Isle de Phoque (often spelled Ile des Phoques — "Island of Seals") is a small, rugged granite islet off the eastern coast of Maria Island in Tasmania's Freycinet region. Surrounded by deep, clear waters and dramatic rocky reefs, this exposed offshore site offers adventurous snorkelers the chance to explore kelp forests, rocky crevices, and the powerful swell that sweeps around the island. True to its name, Australian fur seals and New Zealand fur seals frequently haul out on the rocks and can often be seen spiralling past snorkelers in the water. Access is by boat only, typically as part of a guided tour from Maria Island or nearby Triabunna.
Isle de Phoque (Maria Island)
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 3.8 sWind Speed 7.9 knPrecipitation 3.5 mmTidal Phase slack
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Isle de Phoque (Maria Island) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Open ocean swell danger
The islet is fully exposed to Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea swell, creating powerful surging conditions, especially on the windward side.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Open ocean swell
The islet is fully exposed to Southern Ocean and Tasman Sea swell, creating powerful surging conditions, especially on the windward side.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal streams and ocean currents sweep around the islet and can be unpredictable, requiring strong swimming ability.
Moderate risk: Cold water temperature
Tasmanian waters are cold year-round (10–16°C), with winter temperatures posing a significant hypothermia risk without a thick wetsuit.
Moderate risk: Remote location
Remote islet with no facilities, shelter, or immediate emergency assistance. Boat access only; medical evacuation is complicated.
Low risk: Sharp reef and granite
The surrounding reef is composed of sharp granite and encrusted with barnacles and mussels, posing cutting hazards in surge zones.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Isle de Phoque is located roughly 8 km north-east of Maria Island's northern tip. Access is exclusively by private or charter boat from Triabunna (about 30 km north), from Maria Island itself (ferry from Triabunna to Darlington), or via guided snorkel tours that operate out of Triabunna during the summer season.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Triabunna ferry terminal car park (Spring Bay Road, Triabunna). Overnight parking is available for a fee. Limited parking is also available at Darlington on Maria Island for those staying overnight.
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No fee specifically for the islet. Maria Island National Park entry fees apply if visiting via Maria Island. Charter boat fees and tour costs vary by operator.
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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