scuba diving tour sydney

Scuba diving guide Sydney | Best diving centers, liveaboards, dive sites and recommendations

Sydney lies along the southeastern coast of Australia and is charming local and international tourists with its sight of white sand beaches and blue harbor waters. Also known as the “Harbour City”, it’s known for the popular tourist spots like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Port Jackson Bay and Bondi Beach.

But aside from these spots, Sydney has a hidden underwater paradise waiting to be explored. It is one of the few cities in the world that has dozens of marine diving sanctuaries that are just a stone’s throw away from the harbor. Whether you’re just a starter or an advanced diver, get ready to be amazed by an encounter of various underwater creatures and colorful coral reefs that Sydney is proud of.

Recommendations for Sydney diving

If you want to explore the best of Sydney’s dive sites, a 2-3 day tour is recommended. To experience the best conditions to dive in Sydney, it is recommended to visit Sydney from June to September. It is the time when westerly winds bring the perfect diving conditions like the flattest seas and the best water visibility. At the same time giant cuttlefish, as well as the Port Jackson sharks, lurk around the dive areas during these months to mate. Higher water temperatures can be experienced in the months January and February.  

Liveaboard Sydney

The only available Sydney liveaboard is the fabulous Coral Discoverer. This liveaboard is highly recommended to explore the coast of Sydney.

Diving Center Sydney

If you are going for a one-day diving tour, we recommend to dive with PRO DIVE Sydney. It’s a 5-star PADI Dive Center with great facilities, reasonable prices and the highest rating.

Looking for a Go Pro?

Recommended : Film and camera equipment to record your legendary dives!

• A GoPro is lightweighted - great for travelling!
• Easy to clean
• Both film and camera shots options
• Maximum depth without a protecting case is between 5 - 10 meters (recommended for snorkeling)
• Maximum depth with a protecting case is between 30 - 60 meters ( recommended for scuba diving)

Also consider to apply red filters on your GoPro in order to have more balanced underwater shots.

Compare the operators

Pro dive sydney.

Expedition Dive

Dive centre bondi, abyss scuba diving, the best diving centers in sydney.

Below, we have outlined our selection of the best diving centers in Sydney, NSW.

Diving center 1: Pro Dive Sydney (Coogee/Manly)

Pro Dive Sydney has two diving centers in Sydney: Pro Dive Coogee and Pro Dive Manly. Pro Dive is a SSI diving center has offers various services such as gear servicing, gear hire, scuba diving courses, scuba diving trips and air fills. Pro Dive’s diving centers are located close to all of Sydney's best scuba dive sites. They also have a dive shop where you can buy or hire Tusa, Mares, and Aqualung scuba diving gear.

Pro Dive offers boat dives as well as shore dives during midweek and weekend trips in 2 different dive sites for as many as 19 divers and weekly trips for technical divers. Onboard their award-winning dive boat ‘’Sea Life V’’. There is also the possibility to dive with Nitrox.

Scuba diving courses

Pro Dive offers Open Water weekday and weekend courses. To avail of these, you must be at least 15 years old. No prior experience with scuba diving is required, but you'll need adequate swimming skills and be in good physical health.

They also offer the Advanced course and professional scuba diving courses.

Prices: The Open Water scuba diving course costs approximately AUD 599 , including gear.

Scuba diving tours

A Sydney double boat dive costs AUD 139.00 inclusive of scuba gear hire, light refreshments, a dive guide and 2 dives at different sites. If you want to dive right off the shore of Sydney, Pro Dive also offers a guided Double Shore Dive with free tank and weight hire for AUD 85.00 (AUD 175 including gear).

If you want to discover more Sydney dive spots, you can choose the Boat Dive and Nitrox Packages that have 4, 8, or 12 double boat dives.

Diving center 2: Expedition Dive

Expedition Dive is a PADI diving center and is located in Sydney, NSW. Expedition Dive offers beginners scuba diving courses (PADI Open Water), but also Advanced and professional diving courses. In addition, they offer shore and boat dives to various dives sites – including Old Man’s Hat and Bare Island.

Not a certified diver yet? You can get your PADI Open Water certification with Expedition Dive for only AUD 545.

You can also book other courses such as the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (AUD 595), Specialty Diving Courses (AUD 395- 495), PADI Rescue Diver Course (AUD 395) and professional courses.

You can book shore and boat dives with Expedition Dive. A single Shore Dive at AUD 150 (excluding gear). A boat trip starts at AUD 275 (excluding gear) and AUD 375 including gear.

Diving center 3: Dive Centre Bondi

Dive Centre Bondi is just minutes away from the ever-popular Bondi Beach in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. This dive center offers a comfortable learning environment, a modernized gas filling system (including air, Nitrox, and Trimix), and a full range of top quality rental equipment. Dive Centre Bondi, being Sydney's largest and most active PADI dive shop, stocks a full range of quality diving gear and snorkeling equipment from top brands like Scubapro, Aqua Lung, Halcyon, Cressi, Suunto, and Shearwater to meet your diving needs.

Dive Centre Bondi is a 5 star PADI Instructor Development Centre that offers a complete range of PADI and including PADI Discover Scuba Diving, Padi Open Water, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver and Divemaster

Prices: A PADI Open Water course costs AUD 595 including gear.

Dive Centre Bondi offers guided Shore Dives, night Dives as well as boat dives. Two guided shore dives only cost AUD 75 without gear and AUD 100 with full gear. Meanwhile, a night shore dive with a guide costs $75 (excluding gear). If you want to explore the farther Sydney dive spots, then a guided double boat dive can be booked for for only $150 (excluding gear).

Diving center 4: Abyss Scuba Diving

Abyss Scuba Diving is a 5-star PADI dive center and is one of the most visited dive shop in Sydney by divers from all over the world. It offers a full range of PADI scuba diving courses, plus plenty of choices for shore dives and boat dives to see all Sydney dive spots. Located in the suburb of Ramsgate, about 16 kilometers of Sydney CBD, Abyss is the closest dive center to Botany Bay and other dive sites like the Bare Island, Cape Solander and The Leap.

