Harrys Hill Beach at North Head offers a shore entry point featuring a combination of seagrass beds and reef habitats. This site is suitable for beginners, though conditions vary significantly. Divers and snorkellers must remain aware of moderate tidal currents, potential rip currents, and frequent boat traffic in the river. Visibility can be affected by swell and runoff, so it is best visited during calm weather. The area is unpatrolled, and a nearby swimming net presents an entanglement risk. Due to strong currents, swimming across the river to the beach is not recommended.

Flag Staff at North Head is a shore-entry reef site suitable for beginners. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. The site features mild currents and typical dive times of 40 minutes. Visibility is highly variable and can be limited, requiring divers to stay close to their buddy and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Due to the potential for low visibility, a slow and patient approach is recommended. When entering and exiting the water, shuffle your feet to avoid disturbing the seabed. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before planning a dive, as settled weather generally improves visibility.

Quarantine Station at North Head is a sheltered shore dive featuring a mix of reef and artificial reef structures. With depths ranging from 3 to 11 metres and an average of 5 metres, it is well-suited for beginners. The site offers mild currents and generally calm conditions, though visibility is variable, typically between 5 and 10 metres. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic within Sydney Harbour, particularly when surfacing. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, a cafe, air fills, and equipment rental. Night diving is possible at this location, with typical dive times around 60 minutes.

Store Beach at North Head is a shallow site featuring extensive seagrass beds. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. The site is sheltered, providing mild currents and generally calm conditions. Access is strictly by boat, as the beach is not accessible by land. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Due to the presence of boat traffic, divers should remain aware of their surroundings. Access to the beach is prohibited after dusk to protect the local little penguin population.

Old Man's Hat is a reef and cave site located 300 metres off North Head. Divers can explore depths between 14 and 25 metres, with an average depth of 19 metres. The site features a cave structure and is accessible only by boat. Currents are generally moderate, ranging from 1 to 3 knots, and the site can be dived as a drift. Visibility typically spans 10 to 25 metres. Marine life includes common sightings of Giant Cuttlefish, Spotted Wobbegong, Eastern Blue Groper, and various wrasses. Divers may also encounter Weedy Seadragons, Port Jackson sharks, and Blue Devilfish. Due to high boat traffic, the use of a surface marker buoy is essential.

Little Manly Cove at North Head is a sheltered shore dive suitable for beginners. The site features a mix of reef, seagrass beds, and kelp forest, with depths ranging from 3 to 14 metres. Divers frequently encounter spotted wobbegongs, giant cuttlefish, and eastern blue groper. Other species recorded include pot-bellied seahorses, grey nurse sharks, green sea turtles, and various rays. Conditions are generally mild due to the protected harbour location, though visibility is variable between 5 and 10 metres. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic and potential entanglement in kelp or discarded fishing gear. Facilities including parking, toilets, and showers are available on site.

South Head in Watsons Bay is a deep reef site suited for advanced divers. The topography features a dramatic underwater landscape with depths ranging from 22 to 37 metres, averaging 28 metres. Access is by boat only. Divers should be prepared for variable visibility between 5 and 25 metres and potential surge. Due to the depth, careful monitoring of bottom time and decompression status is essential. The site is subject to boat traffic, and conditions can shift quickly. Water temperatures range from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, with the most reliable visibility occurring between April and September.

Boulder City in Watsons Bay is a shore entry site suitable for beginners seeking shallow, calm conditions. The site provides a practical environment for building confidence in the water. Visibility is variable and can shift quickly due to changes in swell and wind direction, requiring divers to check local conditions before entering. When accessing the site, shuffle your feet to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom. Due to the potential for low visibility, maintain close contact with your buddy throughout the dive. As conditions fluctuate, it is recommended to consult recent reports from local divers or a nearby dive shop to ensure a settled day for your visit.