

Blue Devil Cave is a shore dive off New South Wales that earns its name from the striking Eastern blue devilfish found sheltering among the reef. Depths run from 3 metres in the shallows down to 22 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility typically sitting between 9 and 13 metres. The cave itself creates an overhead environment, so stay aware of your surroundings and never push further inside than your comfort allows. Current is mild, making this manageable for beginners. Take your time on the reef and you may find wobbegong sharks resting on the bottom, weedy sea dragons drifting through the water column, cuttlefish, octopus, nudibranchs, frogfish, and the tiny Sydney pygmy pipehorse.
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Visit between June and November for the best chance of spotting blue devilfish, which are more reliably present in the cooler months. Surge can push you around near the cave entrance, so time your entry between sets and keep a hand free to steady yourself on the way in.
Access is via the shore entry point known as "The Gutter" in the Bass Point Reserve, south of Shellharbour. Park in the designated car park and walk across the grass and rock platform to the entry point. The cave is approximately a 150-metre swim from the entry.
The cave is small, creating an overhead environment. Surge can be present, especially near the entry/exit point. Caution is advised with marine life like wobbegong sharks. The entry and exit can be challenging during high tides.
Depth
3-22m
Visibility
9-13m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-25°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Blue Devil Cave in New South Wales hosts diverse marine species including weedy sea dragons, Eastern blue devilfish, wobbegong sharks, and giant rays. Snorkellers regularly encounter octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and the elusive frogfish in the shallow waters. The site's rocky terrain and kelp cover provide ideal habitat for these iconic Australian species.
Blue Devil Cave is classified as a beginner-level snorkelling site with depths ranging from 3 to 22 metres and mild currents. The shore entry and shallow areas make it accessible for novice snorkellers, though the overhead environment and occasional surge require basic water confidence. Parking facilities are available onsite for easy access.
The optimal months for snorkelling Blue Devil Cave are June through November, covering the Australian winter and spring seasons. During these months, water temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius with visibility between 9 and 13 metres. Conditions are generally calmer and marine life is most active during this period.
Blue Devil Cave is accessed via shore entry from the South Coast of New South Wales, with parking facilities available at the site. No boat is required, making it a convenient snorkelling location for those with private transport. The entry does not require any fees.
Blue Devil Cave presents two primary hazards: an overhead environment within the cave structure and surge conditions from ocean swells. Snorkellers should maintain awareness of their position relative to the cave ceiling and avoid entering during high swell periods. The mild current is generally manageable for beginners with proper water skills.
Night snorkelling is permitted at Blue Devil Cave, offering opportunities to observe nocturnal species such as octopus and cuttlefish. The cave environment takes on a different character after dark, though the overhead hazards require additional caution and proper torches. Water temperatures remain between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius year-round.
Blue Devil Cave typically offers visibility between 9 and 13 metres, providing adequate clarity for observing the site's diverse marine life. Visibility conditions on the South Coast are influenced by seasonal weather patterns and are generally best during the June to November period. The mild current helps maintain consistent water clarity throughout most visits.
Diving at Blue Devil Cave in South Coast requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Blue Devil Cave in South Coast. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.