Abyss Scuba Diving offers the PADI Open Water course, a two-day dive course with premium dive equipment, e-learning and four ocean dives for just AUD 499. With this dive center, you can also get certified for PADI Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and or one of the professional courses.  

A double boat dive to any of the Sydney dive spots costs only AUD 120 with a guide and snacks. If you feel like having your private divemaster during the trip, Abyss can provide you for just AUD 149 . Divemaster-guided shore dives with Abyss Scuba Diving are free .  Just bring your equipment every Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday and get to discover the best Sydney shore dives like the Oak Park, Ship Rock, and Leap to Steps. You can also hire the gear and air fills with Abyss.

The best liveaboards in Sydney

Liveaboard 1: coral discoverer.

Coral Discoverer was built in 2005 but was fully refurbished in 2016. This newly remodeled vessel is designed to be able to navigate with a dashing speed of 10-12 knots through narrow passages and shallow waters setting the benchmark in cruising Australia with a small ship. This is made possible by Coral Discoverer’s modern navigation technology that stabilizes comfortable open sea cruising.

This huge vessel is equipped with diverse expedition vessels such as two Zodiacs, four double kayaks, one single kayak, a boat with a glass-bottom and Xplorer tender using a water-activity platform for easier water entry. Aboard the Coral Discoverer, modern Australian ambiance will enhance your relaxation and stylish comfort at its finest. Contemporary furnishings, glamorous decks and the latest state of the art facilities blend perfectly with their wonderful cabins of five types.

The thirty-six spacious cabins sized 161 and 215 square feet are all air-conditioned, furnished with a modern flair, original artworks and have a private en suite bathroom.

Coral Discoverer will take you from the best Sydney dive spots up until the rugged Tasmanian coast.

Prices and availability : The price of this liveaboard trip starts at AUD 593 / day (USD 432).

The best dive sites in Sydney

Dive site 1: bare island.

Featured as the virus factory in the movie Mission Impossible II, Balicasag Island in La Perouse is arguably the most favorite dive site in Sydney. It has an average depth of 19 meters, with water temperature that ranges from 17°C during winter to 23°C during the summer. The visibility ranges between 5-15 meters, depending on the weather conditions. Dives at Bare Island are flexible as it offers two sides of the island as a starting point.

The island’s shallow but more visible east side suits novice divers while the rocky reef wall of the western side offers attractive sponge gardens. The reef is heading from north to south where you can see some small overhangs. Both the western and eastern sides of the island cater a diverse marine life with the likes of anglerfish, firefish, pygmy pipefish, weedy seadragons, red Indian fish, sea horses, nudibranchs, flathead,  horn sharks, wobbegong sharks and a population of Port Jackson sharks. In warmer months, turtles and grey nurse sharks can also be spotted.

Dive site 2: Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a haven for both an early morning and night dive. As a perfect dive site for beginners, it offers a vast array of aquatic life where you could encounter over 200 species of fish and rays. With an average depth of 2 to 6 meters, one can easily dig the water from the beach.

Shelly Beach offers two separate diving sites where divers get to explore large boulders, abundant sandy bottoms and a massive pack of kelp.

Following the east shoreline, watch for weedy seadragons playing in the grass. Any time of the year friendly blue groupers, which is the marine representation of New South Wales, will always keep you company. Be astonished by the vast proportion of diverse marine life such as cuttlefish, weedy sea dragons, port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs and small dusky whale sharks. Once in a while, dolphins, bronze whalers and even eagle rays pay a visit to the dive site.

Dive site 3: Long Reef Apartments

This dive site is hailed as the best Sydney recreational boat dive. It is located more than a nautical mile off of Long Reef beach and has an average depth of 11-21 meters. This spectacular Sydney dive site is ideal for either cave diving or marine diving and is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. The dive site is a portion of a shear rock shelf that is popular for its stacked massive boulders which resemble an apartment building.

Beside the boulders is a spectacular 200-meter deep wall covered with hard and soft vibrant colored corals, which is abundant in cracks, fissures, and interconnecting caves where you can swim through. The Apartments Sydney dive site is a mating site to a congregation of around 20 grey nurse sharks. Other resident marine life that can be spotted are thousands of Southern Pomfrets, pelagic Kingfish, the ever-friendly, and colorful Giant Cuttlefish, red morwong, silver sweep, yellowtail, big black Bull Rays, Wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks.

Dive site 4: Old Man’s Hat

Old Mans Hat is an enchanting rocky reef dive site suited for divers of all levels. It has a maximum depth of 24 meters and gets deeper as you head towards the ocean. The reef consists of both small and large boulders with a few low walls. The most spectacular attribute of the rocky bottom is the very colorful sponge gardens where you can find sea squirts, ascidians and gorgonians.

Heading east, walls, overhangs, small canyons and a few swim-through openings are present. This magnificent section of the reef is home to ladder-finned pomfrets, sea pike and even Port Jackson sharks. Fishes like bream, sweep, luderick, yellowtail, black reef and six-spined leather jackets are also visible. If it is your lucky day, red Indian fish might be spotted.

Dive spot 5: HMAS Adelaide (wreck dive)

HMAS Adelaide is a 138-meter long Escorte Frigate of the Australian Navy. It is an artificial reef, sunken in April of 2011.

You can explore interesting parts of the HMAS Adelaide such as the bridge, operations room and the helicopter hanger. The wreck is found 32 meters underwater lying on a sandy bottom but the majority of the interesting wreck parts are located above 20 meters. It is an all year long dive site suitable to all levels of divers.

Aside from being a perfect spot for underwater photography, this artificial reef is also swarmed by varied marine life like the angelfish, barracuda, batfish, frogfish, boxfish, goatfish, lionfish, moray eel, nudibranch, parrotfish, sea snake, whitetip shark, Nurse Shark and even Wobbegong Sharks.

Note : The HMAS Adelaide is located in front of Terrigal, which is about 1.5h driving by car from Sydney. When arrived in Terrigal, you can reach the HMAS Adelaide by boat in a couple of minutes.

