Phillip Island Diving & Snorkeling Guide

Phillip Island sits at the mouth of Western Port, where the sheltered waters of the bay meet the wild swells of Bass Strait. The result is one of Victoria's most diverse underwater environments — over 25 dive sites ranging from calm shallow bays perfect for first-time snorkelers to exposed offshore reefs and historic shipwrecks for advanced divers.

Kitty Miller Bay is consistently rated one of Victoria's best snorkeling spots. San Remo Jetty offers the easiest giant stingray encounter in the state. The Bunurong Marine National Park protects pristine underwater caves, gullies, and kelp forests. And out at Seal Rocks, Australia's largest fur seal colony — around 25,000 animals — provides one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters available anywhere near Melbourne.

This is the complete guide to diving, freediving, and snorkeling at Phillip Island and the surrounding coast.

Overview

Phillip Island is approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. The island is famous for its penguin parade, motorsport circuit, and coastal scenery — but beneath the surface, the marine environment is the real attraction.

The western side of Phillip Island faces Western Port, a large shallow embayment sheltered from ocean swells. This is where you'll find calm snorkeling sites like Kitty Miller Bay and the San Remo Jetty. The southern coast faces Bass Strait directly and is exposed to open ocean conditions. Here, the Bunurong Marine National Park protects some of the most dramatic underwater scenery in Victoria, and boat dive sites like Seal Rocks and the offshore reefs offer world-class diving.

Key features of Phillip Island diving:

• 25+ dive sites — Shore dives, pier dives, boat dives, and offshore reefs
• Kitty Miller Bay — One of Victoria's best snorkeling sites
• San Remo Jetty — Giant stingrays, pelicans, and easy access
• Bunurong Marine National Park — Caves, gullies, arches, and protected marine life
• Seal Rocks — Australia's largest fur seal colony (25,000 seals)
• Historic shipwrecks — The TSS George Kermode and other accessible wrecks
• Marine life — Weedy seadragons, Port Jackson sharks, rays, cuttlefish, octopus, and seals
• 90 minutes from Melbourne — Easy day trip or weekend escape

Water temperatures range from 10-13°C in winter to 18-22°C in summer. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended year-round, with hood and gloves for winter diving. Visibility varies significantly depending on location, wind direction, and recent weather — Western Port sites typically have 3-8 metres visibility, while Bass Strait sites can reach 15+ metres on a good day.

Kitty Miller Bay

If you only visit one snorkeling site on Phillip Island, make it Kitty Miller Bay. This sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay on the island's western shore is consistently rated as one of the best snorkeling sites in Victoria. The combination of easy access, calm conditions, diverse marine life, and stunning rock formations make it perfect for all levels — from first-time snorkelers to experienced freedivers.

What makes Kitty Miller Bay special:

• Rock pools at low tide — The bay is ringed by intertidal rock platforms with fascinating tide pools full of anemones, starfish, crabs, and small fish
• Sheltered water — Protected from southerly and westerly winds, making it diveable when many other sites are too rough
• Kelp forests — Dense kelp beds provide habitat for cuttlefish, octopus, and juvenile fish
• Port Jackson sharks — Harmless bottom-dwelling sharks are common in winter months (May-August)
• Easy access — Beach entry from sand or rock platform. No ladders, piers, or boat required
• Depth range — 1-6 metres, perfect for snorkelers and beginner freedivers

The bay's seabed is a mix of sand, reef, and seagrass. Swim along the rocky edges of the bay for the best marine life — weedy seadragons, nudibranchs, and cuttlefish are common around the kelp-covered boulders. The centre of the bay is sandy and shallower, ideal for warming up or relaxing after a dive.

Marine life at Kitty Miller Bay:

• Port Jackson sharks — Striped, harmless bottom-dwellers, especially in winter
• Weedy seadragons — Look carefully among the kelp and seagrass
• Cuttlefish — Masters of camouflage, common year-round
• Octopus — Often hiding in crevices along the rock walls
• Smooth rays — Gliding over the sandy bottom
• Leatherjackets — Small, colourful fish around the kelp
• Nudibranchs — Dozens of species on the rocks and kelp
• Old wives — Black-and-white striped fish in schools

Getting there: From the Phillip Island bridge, turn right onto Ventnor Road and follow signs to Ventnor Beach. Kitty Miller Bay is at the southern end of Ventnor Beach, accessed via a short walk from the car park. There's a staircase down to the beach and rock platform.

