Big Buoy is a shore entry site in the Northern Territory suited to beginners looking for a relaxed introduction to the underwater world. The water is shallow and generally calm, making it a comfortable spot to build confidence at your own pace. Visibility can vary from visit to visit, so conditions on the day will shape your experience. You can expect to encounter various reef species during your time in the water. The site has no noted hazards, and with parking, toilets, changing rooms, a cafe, and first aid on site, it is well set up for a straightforward day out. Plan your visit between May and October for the most reliable conditions.

Doctors Gully in Darwin Harbour is a shallow, tide-dependent site ideal for snorkelling. Reaching depths of only 0 to 2 metres, the area is accessible directly from the shore. The site is best visited around high tide, when water levels allow for a 60-minute experience in the shallows. Facilities at the location include parking, toilets, and a cafe. Due to the nature of the site, water visibility can vary significantly based on tidal conditions. Visitors should be aware of marine stingers, particularly during the wet season from November to April. The site is suitable for beginners and requires no prior diving experience.

The USS Peary is a US destroyer resting upright on the seabed at depths between 26 and 33 metres. Sunk during a 1942 air raid, the wreck is heavily salvaged with sharp edges and twisted metal, posing significant entanglement risks. This advanced site requires boat access and is subject to powerful tidal currents and low visibility, often ranging from 2 to 7 metres. Divers must time their entry around slack tide. Hazards include boat traffic, jellyfish, and the presence of saltwater crocodiles. Species recorded around this area include giant guitarfish, bluespotted fantail rays, rock cod, and various pufferfish. Night diving is possible, though conditions remain challenging.

The outer breakwall at Cullen Bay Marina serves as an artificial reef, consisting of rock and rubble structures that attract marine life. This shore-entry site is strictly for advanced divers due to the strong tidal currents characteristic of Darwin Harbour, which can reach significant speeds. Visibility is variable, ranging from 1 to 15 metres. Divers must maintain tight proximity to the wall, manage buoyancy carefully, and deploy a surface marker buoy before ascending to avoid boat traffic from the marina. Facilities including parking, toilets, showers, and a cafe are available nearby. Given the strong currents and potential hazards, this location is not considered a public snorkelling site.

South Rock Pools in Darwin Harbour provides a shallow, shore-entry snorkel experience suitable for beginners. The site features a rocky topography with depths ranging from 0 to 2 metres, averaging 1 metre. Conditions are variable, with mild currents and visibility dependent on tide and weather. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and showers. Visitors should exercise caution due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles, dangerous tropical jellyfish, and surf. It is recommended to wear protective footwear to navigate the rocky entry and avoid sea urchins. The most settled conditions for visiting occur during the dry season months from May through October.

The Song Saigon is an artificial reef and wreck dive located in Darwin Harbour. The vessel sits at depths between 19 and 25 metres, with an average depth of 24 metres. This site is suitable for intermediate divers and requires boat access. Conditions are characterised by mild currents and low visibility, typically around 5 metres. Divers should be prepared for jellyfish and maintain good buoyancy control, especially when navigating the wreck structure. A dive torch is recommended to assist with navigation in the low-light environment. Species recorded around this area include giant guitarfish, bluespotted fantail rays, rock cod, pufferfish, and various baitfish.

East Point Bombies is a shallow reef site located off the Cox Peninsula, featuring isolated coral outcrops. Divers can explore the structure at depths ranging from the surface to 12 metres. Access is strictly by boat, and the site is suitable for beginners, though it is subject to moderate currents that can strengthen significantly. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. To manage the flow, it is recommended to time dives around slack water. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 26C to 31C. Night diving is possible at this location.

Catalina 1 is a wreck dive located in Darwin Harbour, resting at depths between 12 and 16 metres with an average of 13 metres. This site is suitable for beginner divers who are comfortable with their buoyancy. Access is by boat only, and dives are strictly planned around the turning of the tides to manage the significant tidal variations and strong currents characteristic of the harbour. Visibility typically ranges from 3 to 10 metres, and the use of a torch is recommended for exploring the wreck's structure. Divers should remain aware of potential entanglement hazards and sharp coral, as well as surface boat traffic.