How to get to Sydney

Option 1: by airplane to sydney airport.

Sydney Airport popularly known as Kingsford Smith is the busiest Australian airport and has been one of the longest operated airports in the world. It is the main hub for Australia’s largest airline Qantas Airways and a secondary hub for other airlines like Virgin Australia and Jetstar.

Both domestic and international flights from any point in the world to Kingsford Smith Airport need to catch the T8 Airport and South line which primarily stops at city circle stations. Flight prices can be checked here .

Option 2: By bus

If you’re going to Sydney from any town or city in Australia, a good alternative is to travel by bus, especially if you have a lot of time in your hand. This will not only help you save some cash but also allows you to discover other places in Australia. Whether you’re coming from Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne or Cairns: you can book a bus ride to Sydney at greyhound.com

Accommodations in Sydney

Apartment bondi heaven ($$$).

One of the most booked hotels in Sydney, Apartment Bondi Heaven offers a terrace and scenic view of the blue waters of Bondi Beach. The 60 m² apartment features 1 fully air-conditioned bedroom with a satellite flat-screen TV, wardrobe closets, parquet floors and a kitchen furnished with a dishwasher, electric kettle, and a microwave. In the bathroom, free toiletries, towels, hairdryer and toilet paper is provided.

The surroundings in the place are suitable for people who love fishing, snorkeling and diving.

Prices : Starting from AUD 575 for 2 nights.

Cremorne Point Manor ($$$)

Highly rated by travelers, Cremorne Point Manor offers budget accommodations in Sydney . Popular among guests is its comfortable economy double room with air conditioning, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker and flatscreen TV. Guests have free WiFi access available in all areas of the manor, including the shared kitchen and dining area. This accommodation also offers several rooms with waterfront views.

Situated in Sydney’s lower North Shore, Cremorne Point Manor is just 23 minutes away from Sydney Airport.

Prices : Starting from AUD 135 (economy single room) or AUD 153 (economy double room).

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney ($$$)

Located in Sydney Central Business District, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney boasts an overlooking view of Sydney's historic Rocks area and a panoramic view over the iconic Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay . This hotel offers various facilities such as a fitness center, restaurant and a swimming pool.

Prices : Starting from AUD 310.

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Discover Scuba Diving in Sydney

Sep 14, 2023

Do you want to experience what scuba diving is like before doing your Open Water certification?

Then we have the perfect scuba dive introduction for you – Sydney Dive Charters offers first time divers the chance to explore the underwater world without committing to a full course, with our Discover Scuba Diving experience.

What is a Discover Scuba Dive?

The Discover Scuba Dive, also called DSD, is a safe experience developed by the global scuba organisation PADI to introduce people that have never scuba dived to the scuba diving world. It is conducted by one of our instructors, usually at the beautiful and shallow Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve located at Shelly Beach, Manly.

What to expect from your Discover Scuba Dive

The Discover Scuba Dive takes around 2 hours in total and always has a ratio of 1 instructor per 1-2 students maximum. The experience starts on shore with a thorough introduction on basic diving physics, skills, and dive gear prior to the shore dive. We then help you gear up before entering the water of the Aquatic Reserve via the beach. The dive itself is about 30 minutes long. The maximum depth reached at this Sydney dive site is 10 meters, which makes it an easy and comfortable first dive.

Sea life that you can see on your Discover Scuba Dive

As the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve is a unique protected marine area, there is an abundance of marine life that you will be able to see on your discovery dive, including Grey Nurse Sharks , Dusky Whaler Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks , Port Ja ckson Sharks , Giant Cuttlefish , dozens of species of schooling fish, Blue and Green Groupers, Weedy Seadragons and Fiddler Rays.

Discover Scuba Diving with Sharks

There is also an option to arrange a Shark Discover Scuba Dive via the private charter of our dive boat. This experience is unique in Sydney, as no other dive shop is offering this. This Discover Scuba Dive takes place at the Bluefish Valley, which is a renowned Grey Nurse Sharks mating colony in Sydney. Usually, the whole experience takes 3 hours, but there is also the option to do an additional second dive at this Sydney boat dive site. Price on application.

The Sydney Dive Charters difference

Unlike other scuba diving shops in Sydney, we offer a very personalised and premium experience. For your convenience, we offer free pick up, and drop off, from Manly wharf to the dive site. We only provide the top of the range hire gear compared to our competitors, which is included in the Discover Scuba Dive experience, and which we will bring along with us on the day for your convenience. Furthermore, our dive instructors all have over 4 decades of dive experience!

Your first time scuba diving should be a memory to hold onto, so we also offer underwater photos at an additional cost. This fee includes another diver to take these photos.

Are you ready to take the plunge? Then book your discover scuba dive online today , or call Jason for any additional questions or queries.

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The best scuba diving spots in Sydney

From the biodiversity at shelly beach to shipwrecks off the northern beaches coastline, there is plenty to explore underwater in sydney. here is some of the best scuba diving in sydney..

Dive Expert Deborah Dickson-Smith

Some of the marine encounters common to Sydney cannot be experienced quite so easily anywhere else in Australia, and many are high on divers’ bucket lists. Dive in and ogle everything from tiny pygmy pipefish and weedy sea dragons to giant cuttlefish; Port Jackson, wobbegong and grey nurse sharks; and even the occasional sea turtle and seal.  

Shelly Beach

Manly ’s Shelly Beach is actually two dive sites, with the left-hand side of the bay usually referred to as Shelly, while the right-hand side  – which has an additional entry point halfway along ‘The Bower’ pathway  – is called Fairy Bower. Being within the sheltered confines of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, they are teeming with marine life, and suitable for either a day or night dive. It is also a great place to learn how to dive.

Depending on the time of year, you’re bound to run into giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, sting rays of various descriptions, and seriously large schools of juvenile fish. You will always be accompanied by a friendly eastern blue groper – the marine symbol for New South Wales, who follows you around on your dive like a puppy.

