Sydney

Shelly Beach in Manly is arguably the most popular dive site in Sydney, Australia. As part of the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, it offers an easy shore entry, calm conditions, and a high density of marine life. It's famous for encounters with the resident blue groper, dusky whaler sharks, octopus, and beautiful kelp beds, making it perfect for divers of all levels and underwater photographers.

Well-known sites like Bare Island and Camp Cove are excellent, offering rich macro life and easy access. For a less-crowded experience, consider a boat dive to The Apartments at Long Reef. This site features impressive rock formations and swim-throughs, attracting large schools of fish and wobbegong sharks. Another great shore dive is The Steps at Kurnell, which offers a deeper profile and a good chance to spot weedy seadragons.

Water temperatures in Sydney, Australia are seasonal. In summer (Dec-Feb), expect 21-24°C (70-75°F). Autumn (Mar-May) sees temperatures of 19-22°C (66-72°F). Winter (Jun-Aug) is the coldest period, with water dropping to 16-19°C (61-66°F). During spring (Sep-Nov), the water warms up again to 17-20°C (63-68°F).

The best time to dive in Sydney, Australia depends on your preference. For the warmest water and best visibility, visit between February and May. However, the winter months (June to August) are also excellent, offering the chance to see Port Jackson sharks aggregating, giant cuttlefish, and the possibility of surface sightings of migrating humpback whales. This period also tends to have fewer crowds at popular shore dive sites.

Visibility in Sydney, Australia typically ranges from 5 to 15 meters. On exceptional days, particularly in autumn and winter after a period of calm weather and offshore winds, it can exceed 20 meters. However, visibility can be significantly reduced to less than 5 meters after heavy rainfall or strong onshore swells, especially at dive sites located near estuary openings.

While you won't find manta rays or whale sharks, Sydney, Australia has fantastic seasonal events. From May to November, migrating humpback whales can often be spotted from the boat. During winter and spring, Port Jackson sharks aggregate in shallow reefs to breed. Giant cuttlefish also gather in winter, providing spectacular displays. These predictable aggregations make for unique and memorable diving experiences.

Sydney, Australia is home to incredible temperate marine life. Common sightings include the iconic weedy seadragon, friendly blue groper, wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks, giant cuttlefish, and octopus. You'll also find vibrant sponge gardens, moray eels, large schools of fish, and a huge diversity of nudibranchs, making it a paradise for macro photography enthusiasts.

For summer diving in Sydney, Australia (21-24°C), a 5mm wetsuit is generally sufficient. In the cooler winter months (16-19°C), a 7mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves is highly recommended for comfort on longer dives. Some local divers prefer using a drysuit during the coldest parts of winter to stay warm.

To get to Sydney, Australia, you will fly into Sydney Airport (SYD), a major international and domestic hub. From the airport, the city and coastal suburbs are easily accessible via train, bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Most shore dive sites are reachable by car, and dive operators offering boat trips are located in various marinas around the harbour and coastline.

There are no multi-day diving liveaboards operating in Sydney, Australia. The dive scene is entirely land-based, which is a major advantage. You can stay in city or beachside accommodation and book daily boat trips with local dive centres or easily drive to one of the many excellent and accessible shore diving sites. This provides great flexibility for your trip.