

Best for beginner divers, 5-20m, boat entry, moderate current.
The Pass at Julian Rocks offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reef, wall, pinnacle, and cave formations. Located 2500 metres offshore, this site requires boat access and reaches depths between 5 and 20 metres. The area is defined by the convergence of warm tropical and cool temperate waters, resulting in temperatures ranging from 21C to 27C. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents that can strengthen unexpectedly, particularly around the walls and pinnacles. Due to the potential for changing conditions and the presence of sharks, booking a boat charter with an experienced local guide is recommended to navigate the site safely.
-28.63651, 153.62763
Book a boat charter with a local operator who can read the current conditions on the day, as the pass can funnel water and change quickly. Diving with an experienced guide is strongly recommended for beginners, particularly around the cave and wall sections.
Boats launch from The Pass in Byron Bay.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
21-27°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
180 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though diving with an experienced guide is strongly recommended, especially when exploring the cave and wall sections.
The site features depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres.
The Pass is a boat-only dive site located 2500 metres from the shore.
Divers should be aware of strong currents around the pinnacles and walls, as well as the presence of sharks.
Diving at The Pass in Byron Bay requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at The Pass in Byron Bay. Water temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C.
The best months to visit The Pass in Byron Bay are May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at The Pass in Byron Bay. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.