You could dive here dozens of times and never cross the same path, yet still encounter more than 160 species of fish and rays. And you never know who’s coming to visit. One week it might be a turtle, a seal or a dolphin; next week it could be dusky whaler sharks. Divers have even been lucky enough to see a large fever of cow-nose rays on occasion. Follow the shoreline east from the beach around the heads and spot weedy sea dragons in the kelp forests... look out for the motorbike on the way back.

Port Jackson sharks at Shelly Beach , Northern Beaches - Credit: Pete McGee

Apartments, Long Reef

The Apartments dive site is located off the coast of Long Reef , on Sydney’s Northern Beaches , and is so named for the formation of large rectangular boulders found here. The site is located at the edge of a rocky plateau with a drop-off or wall that features many caves and swim throughs, which give small and large sea life safe areas to shelter when large predators cruise through looking for lunch.

This is one of three dive sites near Sydney where grey nurse sharks congregate. The valley is usually filled with thousands of southern pomfrets, in schools of fish so dense they form a shadow over the dive site. The pomfrets part as you swim through, often revealing dozens of grey nurse sharks  –  a magnificent sight to behold.

On the far northern side at a depth of around 21m is the entrance to the ‘Cathedral’, a cavern formed by two enormous sandstone blocks resting against each other in the shape of a church's roof. Entering from the southern side, you swim through a cavity towards the ‘altar’ before exiting via the ‘stained glass window’.

Grey nurse shark at The Apartments dive site in Long Reef , Northern Beaches - Credit: Jayne Jenkins

Valiant Shipwreck, Palm Beach

The wreck of the Valiant  is located 1.4km to the east of the northernmost point of Barrenjoey Headland, in Palm Beach   –  the northernmost point of Sydney’s Northern Beaches Peninsula. This old tugboat is perched at a depth of 27m, sitting more or less upright with a slight list to port, and some mystery surrounds how it got to its final resting point.

The wreck is covered in colourful encrusting corals and sponges, which attract large numbers of fish species. Marine life on the wreck includes yellowtail, white ear, bream, mado, stripey, black-tipped bullseye, common bullseye, sergeant baker and the occasional yellowtail kingfish.

Due to its depth, it is advisable to spend only 25 minutes exploring the wreck. But this is plenty of time to see the whole site as it only covers an area of about 156 square metres. The engine room, cabins, crew quarters and bridge are accessible and well worth examining.

Valiant Shipwreck, Palm Beach  - Credit: Nays Baghai

Clifton Gardens

In the soft silt of Chowder Bay   –  accessed from shore at Mosman’s Clifton Gardens recreational park  – you’ll find several species of frog fish, seahorses, pipefish, octopus, squid, blennies, moray eels, mantis shrimp, nudibranch and the site’s signature species: decorator crabs.  

These tiny critters are much sought after by macro-wildlife photographers, who travel great distances to find prize-winning underwater macro life like this; many visit remote locations such as the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi, or Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay to capture them on camera. This type of diving was coined 'muck-diving' by underwater photography pioneer Bob Halstead, because of the silty, drab habitat these prized critters are usually found in.

The nets around the Clifton Gardens swimming enclosure are home to several species of seahorses, including the endangered White’s (or Sydney) seahorse, endemic to Sydney Harbour. The local population was boosted recently by 90 aquarium-bred juveniles and the installation of ‘Seahorse Hotels’: wire cages that provide a sheltered habitat to prop up the population of this endangered species.

The site can be accessed from the end of the jetty, which runs alongside the shark-netted swimming area; it can also be accessed from the beach and through the swimming area itself. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring the net and pylons looking for seahorses and decorator crabs, and swim out toward the buoy and the rubble of an old wreck where you’ll find blennies, pipe fish, moray eels, octopus and flying gurnards.

Endangered white’s (or Sydney) seahorse, endemic to Sydney Harbour at Clifton Gardens, Chowder Bay  - Credit: Jayne Jenkins

Bare Island

Bare Island is one of the prettiest dive sites in Sydney, with vibrant and diverse sponge gardens populated by lots of delicate creatures such as pygmy pipefish, nudibranchs, sea stars and seahorses.

It’s also one of the few dive sites in Sydney for reliable sightings of the curious red Indian fish, so named for their shape, which resembles the headdress of Indigenous North Americans.

There are two dives here: Left Side, which is better, but a bit tricky in even a mild southerly swell; and Right Side, which is where you dive when there’s a bigger southerly swell. The max depth is about 12m, but you’ll see the most interesting stuff at a 7m depth profile.

To access the site, it’s an easy 200m walk from the La Perouse  carpark down and across the bridge to the island, with access to a flat rock platform a few steps down at the end of the bridge.

Bare Island Sponge Garden - Credit: Pete McGee Photography

There are two dive sites at Kurnell : Monument and The Steps. Both are relatively easy dives. Monument faces northwest and is essentially a drift along the beachside. Meanwhile, The Steps faces northeast and is more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the bay.

The Steps is sometimes referred to as ‘The Home of the Weedy Sea dragon’, as it’s usually easy to find a few of these critters here  –  for those with keen eyesight, you'll also spot several resident pygmy pipefish. As it’s a shallow dive, there is plenty of light and it’s an amazingly colourful dive.

Depending on the tide, head east or west. East will take you past kelp and a plethora of weedy sea dragons; while the west takes you past a large stand of kelp, over a collection of boulders, and between a number of nice swim-throughs revealing a diversity of aquatic life. Eventually, the wall becomes steeper and more defined as you move toward the boundaries of the Monument dive site.

Access to these sites within Botany Bay National Park to the south of Sydney is from the carpark, down a winding staircase about 15m to the entry point on a flat rock platform.

Weedy sea dragon in Kurnell , South Sydney

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• Guided Shore Dives

Bare Island

Bare Island is Sydney' Most Popular Dive Site

Bare Island Fort

Bare Island was part of the traditional lands of the Gweagal and Kameygal Aboriginal peoples. On January 31, 1770, Captain Cook gained his first view of the Bare Island region, which he referred to in his journal as "a small bare island."