Best conditions: Any day with light winds. The bay is sheltered from most wind directions. Avoid days immediately after heavy rain, as runoff can reduce visibility. High tide provides deeper water and easier swimming across the bay.

San Remo Jetty

San Remo Jetty sits on the mainland side of the bridge to Phillip Island and is one of the easiest and most rewarding pier dives in Victoria. The jetty is home to a resident population of giant smooth stingrays — some with wingspans over 2 metres — that glide effortlessly around the pylons and are often comfortable with divers approaching to within a metre or two. It's also a pelican feeding spot, where fish are cleaned daily and tossed to waiting pelicans, creating a spectacle both above and below the water.

The jetty is shallow (2-5 metres maximum depth), calm, and has easy ladder access. This makes it ideal for beginner freedivers, snorkelers, and anyone wanting a gentle introduction to pier diving. Despite the shallow depth, the marine life density is impressive, and the stingrays alone make this site worth the visit.

What you'll see at San Remo Jetty:

• Giant smooth stingrays — The main attraction. Multiple rays with wingspans up to 2+ metres are present year-round. They're generally calm and curious around divers
• Pelicans — Above the surface, pelicans gather for the daily fish-cleaning feed. Underwater, you'll see fish scraps drifting down and rays hoovering them up
• Old wives — Schools of striped old wives circle the pylons
• Leatherjackets and wrasse — Small reef fish feeding on encrusting life
• Sponges and ascidians — The pylons are covered in marine growth
• Port Jackson sharks — Occasionally present in winter

The pylons themselves are densely encrusted with sponges, ascidians, and bryozoans. While not as biodiverse as the deeper Mornington Peninsula piers, the sheer number of rays and the ease of the dive make San Remo Jetty a favourite for families and first-time divers.

Depth and conditions: Maximum depth is around 5 metres, with most of the pylon area in 2-4 metres. The sandy bottom is flat and featureless, so stay near the structure. Visibility is typically 3-6 metres, occasionally better. The site is sheltered and diveable in most conditions, though strong westerly or southerly winds can stir up sediment.

Getting there: San Remo Jetty is on the mainland side of the Phillip Island bridge, in the centre of San Remo township. Free parking is available near the jetty and foreshore. Access is via a ladder at the jetty's end.

Safety note: San Remo Jetty is an active working pier with boat traffic. Always carry a dive float and stay visible. Watch for fishing lines and hooks around the jetty structure. The rays are large and generally docile, but avoid touching or cornering them — they have a barbed tail and can defend themselves if threatened.

For more beginner-friendly dive sites, see our guide to the best snorkeling spots in Melbourne.

Bunurong Marine National Park

The Bunurong Marine National Park protects 2,100 hectares of coastline between Inverloch and Cape Paterson, just west of Phillip Island. This is some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in Victoria — towering kelp forests, underwater caves and gullies, swim-throughs, overhangs, and walls covered in sponges and soft corals. The park is fully protected, meaning no fishing or collecting is allowed. The result is healthier marine populations and bolder wildlife encounters.

Most of the Bunurong sites are shore dives accessed from rocky platforms or beaches, though some of the best spots are only reachable by boat. The coastline is exposed to Bass Strait swells, so conditions can be challenging. Only dive here on calm days, and be prepared for surge, limited visibility, and cooler water temperatures compared to the sheltered Western Port sites.

Key dive sites in Bunurong Marine Park:

Eagles Nest

One of the most popular shore dive sites in the park. Eagles Nest features large granite boulders, gullies, swim-throughs, and a stunning archway known as the Cathedral. The site is rich in kelp, crayfish, nudibranchs, and schooling fish. Depth ranges from 3 to 12 metres, making it suitable for freedivers and scuba divers. Entry is from the rocks at the end of Eagles Nest Road in Cape Paterson.

• Depth: 3-12m
• Highlights: The Cathedral archway, swim-throughs, kelp forests
• Marine life: Crayfish, weedy seadragons, nudibranchs, wrasse, old wives
• Level: Intermediate to advanced. Entry and exit over rocks, exposed to swell

The Oaks

Another stunning shore dive with granite boulders, kelp forests, and deep gullies. The Oaks is slightly deeper than Eagles Nest and offers similar underwater scenery — overhangs, caves, and dense marine life. It's accessible from the same beach as Eagles Nest, but requires a longer surface swim to reach the reef. This site is best suited for experienced freedivers and scuba divers.

