State top ten
The Top 10 Dive Sites in Tasmania
Editorial picks from the Tasmania guide first, then the most regularly dived and best-documented sites in the state.
Giant kelp, sea caves, the deepest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere and water as clear as it is cold.
Our picks come first, in the order we would send a visiting diver to them, followed by the most regularly dived, best-documented sites in Tasmania to round out the ten. Every entry links to a full site page with depths, conditions, training required and the operators that run it.
Updated daily from the directory. 10 sites listed.
1. Tasman Peninsula · TAS
Cathedral Cave
A huge sea cave system at Waterfall Bay, with chambers you can surface in and walls of colour outside.
2. Tasmania East Coast · TAS
The Castle (Bicheno)
Governor Island's deep granite tower, 40 m to the sand, covered in jewel anemones and sea whips.
3. Tasmania East Coast · TAS
Magic Garden (Bicheno)
A wall of sponges and soft corals that is Bicheno's most photographed site.
4. Tasman Peninsula · TAS
Waterfall Bay Wall
The dolerite wall beneath 100 m cliffs, with kelp, sponge gardens and seals passing through.
5. Hobart & Derwent · TAS
Tinderbox Marine Reserve
Hobart's shore-dive reserve with an underwater snorkel trail, weedy seadragons and easy access.
6. Tasman Peninsula · TAS
Little Waterfall Bay
Caves and swim-throughs on the Tasman Peninsula in clear water.
7. Tasmania East Coast · TAS
Mount Everest (Bicheno)
A deep pinnacle for experienced divers off Governor Island.
8. Tasmania East Coast · TAS
The Canyon (Bicheno)
A 37 m granite canyon with sea whips and schooling butterfly perch.
9. Tasman Peninsula · TAS
Fortescue Bay
Easy shore access to one of the last giant kelp forests on the Tasman Peninsula, with camping on the beach.
10. Tasman Peninsula · TAS
Sisters Rocks
Vertical walls that bloom with sponges, sea whips and anemones below 30 m; regarded as one of Australia's best temperate wall dives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dive site in Tasmania?
Our first pick is at the top of the list, with the reasons. The state guide explains the seasons, water temperatures and training each site needs.
When is the best time to dive Tasmania?
February – May: Warmest water (15–18 °C), settled weather and long days. Peak season for Bicheno and the Tasman Peninsula. June – September: Coldest (11–13 °C) but often the clearest water of the year on the east coast, with westerly weather flattening the sea. October – November: Spring plankton reduces visibility; still good in the sheltered channels and around Hobart.
More rankings
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in New South Wales
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in Queensland
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in Victoria
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in Western Australia
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in South Australia
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in the Northern Territory
- The Top 10 Dive Sites in Australia's External Territories
- All rankings →