

Best for intermediate divers, 3-18m, shore entry, strong current.
Shiprock in Cronulla is a dynamic shore dive featuring a rocky wall that reaches depths of 3 to 18 metres. This site is suitable for intermediate divers due to strong tidal currents, which necessitate diving only during slack water at high tide. Divers frequently encounter spotted wobbegongs, pineapplefish, stonefish, mourning cuttlefish, green morays, and common Sydney octopuses. Other residents include truncate coralfish, eastern red scorpionfish, various wrasses, and nudibranchs. The site is located in a shipping channel, making surface marker buoys essential for safety against boat traffic. Access involves stairs, and entry requires caution due to sharp oysters on the rocks.
-34.06896, 151.12983
Deploy your SMB well before you ascend, as recreational boat traffic through this area is frequent and unpredictable. Timing your entry and exit to account for the current will make for a far more comfortable dive.
Park at the end of Shiprock Road in Lilli Pilli (a cul-de-sac). Access to the water is via a set of stairs leading down from the reserve.
Access to the site is via a number of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-18m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
18-24°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Year-round
Divers commonly encounter spotted wobbegongs, pineapplefish, stonefish, mourning cuttlefish, green morays, and common Sydney octopuses. Other species include truncate coralfish, eastern red scorpionfish, wrasses, and various nudibranchs.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to the strong tidal currents and the requirement to time the dive precisely with slack water.
The site ranges from 3 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 12 metres.
Shiprock is a shore dive accessed via a set of stairs.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling, though users must be aware of strong currents and boat traffic.
The site is available for diving year-round, from January through December.
Diving at Shiprock in Sydney requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Shiprock in Sydney. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C.
Shiprock in Sydney can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Shiprock in Sydney typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.