• Depth: 5-15m
• Highlights: Deep gullies, kelp forests, caves
• Marine life: Seadragons, large crayfish, Port Jackson sharks
• Level: Advanced. Exposed to swell, deeper than Eagles Nest

Twin Reefs

A boat dive site featuring two parallel reef structures separated by a sand channel. Twin Reefs has excellent biodiversity and is a favourite with underwater photographers. The reef tops are in 8-10 metres, dropping to 18-20 metres in the channels. Expect to see large schools of fish, crayfish, rays, and occasional seals from nearby Seal Rocks.

• Depth: 8-20m
• Highlights: Schooling fish, sponge gardens, seals
• Marine life: Rays, crayfish, nudibranchs, seals, schooling fish
• Level: Advanced. Boat access only

Other notable Bunurong sites include Harmer's Haven (shore dive with kelp forest and easy rock entry), Shack Bay (sheltered rocky bay, good for snorkeling on calm days), and several unnamed reefs accessible only by boat.

Best conditions: Bunurong Marine Park is exposed to Bass Strait and requires calm conditions. Aim for days with minimal swell (under 1 metre), light winds (under 10 knots), and ideally from the north or north-west. Check the swell forecast at Wilsons Promontory or Phillip Island before committing to a dive. Visibility is best in winter and can exceed 15 metres on a good day.

Shore Dive Sites

In addition to Kitty Miller Bay, San Remo Jetty, and the Bunurong sites, Phillip Island and the surrounding coastline offer a range of other shore-accessible dive sites. Most are suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to swell exposure, rock entries, or deeper depths.

Smiths Beach

On the southern coast of Phillip Island, Smiths Beach is an ocean-facing surf beach backed by dunes and rock platforms. At the western end of the beach, a rocky reef system extends into the water, offering snorkeling and shallow freediving in 2-8 metres. The site is very exposed to swell, so it's only diveable on calm days. When conditions allow, you'll find kelp, reef fish, rays, and the occasional Port Jackson shark.

• Depth: 2-8m
• Highlights: Kelp-covered reefs, rock platforms
• Level: Intermediate. Exposed to swell

Cat Bay

A small sheltered bay on the western side of Phillip Island near Cowes. Cat Bay is a gentle shore entry with shallow sandy bottom transitioning to seagrass beds and scattered reef. Maximum depth is around 5 metres. It's a good alternative to Kitty Miller Bay when you want calmer, easier conditions. The marine life is less diverse than Kitty Miller, but you'll still find rays, leatherjackets, and schooling fish.

• Depth: 1-5m
• Highlights: Easy entry, calm conditions
• Level: Beginner-friendly

Harmer's Haven (Bunurong)

Mentioned earlier under Bunurong Marine Park. Harmer's Haven is a rocky shore entry at the eastern edge of the park, with kelp forests, boulder fields, and depths of 3-10 metres. The entry is easier than Eagles Nest, making this a good first Bunurong dive site. Still exposed to Bass Strait swell, so calm conditions are essential.

• Depth: 3-10m
• Highlights: Kelp forests, easier entry than Eagles Nest
• Level: Intermediate

Boat Dive Sites

Some of the best diving around Phillip Island is only accessible by boat. Offshore reefs, seal colonies, and deeper sites offer dramatically different underwater scenery compared to the shore dives. Most boat dives are run by charter operators based in Cowes or San Remo.

Seal Rocks

The crown jewel of Phillip Island diving. Seal Rocks is home to Australia's largest fur seal colony — around 25,000 seals. The site is a cluster of rocky islets about 1.5 kilometres offshore from Point Grant on the island's southern coast. Underwater, you'll find boulders, kelp forests, and crystal-clear water filled with seals. Juvenile seals are particularly curious and will approach divers, swimming loops around you, nibbling fins, and generally behaving like hyperactive underwater puppies.

The experience is unforgettable. Seals are fast, agile, and utterly at home in the water. Watching them hunt fish, play with kelp, or simply glide past you is one of the highlights of Victorian diving. The depth at Seal Rocks ranges from 5-20 metres, and visibility can exceed 20 metres on a good day.

• Depth: 5-20m
• Highlights: 25,000 fur seals, world-class wildlife encounter
• Marine life: Fur seals, schooling fish, rays, crayfish
• Level: All levels, but conditions can be challenging. Operators assess conditions and diver experience before departing
• Access: Boat charter only. Licensed operators only — the site is protected

Seal Rocks is a protected wildlife area, and only licensed tour operators can access the site. See the Tours & Operators section below for details. For more on seal encounters around Melbourne, see our guide to swimming with seals and dolphins.

