Penguin Island lies in the heart of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, a 40-minute drive south of Perth. This low-lying limestone island is ringed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, shallow sandy seagrass meadows, and patch reefs that teem with life. Snorkellers glide above schools of bright baitfish, reef fish, and the occasional stingray or octopus, all visible in the calm, protected shallows. The island is also home to a colony of little penguins and offers rare in-water encounters with Australian sea lions on guided tours. A designated conservation area, Penguin Island delivers accessible, family-friendly snorkeling in a stunning marine park setting.
Penguin Island (Shoalwater Islands Marine Park)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.7 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.7 knPrecipitation 0.7 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© CalistemonThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Wind-driven visibility changes
Easterly offshore winds are best for visibility; southerly and westerly winds can stir up sediment and reduce water clarity quickly.
Low risk: Slippery limestone reef and seagrass
Seagrass and limestone reef beds near the shoreline can be slippery underfoot when entering and exiting the water.
Low risk: Boat traffic in ferry channel
The ferry channel between Rockingham and Penguin Island has regular boat traffic. Stay well clear of the ferry docking area.
Low risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal movement through the Shoalwater passage can create moderate currents around the island's northern and southern tips.
Low risk: Stinging jellyfish
Stinging jellyfish (including bluebottles) may be present during warmer months.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located at 153 Arcadia Drive, Shoalwater, approx 40 minutes south of Perth CBD. Follow the Kwinana Freeway south to Rockingham, then turn onto Arcadia Drive to reach the Penguin Island Visitor Centre.
Parking & facilities
Free large carpark outside the Visitor Centre at 153 Arcadia Drive, with overflow parking available nearby.
parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tables
Free parking at the visitor centre. Ferry/passenger boat fees apply to reach the island (approximately $15-20 return per adult). Discovery Centre entry is free.
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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