Divesites

Seal Colony - Cape Pillar / Hypolyte Rock

Experience : Advanced with experience

Diving with seals is undoubtedly one the most thrilling underwater activities that Eaglehawk Dive Centre has on offer. It rates up there with whales and dolphins which are also found in the region. The seals are more reliable and tend to be at either of the two major haulouts most of the year. This adventure is not for novices as good all-round skills particularly buoyancy control are necessary. Both Hypolyte Rock and Cape Pillar are extremely wild parts of Tasmania and it is not uncommon for sharks to visit the colonies looking for an easy meal. The water surrounding Hypolyte Rock drops down to 90 metres and offers spectacular wall diving. Strong currents added to the element of danger as does the inability to anchor on site. Eaglehawk Dive Centre runs a live boat for this dive. This method of operation facilitates quick pick ups with divers returning to the surface one at a time from the ledge beneath the seal colony. Winter time is the best time for diving on this isolated rock as the water is clear and juveniles seals abound. The juveniles tend to be the most fun to dive with as they are curious and playful. The adults tend to race past for a quick suspicious look. The adult males can be down right aggressive when there are young about. It is still common, although completely illegal for fishermen to shoot seals and if this has occurred prior to a visit they usually depart the rock as soon as they see the boat. Cape Pillar is much the same although we can anchor at this sight. This colony is only a short distance from the wreck of the “SS NORD” and make an ideal second dive if time allows. You never can tell, you may encounter a whale or a pod of dolphins while travelling the 40 minutes each way to this site. Visits to this site require a minimum of four divers and is weather dependent. If you have any doubts about the quality of the diving in Tasmania check out the January 1997 issue of National Geographic Magazine and Scuba Diver and Sport Diving Magazine.