Althorpe Island is a remote and wild granite outcrop rising from the Southern Ocean off the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula, within reach of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. The island's rugged coastline is dominated by Seal Cove, a spectacular snorkeling site that teems with a large colony of Australian fur seals. The crystal-clear waters around the island also host big rays, blue groper, boarfish, and crayfish among boulder-strewn reefs and kelp forests. Access is exclusively by boat tour from Marion Bay, making this an unforgettable adventure for experienced ocean-goers seeking untamed marine encounters.
Althorpe Island
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Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 2.1 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 7.0 knPrecipitation 11 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong ocean swells
Exposed Southern Ocean location means significant swell and surge around the island, especially on windy days.
Moderate risk: Remote location
Althorpe Island is 4.5 nautical miles offshore with no on-site facilities. Emergency evacuation is difficult.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal flows and ocean currents can be powerful around the island's points and coves.
Moderate risk: Ocean swell and surge
Open ocean site with significant surge around the rocky cove; swell can make entry and exit hazardous.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents sweep around Althorpe Island, particularly between the island and the mainland.
Low risk: Marine wildlife interaction
Large colonies of Australian fur seals are curious and protective — maintain respectful distance.
Low risk: Protective fur seal colony
Seal Cove is home to a large colony of Australian fur seals; they are curious and may approach closely — maintain distance to avoid defensive behaviour.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Althorpe Island lies 4.5 nautical miles southwest of Marion Bay on the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula. Access is by chartered boat tour only — Marion Bay Ocean Safari runs the Althorpe Island Experience from Marion Bay, departing from the boat ramp near Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Marion Bay boat ramp or within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park (entry fees apply for the park).
parkingboat_ramp
Tour fees apply for the Althorpe Island Experience with Marion Bay Ocean Safari. National park entry fees also apply for Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports