Memory Cove is one of the most beautiful spots in Lincoln National Park, a white-sand cove with granite headlands inside a wilderness protection area where vehicle access is limited by permit. The Marine Life Society describes sheltered snorkel and scuba spots in 2-10 m, ringed by shallow granite with some crevices, and delicate seaweeds including Cystophora species and Ecklonia radiata. The cove is an important fish nursery, with many juvenile and sub-adult fish including western blue groper, and the shallow granite and weed are alive with small wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, old wives and zebrafish.

Further out, 200-300 m offshore, the Society notes deeper sites with larger crevices, good fish life and thick weed beds. The site's name comes from Matthew Flinders, who in 1802 lost eight men when a boat capsized nearby and named the cove and surrounding islands in their memory. Memory Cove suits snorkellers, families and relaxed divers camping in the park, as well as boat divers exploring Thorny Passage.

Its sheltered, north-facing position makes it workable in the south-westerly weather that closes more exposed sites. Because vehicle numbers are capped, the cove is rarely crowded even in summer, and campers can snorkel morning and evening when the water is calmest. The juvenile blue groper here are curious and will approach slowly moving snorkellers.

Bring everything you need, including drinking water and full cylinders, as there are no services beyond basic camping facilities.

Port Lincoln is about 650 km (7 hours) by road from Adelaide via Port Augusta and the Lincoln Highway, or a 45-50 minute flight (Rex/QantasLink). By road, Memory Cove is inside Lincoln National Park via a rough 4WD track; vehicle numbers are limited and a permit and gate key must be obtained in advance (via the park booking system/Port Lincoln visitor centre). By boat, run south from Port Lincoln through Thorny Passage (about 45-60 minutes).

Deeper sites lie 200-300 m offshore.

Boston Bay and the waters around Port Lincoln are sheltered from Southern Ocean swell by Boston Island and the Lincoln National Park coast, so the town jetties can be dived in most weather; strong south-easterly and easterly winds are what chop them up. The islands of Thorny Passage and the lower Eyre coast are progressively more exposed to south-westerly swell and strong tidal streams, and need swell under about 1.5-2 m and light winds. Winter (May-August) brings frequent cold fronts with big south-westerly swell but also calm, clear spells; summer has more reliable weather but regular afternoon south-easterly sea breezes.

Water is cooler than the gulfs, around 13-15°C in winter and 17-20°C in summer. Memory Cove faces north into Spencer Gulf and is well sheltered from southerly and south-westerly swell.

Enter from the beach and follow the granite fringe around the cove at 2-6 m, then, with a boat, dive the larger crevices and weed beds 200-300 m offshore.

No operator; campers with permits and private boats.