In 1885, British members of society were concerned that Russia would attack. To allay their fears, they constructed Bare Island Fort to defend Botany Bay (then known as 'Sydney's back door'). Since then, Kamay Botany Bay National Park's historic site of Bare Island Fort has had a fascinating history. The location was memorialized in the movie Mission Impossible 2 as the Virus Factory, which is wonderfully forgettable. Take this guided tour to learn the spectacular history of the small dbare island and the Bare Island Fort, which is generally stored by NSW National Park Services.

Scuba Diving At Bare Island

Bare Island is a great place to dive, with something for everyone. The island's east side generally has better visibility and is more suitable for beginner divers. The west side of the island may not have as good visibility, but it makes up for it with an abundance of aquatic life. No matter which side you dive to, you're sure to have a great time!

Entering Points When Diving Bare Island

 There are a few different ways to enter the water when scuba diving around Bare Island. The more experienced can attempt to circumnavigate the entire island or enter on the far side of the island, walking around the outer wall of the Bare Island fort to explore the deeper waters of the southwestern side.

 Beginners generally enter at the boat ramp on the island to the right of the wooden bridge.

The other popular entry point is on the La Perouse side. Just before the start of the wooden bridge is a pathway that leads off to the left, it's a rocky path, and you must be careful when walking along here.

Whatever method you choose, be sure to take caution and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you are familiar with the area before diving in, and always heed the advice of experienced divers.

The Bare Island Dives

Unless a big southeasterly (southerly) wave is running, the Eastern side of Bare Island is generally dived. Because Bare Island is so adaptable, it makes for an excellent scuba diving location; if one side of the small island itself is too dangerous, the opposite side will almost always be accessible. The night at Bare Island diving here is fantastic on the eastern side.

 The island's eastern side is usually more visible since it is closer to the open ocean. On this side of the island, navigation isn't too difficult because the reef generally runs north-south. You swim in a southerly direction until you come to a few little overhangs, at which point you'll want a flashlight.

 If you're looking to dive on the island's western side, you can hug the main reef. This rocky wall gradually turns around the island's western side and is home to hundreds of Port Jackson sharks in winter. Following it around will get you to depths of about 18 meters.

Bare Island Dive Site

The marine life of botany bay.

Botany Bay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the Sea Dragons, Port Jackson Shark, Red Indian Fish and Blue Groper.

Sea Dragons are a type of seahorse that can be found in the shallow waters of Botany Bay. These creatures are well-camouflaged and can be very difficult to spot. If you're lucky enough to see one, you'll be treated to a sight that is truly unique.

The Port Jackson Shark is a common inhabitant of the waters around Botany Bay. These sharks are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 1.5 meters.

The Red Indian fish can is at ease in the sponge gardens encircling Bare Island. It blends in well and is sometimes hard to detect in the sponge gardens, but it is easy to spot if you have been looking for it.

The Eastern Blue Groper is a type of fish that is found in the deeper waters of Botany Bay. These fish are very beautiful and can reach lengths of up to 1 meter. They are not considered to be dangerous to humans but should still be avoided if possible.

These are just a few of the many different types of marine life that can be found in Botany Bay. So, whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, there's sure to be something for you to see and enjoy!

The Best Time To Dive Bare Island

The best time to dive at La Perouse is when there is a north swell and incoming tide, as the ocean is flat and the visibility is clearer. The water is also clearer at this time because the runoff into Botany Bay minimized by the incoming tide. However, it can be dangerous to dive Bare Island when there is a southerly swell greater than 1.2m.

Bare Island Snorkelling

For those who are not experienced divers, snorkelling at Bare Island is a great alternative. The waters around the island are relatively shallow and calm, making it perfect for snorkellers to explore the underwater world. You can see a variety of marine life here, including blue gropers, sea urchins, and even small octopuses.

If you're planning on snorkelling at Bare Island, make sure to bring your own equipment or rent it from a nearby dive shop. It's important to always have someone watching over you while you're in the water and never stray too far from the shore.

What Divers Say About Scuba Diving Bare Island

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Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly, Sydney

Sydney’s Secret Underwater World

Sydney’s underwater world is a local secret, so it may surprise you that diving here will reveal incredible biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes.

By Deborah Dickson-Smith

Sydney is world-famous for its beautiful harbour and white sandy beaches, but scuba divers will perhaps be surprised by the beauty that can also be found underneath the waves. From the bountiful and biodiverse waters of the marine reserve at Shelly Beach, Manly, to the macro wonders in Chowder Bay, Mosman. Better still, some of the best dive sites are accessible as an easy shore dive.

In fact, some marine life encounters common to Sydney waters cannot be experienced quite so easily anywhere else, from tiny pygmy pipefish and weedy seadragons to giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks and wobbegongs. Here’s where to find them.

Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly

You don’t have to scuba dive to see the marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay, encounters can easily be had simply swimming or snorkelling.

Just 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of the city, the beachside suburb of Manly is home to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach dive sites sit within the sheltered confines of the reserve, making them fantastic for both day and night dives. Shelly Beach is also a great place to learn how to dive, with easy entry into the water in the shallow, protected bay.

Depending on the time of year, you’re bound to run into giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, sting rays of various description, and seriously large schools of fish. You will always be accompanied by a friendly eastern blue groper – the marine symbol for New South Wales, who follow you round on your dive like a puppy.

You could spend hours here and never cross the same path, yet still encounter over 160 species of fish and rays. And you never know who’s coming to visit. One week it might be a turtle or a dolphin, next week it’s dusky whaler sharks or Port Jackson sharks. Divers have even been lucky enough to see a fever of cow nose rays on occasion. Follow the shoreline east from the beach around the heads and look for weedy seadragons in the kelp forests and check out the motorbike sitting on the sea floor on the way back – there’s often a scorpionfish sitting on what’s left of the seat.

Common marine life:  Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, giant cuttlefish, eastern blue groper, sting rays, weedy seadragons.

Chowder Bay, Mosman

Red Seahorse at Chowder Bay, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins 

Did you know?

