Cheryl's Rock on the Cox Peninsula provides a shore-entry reef dive suitable for beginners. The site features shallow, calm waters ideal for practising basic skills. Divers should note that current conditions vary due to tidal movements. Marine life recorded around this area includes giant guitarfish, bluespotted fantail rays, rock cod, pufferfish, flatworms, boxfish, live sharksuckers, grunts, longfin baitfish, flathead, bream, crabs, hermit crabs, and snails. Water temperatures are warm, ranging from 26C to 31C. This location presents extreme hazards, including saltwater crocodiles and venomous box jellyfish. Divers must exercise caution, avoid diving during stinger season, and monitor local safety reports regarding wildlife activity and water conditions.

Dripstone Cliffs on the Cox Peninsula offers a shore-entry reef dive suitable for intermediate divers. The site features a mix of natural and artificial reef structures along the northern shoreline. Divers must respect the significant tidal range of the Darwin area, which can generate moderate to strong currents; timing dives around tidal slack is essential. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 26C to 31C throughout the year. Hazards include rip currents, crocodiles, and jellyfish, particularly during the Wet Season from October to May. Parking is available at the site. Snorkelling is possible but rated 2/5 due to the challenging tidal conditions.

Casuarina Beach on the Cox Peninsula is a shallow shore-entry site featuring reef and seagrass habitats. It is suitable for beginners seeking a gentle introduction to coastal exploration. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 26C to 31C. Visitors should be aware of significant hazards, including saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. The official stinger season runs from October to May, and swimming is not advised during this period. Species recorded around this area include mullet, snails, and various crustaceans. Always check Northern Territory crocodile and marine stinger alerts before entering the water, as conditions and risks change throughout the year.

Lee Point Sponge Reef, located off the Cox Peninsula, is a natural reef system characterised by its sponge communities. This site is accessible via both shore and boat entries. Divers should note that Darwin experiences significant tidal movements between 1.5 and 8 metres, which can generate mild to strong currents and rips. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 26C to 31C. Due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles and seasonal venomous jellyfish, extreme caution is advised. Facilities including parking, toilets, and showers are available on site. The reef is best visited during the dry season, particularly around high slack tide for improved visibility.

Dudley Bommies is a shallow reef site located off the Cox Peninsula. The site is defined by strong tidal currents resulting from the large tidal range in Darwin Harbour, which can reach up to 8 metres. Due to these conditions, diving is generally restricted to neap tides, and divers must plan their entry around slack water. Access is possible by boat or from the shore. Water temperatures are warm, ranging from 26C to 31C throughout the year. Hazards at this location include strong tidal currents, rip currents, dangerous tropical jellyfish, and the presence of saltwater crocodiles. Divers should maintain high situational awareness and check local conditions before entering the water.

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.

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 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.