

Best for beginner divers, 3-14m, shore entry, mild current.
Fairlight Beach in Manly offers a protected shore dive suitable for beginners. The site features a diverse topography transitioning through reef, kelp forest, and sandy muck patches at depths between 3 and 14 metres. Divers frequently encounter Eastern Blue Groper, Port Jackson sharks, Pot-bellied Seahorses, and Common Sydney Octopus. Less common sightings include Green Sea Turtles, Spotted Wobbegong, and Giant Cuttlefish. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility fluctuates between 3 and 10 metres. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic near the channel and use a surface marker buoy. Facilities including parking, showers, and toilets are available for visitors.
-33.80014, 151.27441
April through September tends to offer the most reliable conditions, and Port Jackson sharks are more commonly encountered during the cooler months. Enter well clear of the boat channel and tow a surface marker buoy to stay visible.
Access is from Fairlight Beach. There is limited street parking on Fairlight Crescent, with a pedestrian laneway leading to the beach.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-14m
Visibility
3-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
18-24°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Common sightings include Eastern Blue Groper, Port Jackson sharks, Pot-bellied Seahorses, and Common Sydney Octopus. You may also encounter Green Sea Turtles, Spotted Wobbegong, Giant Cuttlefish, and various rays.
Yes, Fairlight Beach is considered a suitable shore dive for beginners due to its protected nature and mild currents.
The depth ranges from 3 to 14 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres.
Fairlight Beach is a shore dive with entry from the beach.
Yes, the site is suitable for snorkelling and holds a snorkel rating of 3 out of 5.
The best months for visiting are April, May, June, July, August, September, and December.
Diving at Fairlight Beach in Manly requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Fairlight Beach in Manly. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C.
Fairlight Beach in Manly typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Fairlight Beach in Manly typically ranges from 3 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.