Scientists have installed ‘seahorse hotels’, small wire cages that provide sheltered habitat for the endangered species.

This muck dive seriously rivals Indonesia’s world-famous Lembeh Strait for weird and wonderful macro critters. In the soft silt of Chowder Bay, accessed from shore at Mosman’s Clifton Gardens Reserve (10 kilometres [six miles] north of the city), you’ll find several species of frog fish, seahorse, pipefish, octopus, squid, blennies, nudibranchs and the site’s signature species: decorator crabs.

The nets around the swimming enclosure are home to a healthy population of White’s seahorses, lately boosted by the addition of Seahorse Hotels and the introduction of 90 aquarium-bred juveniles in a bid by marine scientists to prop up the population of this endangered species.

The site is best accessed from the end of the jetty which runs alongside the shark-netted swimming area. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring the net and pylons for seahorses and decorator crabs and swim out towards the buoy and the rubble of an old wreck where you’ll find blennies, pipe fish, moray eels, octopus and flying gurnards.

Common marine life:  seahorses, decorator crabs, frogfish, nudibranchs.

Kurnell Steps and Monument

Weedy Seadragon, Kurnell, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins

Just under an hour drive south of the city is Kurnell, home to two relatively easy dive sites: Kurnell Monument and The Steps. Monument faces north-west and is essentially a drift along the beach side. Kurnell Steps faces north-east and is more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the harbour.

The Steps is sometimes referred to as ‘The Home of the Weedy Seadragon’. It’s usually easy to find a them here and those with keen eyesight may also spot several resident pygmy pipefish. As it’s shallow, there’s plenty of light and it’s an amazingly colourful dive.

Depending on the tide, head east or west. East will take you past kelp (and a plethora of weedy seadragons) and the west takes you past a large stand of kelp, over a collection of boulders and a number of nice swim-throughs and diversity of aquatic life. Eventually, the wall becomes steeper and more defined as you move towards the boundaries of the ‘Monument’ dive site.

Access from the carpark is down a winding staircase about 15 metres, to the entry point on a flat rock platform.

Common marine life:  weedy seadragons, pygmy pipehorse, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs.

Australia's best snorkelling spots

Bare Island

Nudibranch Bare Island, Botany Bay, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins

Bare Island, located off La Perouse Point in Sydney’s south east, is home to two dive sites. Left Side which is best, but a bit tricky in even a mild southerly swell, and Right Side, which is where you dive when there’s a bigger southerly swell.

Here you’ll find lots of soft coral and sea stars as well as plenty of nudibranch action. The sponge gardens are especially pretty. Be sure to look closely for pygmy seahorses and pygmy pipe fish. The max depth is about 12 metres (39 feet), but you’ll see the most interesting stuff at a seven-metre (23-foot) depth profile.

To access the site, it’s an easy walk from the La Perouse carpark down and across the bridge to the island, with access to a flat rock platform a few steps down at the end of the bridge.

Common marine life:  nudibranchs, red Indian fish, eastern blue groper, seahorses, pygmy pipehorse.

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Home > Destinations > Sydney

The coastline covered by this page extends from Palm Beach to Botany Bay. Seeing the area on a Google map provides a continuum of bays with beaches and rocky headlands. This means there are plenty of shore dives from beaches to adjacent rocky promontories. Shore diving Sydney is pretty straightforward and quite rewarding.

There are lots people in Sydney who dive, and lots of dive centres that cater for them and our overseas visitors. The whole area is not so large, and most of the dive centres have boats which enable them to get to practically all sites.

What we do not yet have in Sydney are enough marine sanctuaries – i.e., complete no-take zones. We know that zones which are completely off limits to anglers provide nurseries, and help fish stocks build in adjacent areas. Imagine if all our dive sites were as species-diverse as Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

If you are new to diving in Sydney, here are a few Facebook groups to explore:

• Marine Explorer
• Sydney Scuba Minions
• Sydney Dive Buddy Network
• Diveplanit Ocean Lovers
• and of course… Diveplanit

Bare Island, Botany Bay, La Perouse, Sydney

Camp Cove, Sydney NSW

Chowder Bay, Clifton Gardens, Sydney NSW

Fairy Bower, Manly, Sydney NSW

Kurnell Monument

Shelly Beach, Manly, Sydney NSW

Scuba Diving Sydney – Popular Dive Sites

The north shore of Sydney is blessed with a number of easy and convenient shore and boat dive sites. Having both harbour beaches, as well as ocean beaches it’s almost impossible to get weathered off, unless there’s a really heavy swell running right into the Harbour. Even then, Shelly Beach, the only beach facing due west on the east coast, is sheltered – though the vis wouldn’t be the best.

There are dives inside the harbour, such as Clifton Gardens in the north and Camp Cove in the east, more sites along the southern headland and into Botany Bay – notably Bare Island and Kurnell.

Running north to south, the most popular dive sites are summarised on the summary dive site page, which also allows you to see where all the sites are relative to each other on a map.

Here’s a handy list of Sydney’s best shore dives .

Some dive sites are also featured on their own page with more detail about site logistics, the best way to dive the site and what you might see there. (If you would like to contribute a page for a site that is not yet featured – get in touch – we can publish you!)

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Pro dive sydney has been teaching and taking people scuba diving since 1969.

With over 55 year experience in  teaching scuba diving ,  advanced courses ,  Divemaster ,  Instructor Course    ,  Traineeships   and   taking  shore dives   and  boat dives , PRO DIVE Sydney is unmatched with the quality of training and knowledge.   With 2 Sydney locations, Alexandria and Manly/Brookvale , PRO DIVE Sydney stores are located close to all Sydney's best scuba dive sites . . Our dive centres also offer gear hire , gear servicing , air fills  and have a range of scuba diving gear , with brands such as Tusa , Mares  , Aqualung  &  Suunto .

