The right side
The right side of the island is protected and can often be dived even when the sea is rough. You drop to about 15 metres and cross a small reef. Turn left and head south-west across the sand to reach the main reef, where a gutter runs between rocks and kelp that you can swim through.
At about 20 metres there’s a low overhang with plenty of life around it, including catfish, cardinalfish and banded sea perch. On the way you pass colourful sponges, lace coral and sea tulips. Weedy sea dragons and pygmy seahorses are the ones to look for, and grey nurse sharks and Port Jackson sharks are seen here too.
The left side
Descend on the left side and you land on sand at about 6 metres. The bottom slopes gently as you head south-east, past overhangs and small caves. Look for wobbegongs and pineapplefish, and for nudibranchs on the rocks. Sea dragons are around here as well.
Conditions and tips
Flathead, numbfish, rays and flounder lie half buried in the sand. Keep your buoyancy good and avoid touching the bottom. Typical visibility is about 5 metres.
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Sydney shore dives
Guided shore dives in the Eastern Suburbs, Kurnell and at Shelly Beach, Manly.
See the tripWhere it is
What you might see
- Weedy seadragonFound only in southern Australia, and one of Sydney’s signature dives.
- White’s seahorseAn endangered Sydney local that clings to sponges, soft corals and harbour nets.
- Grey nurse sharkFierce-looking, calm by nature, and critically endangered on the east coast.
- Port Jackson sharkA harmless bottom-dweller that returns to Sydney’s reefs every winter.
- Wobbegong sharkA carpet shark so well camouflaged that divers swim right past it.
- Dusky whalerYoung whaler sharks that gather in Cabbage Tree Bay.
- RaysFiddler rays, smooth stingrays and eagle rays on the sand around Sydney’s reefs.
- NudibranchsTiny, colourful sea slugs, and Sydney has hundreds of kinds.
Nearby sites
- Shore dive · Shellharbour Bushrangers BayOne of the South Coast’s most popular shore dives, at Bass Point Reserve near Shellharbour, about 90 minutes south of Sydney. Easy access, sheltered water and grey nurse sharks make the drive worth it.18 m
- Shore dive · Watsons Bay Camp CoveAn easy shore dive from the beach at Watsons Bay, inside Sydney Harbour. A shallow wall with swim-throughs and overhangs makes it a relaxed dive for any certified diver.19 m
- Shore dive · Clovelly Gordon’s BayA calm, sheltered bay just north of Coogee, protected by an offshore reef. Easy entry and an underwater nature trail make it a favourite for new divers and night dives.14 m
- Shore dive · Botany Bay KurnellThree shore dives on the south side of Botany Bay, in and around Kamay Botany Bay National Park: The Steps, The Leap and The Monument.
