

Best for intermediate divers, 5-25m, boat entry, moderate current.
Fingal Head is a boat-access reef and artificial reef site located 3000 metres offshore from Shoal Bay. Suitable for intermediate divers, the site features depths ranging from 5 to 25 metres with an average of 10 metres. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents and tidal flow, with dives typically scheduled during slack high tide. Visibility varies between 5 and 15 metres. The seafloor contains a high population of long-spined sea urchins, requiring careful buoyancy control. Species recorded around this area include wobbegong sharks, seahorses, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopuses, blue gropers, stonefish, cuttlefish, blind sharks, coffin rays, bullhead sharks, and pineapplefish.
-32.74210, 152.19400
The north wall is the go-to first dive, easy to navigate and almost always produces turtle encounters at the cleaning stations.
Boat access only. Most charters depart from the Dry Dock Road boat ramp on the Tweed River, with a 15 to 20 minute run to the island.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-25m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
19-23°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Species recorded around this area include wobbegong sharks, seahorses, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopuses, blue gropers, stonefish, cuttlefish, blind sharks, coffin rays, bullhead sharks, and pineapplefish.
No, this site is intended for intermediate divers due to the exposure to open ocean conditions and moderate-to-strong currents.
The site ranges from 5 to 25 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site located 3000 metres from the shore. Boat charters and guided tours are available.
The best time to visit is between September and March, when conditions are generally more settled and water clarity improves.
Diving at Fingal Head in Nelson Bay requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Fingal Head in Nelson Bay. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C.
Expect moderate currents at Fingal Head in Nelson Bay. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Fingal Head in Nelson Bay typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.