef. Nearest dive services: Perth Scuba, Bucket List Diver and Dolphin Scuba (Perth/Fremantle) run Rottnest boat trips; there are no dive shops or air fills on the island.