Narooma · New South Wales
Montague Island
A granite island nine kilometres offshore with a substantial fur seal colony.
Montague Island sits about nine kilometres off Narooma and supports a substantial Australian and New Zealand fur seal population, making it one of the most reliable seal-diving destinations in the country.
The granite terrain, kelp and gutters around the island hold a good range of temperate species alongside the seals.
Seal encounters at Montague are interactive — young animals will often approach divers directly, particularly divers who stay still.
Max depth
25 m
typically 15 m
Access
boat
Current
variable
Water temp
14–21°C
Level
intermediate
| Region | Narooma |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | island, reef |
| Minimum depth | 5 m |
| Typical depth | 15 m |
| Maximum depth | 25 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Commonly 10–25 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 14–21°C |
| Experience level | intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- Australian and New Zealand fur seals
- kelp forest
- eastern blue gropers
- kingfish
- rays
- little penguins above water
Seasonality
- Seals are present year-round with seasonal variation in numbers.
- Humpback whales pass during migration.
Access
- Boat access from Narooma.
- Exposed offshore location — weather-dependent.
- Nature reserve; landing requires a permit.
Hazards
- surge around the island
- current
- cold water
- swell exposure on the transit
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Other dive businesses in the area
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Montague Island?
Depths range from around 5 metres to roughly 25 metres, with a typical profile around 15 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Montague Island suitable for beginners?
It is better approached with experience beyond entry level. Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.
How do you get to Montague Island?
Access is boat based. Boat access from Narooma.
Is there current at Montague Island?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Montague Island?
Commonly reported marine life includes Australian and New Zealand fur seals, kelp forest, eastern blue gropers, kingfish, rays, little penguins above water. Sightings are never guaranteed, and several species here are strongly seasonal.
When is the best time to dive Montague Island?
Seals are present year-round with seasonal variation in numbers. Humpback whales pass during migration. There is rarely a single best month — the right time depends on what you want to see.
Where is Montague Island?
Montague Island is in the Narooma region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.