• Learn to Dive From Alexandria (Sydney's Eastern Suburbs) [International License]
• Sydney Boat Dives [Weekday & Weekend]
• Sydney's Eastern Suburbs Shore Dives [Guided - Daily]
• Sydney' Eastern Suburbs Advanced Course [Dive to 30m ]
• Scuba Diver Traineeship [Divemaster Internship]
• Learn to Dive at Brookvale/Manly [International License]
• Manly Shore Dives [Guided Daily]
• Manly Advanced Course [Dive to 30m]
• Dive Site Hire {Delivered to you!]
• 3 Day Liveaboard [Great Barrier Reef]
• Dive the Great Barrier Reef [Liveaboards and Day Trips]
• Cairns Learn to Dive [International Licence]
• SCUBA & Snorkelling
• Dive the HMAS Adelaide [Wreck Diving]
• Learn to Dive with Pro Dive Central Coast [International License]
• Advanced Course [Dive to 30m]
• Boat License Testing
• Dive the Yongala [Top 10 Wrecks in the World]
• Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef [Scuba & Snorkelling]
• Learn to Dive with Pro Dive Magnetic Island [International License]

Try Scuba Diving Experience: Sydney

Discover the underwater realm of Sydney like a modern-day explorer with the ‘Try Scuba Diving Experience: Sydney.’

Imagine descending into the azure depths, surrounded by vibrant marine life and swaying seaweed forests. But what surprises await beyond the surface?

This intriguing adventure promises a glimpse into a world unknown, where every dive reveals new mysteries and delights. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a first-timer, this experience is bound to leave you breathless (pun intended).

• Professional scuba instructors guide small groups for safe exploration.
• All scuba gear and transport to dive sites are provided.
• Suitable for ages 12 and up with basic swimming skills.
• Dive in diverse underwater environments with post-dive amenities.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Blue Mountains Day Trip From Sydney Including Scenic World
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• Sydney Bike Tours
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Experience Details

Enjoy an unforgettable scuba diving adventure in Sydney with a dedicated instructor and all equipment provided for a truly immersive experience. The duration flexibility of this experience allows for a 3-hour dive, ensuring ample time to explore the underwater world.

Safety measures are paramount, with small group sizes and a professional scuba instructor guiding each dive. Transportation to the dive site is included for convenience, and all necessary scuba equipment is provided, giving divers peace of mind. Plus, facilities for rinsing off after the dive are available, adding to the comfort of participants.

With a focus on both adventure and safety, this scuba diving experience in Sydney promises an exciting and secure underwater exploration.

For participants embarking on the scuba diving adventure in Sydney, the inclusions encompass a professional scuba instructor, transport to the dive site, use of scuba equipment and wetsuits, rinsing facilities , and provision of food and drinks.

When engaging in this scuba diving experience, safety precautions are paramount. The you will be provided with top-notch scuba gear , ensuring a secure underwater exploration. The professional scuba instructor will guide them through the necessary safety procedures and techniques, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable dive.

Plus, the availability of rinsing facilities post-dive aids in maintaining the scuba equipment in optimal condition for future dives. Lastly, the provision of food and drinks ensures that participants remain nourished and hydrated throughout the exhilarating experience.

Navigating the logistical aspects of the scuba diving experience in Sydney is facilitated by the clear meeting point at Sydney Dive Safari located at 1371-1373 Botany Rd, Botany NSW 2019 , Australia. Meeting arrangements are straightforward, with participants convening at this central location for the dive. Dive site selection is expertly managed by the team, ensuring a diverse range of underwater environments to explore. Below is a table detailing the key logistical information for the scuba diving experience:

Requirements and Recommendations

When preparing for the scuba diving experience in Sydney, participants must ensure they meet the specified requirements and recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure in the underwater world. It’s essential to note the following:

• Swimming Ability : Participants need to have basic swimming skills to partake in the scuba diving experience.
• Medical Clearance : Some individuals may require medical clearance before diving, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Parental Consent: For participants under 18, parental consent is mandatory.
• Age Requirement: The minimum age to participate is 12 years old.
• Flying Precaution: It isn’t recommended to fly within 24 hours after diving to prevent decompression sickness.

Policies and Reviews

Reviewing the scuba diving experience in Sydney reveals a highly-rated adventure with a 4.5 overall rating based on 22 reviews from reputable platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor. Customers seem to express satisfaction with the quality assurance provided during the tour.

The reviews span from 1 to 5 stars, indicating a range of experiences that cater to different preferences. The policy indicates a non-refundable and no changes allowed approach, ensuring clarity for potential divers. A maximum of 4 travelers per tour ensures personalized attention and safety.

These policies contribute to customer satisfaction and help maintain the high standards expected from such an adventure. The detailed feedback from previous divers can offer valuable insights for those considering this scuba diving experience in Sydney.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour
• Sydney Airport Private Car Arrival Transfer
• Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour From Sydney
• PRIVATE Blue Mountains Day Tour From Sydney With Wildlife Park and River Cruise
• Sydney The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
• Sydney SKYWALK at Sydney Tower Eye Ticket

Common questions

Can i bring my own scuba diving equipment for the experience.

While bringing personal scuba gear may offer familiarity and comfort, it’s usually not recommended due to safety reasons and the benefits of using well-maintained equipment provided by the professional diving service, ensuring a smoother experience.

Is There a Maximum Depth That Participants Will Dive to During the Experience?

Participants will dive to a maximum depth based on safety precautions . Equipment rental is provided, ensuring proper gear for each dive. Instructors monitor and guide participants throughout the experience to maintain a safe diving environment.

Are There Any Opportunities for Underwater Photography During the Dive?

Underwater photography opportunities are available during the dive, capturing mesmerizing marine life interactions . Participants can document their scuba adventure and create lasting memories of the vibrant underwater world. Get ready to snap some stunning shots!

Will There Be a Briefing or Training Session Before the Dive for Beginners?

Before the dive, beginners receive a comprehensive briefing and training session to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Equipment is provided, and safety precautions are emphasized by dedicated instructors, making the dive accessible and secure.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants Wanting to Try Scuba Diving?