Gull Island

A small rocky island south of Cowes, Gull Island offers excellent boat diving with depths ranging from 8-18 metres. The reef structure is similar to Seal Rocks — granite boulders, kelp forests, and gullies — but without the seals. Instead, you'll find large schools of fish, crayfish, rays, and a wide variety of macro life. The island is named for the seabirds that nest on the surface.

• Depth: 8-18m
• Highlights: Kelp forests, boulder fields, schooling fish
• Marine life: Crayfish, rays, nudibranchs, wrasse
• Level: Intermediate to advanced

Offshore Reefs

Numerous unnamed reefs, pinnacles, and rocky outcrops lie offshore from Phillip Island's southern coast. These sites are less frequently dived than Seal Rocks or the Bunurong sites, but they offer excellent conditions, good visibility, and pristine reef systems. Most are accessed by experienced dive charter operators who know the local area. Depths range from 10-30 metres, and the reefs are home to crayfish, large schools of fish, and abundant invertebrate life.

Shipwrecks

Bass Strait has claimed hundreds of ships over the centuries, and several wrecks lie near Phillip Island. Most are advanced dives due to depth, current, and the need for boat access.

TSS George Kermode

The most accessible and popular wreck near Phillip Island. The George Kermode was a 1,000-tonne passenger steamer that sank in 1927 after striking a reef near Cape Woolamai. The wreck lies in 15-25 metres of water and is largely intact, with the hull, bow, and machinery still visible. Kelp and sponges have colonised the structure, and it's now home to crayfish, nudibranchs, and schooling fish.

The wreck is accessible by boat from Cowes or San Remo, and it's within recreational freediving depths for experienced divers. Visibility varies but can exceed 15 metres. The site is exposed to Bass Strait conditions, so calm weather is essential.

• Depth: 15-25m
• Highlights: Historic wreck, largely intact structure
• Level: Advanced. Depth and exposure require experience

Other Wrecks

Other wrecks in the area include the Yarra, the Alert, and several unidentified remains. Most are deeper than 25 metres and are better suited to scuba diving or technical diving. Local dive operators can provide information on current conditions and access.

Tours & Operators

Several operators offer dive charters, snorkel tours, and wildlife encounters around Phillip Island.

Seal Swims

Multiple operators offer guided snorkeling and freediving trips to Seal Rocks. These trips typically depart from Cowes and include all equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins). Tours run during the warmer months (October-April) and are suitable for confident swimmers. No dive certification is required for snorkeling tours, though freediving experience is an advantage. Most tours operate sea scooters (underwater scooters) to help participants cover more distance and keep up with the seals.

Operators include Wildlife Coast Cruises, Amaze'n Phillip Island, and Ocean Adventures Phillip Island. Prices range from $150-250 per person depending on tour length and inclusions. Advance booking is essential, especially during summer holidays.

Dive Charters

Dive charter boats operate from Cowes and San Remo, offering trips to Seal Rocks, Gull Island, offshore reefs, and wrecks. Most charters cater to scuba divers, but freedivers are welcome. Expect to pay $150-200 per person for a two-dive charter. Charters typically run on weekends during the warmer months, with midweek trips available on demand.

Check local dive shops in Cowes or online forums like Melbourne Freediving and Scuba Diving Club for current operator listings and recommendations.

Sea Scooters and Guided Snorkels

Several operators offer guided snorkel tours with underwater sea scooters at Kitty Miller Bay and other sites. The scooters make it easier to cover more ground, conserve energy, and explore deeper areas without freediving skills. Tours are typically 1-2 hours and cost $80-120 per person. This is a great option for families or anyone who wants a guided introduction to Phillip Island's underwater world.

Conditions & Safety

Phillip Island's diving conditions vary dramatically depending on which side of the island you're on. The Western Port sites (Kitty Miller Bay, San Remo Jetty) are sheltered and diveable most days. The Bass Strait sites (Bunurong, Seal Rocks, offshore reefs) are exposed and require careful planning and calm conditions.

Water Temperature

• Summer (Dec-Feb): 18-22°C. A 3-5mm wetsuit is sufficient
• Autumn (Mar-May): 16-20°C. 5mm wetsuit recommended
• Winter (Jun-Aug): 10-13°C. 5mm wetsuit with hood and gloves
• Spring (Sep-Nov): 13-18°C. 5mm wetsuit

Visibility

Visibility at Phillip Island ranges from 3-20+ metres depending on location and conditions. Western Port sites typically have 3-8 metres visibility, occasionally better after calm weather. Bass Strait sites (Bunurong, Seal Rocks) can reach 15-20 metres in winter and spring, especially after periods of light winds. Post-rain visibility drops significantly, especially in Western Port.

