Michaelmas Reef surrounds Michaelmas Island in King George Sound, Albany, WA — a granite-fringed nature reserve with submerged reefs plunging to 30 m, draped in vibrant coral and sponge gardens. The reefs along the island's northern, southern and eastern sides create a snorkeling wonderland of large granite boulders, underwater ledges, and abundant marine life. The scuttled whale chaser Cheynes III lies just off the western side, adding a wreck-diving bonus. Access is by boat or guided snorkel tour from Albany, making this a pristine, uncrowded escape into the Southern Ocean's temperate reef ecosystem.
Michaelmas Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 4.4 knPrecipitation 5.4 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© Peter SouthwoodThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong currents in King George Sound
Tidal currents can run strongly around the island, particularly near the submerged reefs on the northern and eastern sides.
Moderate risk: Remote island access
No facilities on the island; snorkelers must be self-sufficient and aware of weather changes that can delay boat pickups.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean waters are cold year-round (12–18°C), requiring a wetsuit for comfortable snorkeling.
Low risk: Sharp granite and reef edges
Granite boulders and coral-covered reef can be sharp; sturdy footwear and careful finning recommended.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Michaelmas Island is located in King George Sound, approximately 10 km east of Albany, WA. No public ferry service — access is by private boat (launch from Emu Point or Middleton Beach boat ramps) or via guided snorkel/dive tours operated by Dive Albany or local charter companies.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Emu Point boat ramp or Middleton Beach car park. No parking on the island.
toiletsparkingboat_ramp
No entry fee for the island nature reserve. Tour fees apply for guided snorkel trips.
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 photos
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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