

Best for beginner divers, 2-30m, shore & boat entry, strong current.
Port Stephens in Nelson Bay offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reef, seagrass, wall, and muck habitats. Suitable for beginners, the site ranges from 2 to 30 metres in depth with an average of 10 metres. Access is available from both shore and boat, located 80 metres from the coast. Diving is highly tidal, with strong currents requiring careful planning around slack high tide to ensure safety and optimal visibility. The area experiences heavy boat traffic, necessitating the use of a dive flag. Facilities include parking, equipment rental, air fills, and guided tours. Night diving is permitted, and typical dive times average 50 minutes.
-32.71310, 152.06600
Time your dive around slack water to manage the strong currents, and stay well clear of the marked boat channels, as boat traffic is a genuine hazard at this site.
For the popular Fly Point shore dive, access is via Victoria Parade in Nelson Bay, east of the marina. There is a car park, and divers walk down a flight of stairs to a cleared path into the water. Boat dives to offshore islands depart from the local marina.
For Fly Point, sources indicate there is no wheelchair-accessible parking or entrance.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 30m
Visibility
1-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
19-22°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Year-round
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, offering shallow areas to build confidence, though divers must manage strong tidal currents.
The depth ranges from 2 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Both shore and boat entries are possible at this site.
Diving is possible year-round, from January through December.
Primary hazards include strong tidal currents, rip currents, surf, and heavy boat traffic. Divers should use a dive flag and time entries with slack high tide.
Diving at Port Stephens in Nelson Bay requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Port Stephens in Nelson Bay. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Port Stephens in Nelson Bay. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 22°C.
Port Stephens in Nelson Bay can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Port Stephens in Nelson Bay typically ranges from 1 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.