Wind and Swell

Wind is the main factor determining conditions. Northerly and north-easterly winds are ideal — they bring calm conditions and warmer air. Southerly and south-westerly winds bring swell, chop, and reduced visibility. Check the wind forecast before heading to Phillip Island, and have backup sites in mind.

For Bass Strait sites, also check the swell forecast. Swells over 1.5 metres make most shore entries dangerous and reduce visibility underwater. Offshore boat sites are more tolerant of swell but still require careful assessment.

For a detailed seasonal breakdown, see our guide to the best time to dive in Melbourne.

Hazards

• Swell and surge — Bass Strait sites experience significant surge. Stay aware of your position relative to rocks and reefs
• Boat traffic — San Remo Jetty and Cowes have active boat ramps. Use a dive float
• Blue-ringed octopus — Present at many sites. Venomous bite. Look but don't touch
• Stingrays — Common and generally docile, but avoid cornering or touching them
• Rock entries — Many sites require climbing over slippery rocks. Wear booties with good grip
• Seals — Fur seals are wild animals. They're generally friendly but can be unpredictable. Follow your guide's instructions

Dive Safety Basics

• Never dive alone — Always dive with a buddy
• Use a dive float — Make yourself visible to boats
• Check conditions — Wind, swell, and tide forecasts before every dive
• Know your limits — Don't attempt advanced sites without appropriate experience
• Bring redundancy — Spare mask, cutting tool, signaling device
• Plan your entry and exit — Especially at rock entry sites

Getting There

Phillip Island is approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes via the M1 (Monash Freeway) and Bass Highway.

Driving directions from Melbourne:

1. Take the M1 south-east from Melbourne towards Pakenham and Gippsland
2. Exit onto the Bass Highway (A420) towards Phillip Island
3. Follow the Bass Highway through Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang to San Remo
4. Cross the bridge to Phillip Island (no toll)
5. From the bridge, turn right for Cowes, left for Kitty Miller Bay and Ventnor

Approximate drive times from key locations:

• Melbourne CBD: 1.5 hours
• Frankston: 1 hour
• Dandenong: 1 hour
• Mornington Peninsula (e.g., Rye): 1.5 hours via ferry or 2 hours via road

Accommodation

Phillip Island has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget caravan parks to luxury resorts. Cowes is the main township and has the most options for dining, shopping, and services. For divers, staying in Cowes or San Remo puts you closest to the main dive sites and boat departure points.

Alternatively, Phillip Island works well as a day trip from Melbourne. Leave early, dive or snorkel at Kitty Miller Bay or San Remo Jetty, have lunch in Cowes, and return to Melbourne in the evening.

When to Visit

Phillip Island is diveable year-round, but each season offers different conditions:

• Summer (Dec-Feb) — Warmest water, busiest crowds, good for seal swims. Bass Strait sites can be choppy
• Autumn (Mar-May) — Excellent all-round conditions. Water still warm, visibility improving, fewer crowds
• Winter (Jun-Aug) — Best visibility at Bass Strait sites (often 15-20m). Coldest water. Port Jackson sharks at Kitty Miller Bay. Fewer tourists
• Spring (Sep-Nov) — Water warming, good visibility, whale migration offshore (occasionally visible from boat dives)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phillip Island good for snorkeling?

Yes. Kitty Miller Bay is one of Victoria's best snorkeling spots with easy access, sheltered rock pools, and diverse marine life including Port Jackson sharks in winter. San Remo Jetty is also excellent for beginners, with giant stingrays and shallow, calm water.

How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne?

About 90 minutes drive (140km) via the M1 and Bass Highway. San Remo bridge connects to the island. The drive is straightforward and makes Phillip Island an easy day trip from Melbourne.

Can you swim with seals at Phillip Island?

Yes. Seal Rocks is home to Australia's largest fur seal colony with approximately 25,000 seals. Boat tours from Cowes offer snorkeling and freediving with seals. The seal colony is protected, so only licensed operators can access the site.

What is the best dive site on Phillip Island?

It depends on your experience. Kitty Miller Bay is best for snorkeling and beginners. The Bunurong Marine Park offers the best underwater scenery with caves, gullies, and protected marine life. San Remo Jetty is the easiest pier dive with giant stingrays. Seal Rocks is the best wildlife encounter but requires a boat tour.