Weight restrictions are in place for participant safety. Safety precautions ensure that all divers meet the necessary criteria to enjoy the experience. Detailed guidelines are provided to help participants understand and adhere to these requirements.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Shore Excursion of the Fortress Of Louisburg in Cape Breton
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• Shore Excursion of The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton
• 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour
• Private 10-Hour Tour to Blue Mountains From Sydney – Hotel Pick up & Drop off
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• Convict Life Outdoor Escape Game in Cockatoo Island Sydney
• Private Sydney SUV Beaches Tour
• Shore Excursion of the Gaelic College in Cape Breton

Dive into the captivating underwater world of Sydney with the ‘Try Scuba Diving Experience.’

From the expert guidance to the top-notch equipment provided, every detail is meticulously taken care of for a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

With a small group setting and easy accessibility, participants can expect personalized attention and a safe diving experience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Sydney’s marine wonders and create lasting memories with this immersive scuba diving escapade.

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Dive adventures

Search for your perfect dive holiday., this photo was taken in raja ampat (indonesia) ©papua explorers dive resort.

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Group Trips

Destination of the month, indonesia – raja ampat – west papua.

Raja Ampat is a world renowned diving hotspot. This ecologically diverse paradise is a hub of life. Raja Ampat’s vegetation covered rock islands sit like emeralds in warm, azure coral filled seas. Whether you’re looking to retreat into simple backpacker lodgings or home stays, or relax in beautiful dive resorts, there are a variety of accommodation options available. Wherever you decide to stay expect a high level of adventure and remoteness, a true escape from the ordinary. 

Biodiversity is mirrored on land and sea. Discover islands full of endemic species of flora and fauna, providing a home to rare orchids, birds of paradise and native marsupials such as tree kangaroos and possums. Beneath the surface you will find 75% of the world’s species of corals! This supports a huge array of marine creatures, and the area has become famous for it’s healthy population of apex predators, such as sharks, whales and dolphins. 

In the Spotlight

Indonesia – raja ampat – papua explorers resort.

Papua Explorers is an all-inclusive dive resort located on the south coast of Gam Island, surrounded by the most iconic dive sites in Northern Raja Ampat. All resort bungalows, the restaurant and the dive centre/pier with adjacent spa have been constructed the traditional way – over-water with individual walkways on stilts and glorious views sweeping Dampier Strait from Cape Kri to Mansuar Island.

Only 15 wooden bungalows line up along a massive house reef wall with miles of dense rainforest providing the daily soundtrack, complementing the sound of water lapping underneath every structure. The spacious and airy bungalow interiors lead to spectacular decks, each with sun chairs, hammocks and – most importantly- stairs for direct access to the house reef for swimming and snorkelling in medium and high tide.

The PADI 5 Star dive centre operates a fleet of small & medium-sized boats for 10-30 min excursions to all Dampier Strait reefs, extended tours to Batanta, Wayag and Fam Islands as well as the Passage between Gam and Waigeo Island for diving, snorkelling and waterfall hiking. Direct boat transfers between the resort and Sorong airport on Wednesdays and Sundays take 2 hours each way. Raja Ampat is famous for its exceptional richness of fish life and coral. Due to prevailing currents, the Dampier Strait reefs are best enjoyed by divers with advanced certifications. However, the dive team is very experienced, and with a high ratio of guides to divers, it is also possible to take beginners and open water students to more sheltered coves.

The Papua Explorers Foundation is dedicated to conserving marine life through science, education and awareness. The latest addition to all these projects, excursions and amenities is the liveaboard Coralia, a traditional Phinisi schooner built from scratch and cruising since 2019.

Papua Explorers provides a deluxe dive experience, comfortable yet sustainable amenities in remote, unspoilt nature – romantic and intimate with a fun multi-cultural vibe and a strong connection to their local indigenous community.

Liveaboard in the Spotlight

Fiji – Nai’a

About dive adventures.

Established in 1986, Dive Adventures is Australia’s leading diving holiday specialist. Our knowledge of the Pacific and Southeast Asia region with its abundance of world class dive sites is second to none. We provide for all levels of diving skills from beginners to experienced and special interest diving from coral reefs, prolific sea life through to specialized tech cave and wreck diving. Our experienced team of travel consultants are all qualified divers and offer expert advice in the planning and booking of each aspect of your diving holiday, including the flights, accommodation and the type of diving and conditions to suit your experience level. Dive Adventures only use the most reputable operators and our packages are thoroughly researched to provide the best value and unique diving experience to meet your individual requirements.

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Scuba Diving Cairns – Scuba Diving Sydney

New to scuba? Set your sights on an introductory dive that gets you out in the open water on the same day. These trial dives are a great first step to pursuing scuba diving certification. Once you're hooked on diving, check out the PADI Open Water Course! This four-day intensive program combines two days of scuba diving theory and pool work with two days in the sea. It's a fast track to all the Great Barrier Reef dives available to certified divers. You'll be confidently flipping your fins through multi-coloured coral in no time!

Great Barrier Reef Diving Adventures

Scuba diving isn't the only way to see the underwater world of the coral reef. A Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour requires no prior experience and is ideal for those unable to dive. Set sail on a catamaran headed towards the clear waters of the best dive sites on the reef. All the necessary snorkelling gear (including a wetsuit if the temperature requires) will be provided onboard. You can snorkel with dolphins, seals or sea dragons!

To increase the adrenaline, zoom through blue waves on an underwater scooter tour. Explore the ocean floor while performing tricks like backflips and barrel rolls! Or if you dare to come face to face with behemoths of the deep, a shark diving experience is sure to get your heart racing.

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours

On a Great Barrier Reef tour, set sail for a reef activity platform or verdant island offering not only scuba diving and snorkelling but helicopter rides, helmet diving, and fish feeding. It's an ideal way to try many activities in one day! Those who prefer to stay dry can observe reef life through underwater observatories, explore the green wilderness of the island or just relax.

Scuba diving and other diving activities offer a glimpse into a watery world teeming with brightly coloured fish and exotic lifeforms we’re only just beginning to understand. See these incredible sights for yourself by learning to scuba dive!

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