

Best for beginner divers, 1-5m, shore entry, moderate current.
Olivers Reef at The Bluff is a shallow shore dive with depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres. The site features a reef structure with holes that can create significant surge and moderate currents. Due to the potential for surf and surge, it is recommended to dive only on calm days with low swell. Parking is available at the site for shore access. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, sea stars, southern rock lobster, Shaw’s Cowfish, and various rays and sharks. Divers should be prepared for water temperatures between 14C and 20C, with a 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry suit recommended year-round.
-35.56000, 138.62000
Check swell and wind forecasts carefully before committing to this site, as surf and surge can make entry and exit genuinely hazardous on exposed days. Calm, low-swell conditions early in the morning tend to give the best chance of manageable visibility.
Access is from the shore. Park on Hayward Street in Hayborough (a suburb of Victor Harbor). It is a walk of about 100m to the water's edge, followed by a swim of 150m to 350m out to the reef.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
Up to 5m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-20°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Year-round
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, sea stars, southern rock lobster, Shaw’s Cowfish, Port Jackson sharks, fiddler rays, and long-nosed fur seals.
While the shallow depth is accessible, the site requires good buoyancy control due to surge and moderate currents. It is best suited for those comfortable with shore entries in variable conditions.
The depth at Olivers Reef ranges from 1 to 5 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres.
This is a shore dive with parking available at the site.
Olivers Reef has a snorkel rating of 1 out of 5, as the surge and surf conditions often make it challenging for snorkellers.
The site can be dived throughout the year, from January to December, provided conditions are calm.
Diving at Olivers Reef in Fleurieu Peninsula requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Olivers Reef in Fleurieu Peninsula. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 20°C.
Expect moderate currents at Olivers Reef in Fleurieu Peninsula. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.