The dive
Inside the bay you can explore rocky edges, kelp, sandy patches and deeper water near the entrance to the open sea. The depth starts shallow and increases gradually, so the dive profile is easy and relaxed. When conditions suit, more experienced divers can explore a little further outside the bay.
The fish life is varied: schools of bream and yellowtail, leatherjackets, rays, squid, cuttlefish and the resident blue groper. In recent years grey nurse sharks have become the big draw, with seasonal sightings for divers and snorkellers alike. They’re critically endangered and protected in Australia, so every encounter is special.
Getting in and out
Stairs lead down into the bay, and the entry into shallow water is fairly straightforward. Typical visibility is about 7 metres.
A double-dive day
Bushrangers Bay works well for two dives, and the reserve is a good place to relax in the sun between them. It suits newer and experienced divers, training dives and social dive trips.
We run a guided Bushrangers Bay double shore dive, with tanks and weights included.
Dive it with us
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
- Grey nurse sharkFierce-looking, calm by nature, and critically endangered on the east coast.
- RaysFiddler rays, smooth stingrays and eagle rays on the sand around Sydney’s reefs.
- Eastern blue groperThe NSW state fish: big, curious and happy to follow divers around.
- Giant cuttlefishThe world’s largest cuttlefish, and a master of colour change.
Nearby sites
- Shore dive · La Perouse Bare IslandBare Island juts out from the mainland at La Perouse and is reached on foot along a long wooden walkway. Several dives are possible around the island, so it rewards repeat visits.20 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.
