

Best for beginner divers, 3-14m, shore entry, mild current.
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.
-33.80666, 151.28700
Arrive early in the morning when boat traffic is lightest and the water tends to settle a little, giving you the best of the variable visibility. Parking is available on site and toilets are nearby, so there is no need to rush your kit preparation.
Access is via the sandy beach at Little Manly Cove. Entry to the water is made outside the netted swimming enclosure.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-14m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
18-24°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Year-round
Common sightings include spotted wobbegongs, giant cuttlefish, and eastern blue groper. You may also encounter pot-bellied seahorses, grey nurse sharks, green sea turtles, and various species of rays and octopus.
Yes, the site is well-protected within the harbour, offering mild conditions and shallow depths that make it appropriate for beginner divers and snorkellers.
The depth ranges from 3 to 14 metres, with an average depth of approximately 6 metres.
Little Manly Cove is a shore dive. Parking is available on site, providing easy access to the water.
The site is accessible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 18C in winter to 24C in summer.
Be aware of boat traffic in the area and potential entanglement in kelp or fishing lines. Using a dive flag is recommended for visibility to boaters.
Diving at Little Manly Cove in Manly requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Little Manly Cove in Manly. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C.
Little Manly Cove in Manly typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Little Manly Cove in Manly typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.