Rapid Head is the rugged headland that forms the western side of Rapid Bay, and the waters around it are protected as the Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone of Encounter Marine Park – the same zone that includes the ex-HMAS Hobart. The Scuba Divers Federation describes an interesting dive site with a vertical wall and a fairly low rocky reef system that heads out to sea in 6-8 m, usually with an abundance of fish life. The Dive Shack adds reefs, caves and seagrass areas, with leafy seadragons, blue devils and crayfish, and notes that seals from a local colony often visit divers.

The combination of wall, reef and seagrass gives a good variety of habitat in a compact area, and the sanctuary-zone protection means fish are plentiful and unwary. Expect old wives, magpie perch, sweep, wrasse, leatherjackets and blue groper on the reef, and cuttlefish and nudibranchs in the crevices. The Dive Shack calls Rapid Head a great double dive when combined with the Rapid Bay jetty, and it also pairs well with the Hobart as a shallower second dive on a Wirrina Cove boat day.

Because it is only accessible by boat, it sees far fewer divers than the jetty. Rapid Head suits Open Water and Advanced divers with boat experience. Seals are a highlight but should be allowed to approach on their own terms.

Tidal currents run past the headland, so time the dive for slack water, and keep a boat attendant aboard. A torch helps in the caves and under ledges, where crayfish and cuttlefish hide during the day.

Boat access. Small boats can be launched from the beach at Rapid Bay (vehicle launching over sand – check conditions) for a short run west around the bay to the headland. Larger boats come from Wirrina Cove (Marina St Vincent/Sunset Cove) about 15-20 minutes to the north, often combining Rapid Head with the Hobart or the Rapid Bay jetty.

Anchor in sand off the reef – the area is within the Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone, so no fishing, and use moorings where provided.

Rapid Head is sheltered from southerly weather but open to north-westerly through north-easterly winds and swell, and tidal streams run past the headland – the same currents that affect the nearby Hobart. Dive on slack water or neap dodge tides in light southerly or easterly winds. Summer and autumn mornings are most reliable.

Visibility is often better than inside the bay.

Anchor near the wall, descend and follow it with the wall on one shoulder at 6-8 m, then move out along the low reef heading seaward, checking caves and seagrass edges. Turn at half gas and return along the reef to the anchor. Watch for seals in the shallows.

Occasional club and shop boat dives (Underwater Sports, Adelaide Scuba) combined with the Hobart or Rapid Bay; private boats from Wirrina Cove or beach-launched at Rapid Bay.