

Best for intermediate divers, 1-10m, shore entry, moderate current.
Sloop Reef in Bicheno is a shallow kelp forest site ranging from 1 to 10 metres in depth. Divers and snorkellers navigate through towering kelp canopies above a rocky and sandy substrate. The site is accessed from the shore, though conditions require caution due to a permanent rip current in the cove and potential surf. Visibility is variable, ranging from 12 to 40 metres. Given the water temperatures of 13 to 19C, appropriate thermal protection is necessary for all water activities. Due to the presence of moderate currents and rip hazards, this site is best suited for intermediate-level participants.
-41.20931, 148.28878
Summer months from December through March bring the best visibility and the most reliable leafy sea dragon sightings, so that's the window worth targeting. Check the swell forecast before you go, as breaking waves and rip currents at the entry point can make shore access genuinely hazardous on rougher days.
Access is via a track from the Sloop Reef camping area. It involves scrambling over large granite boulders and following a faint path through casuarina trees down to the cove.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
12-40m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
13-19°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
The site features a kelp forest habitat with rocky crevices and holdfast zones that support various reef fish and invertebrates.
No, this site is rated for intermediate skill levels due to the presence of a permanent rip current and moderate currents.
The site is shallow, with depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres.
Sloop Reef is a shore entry site located in a cove.
While snorkelling is possible, the site has a low snorkel rating of 1/5 due to the challenging current and surf conditions.
The best months for visiting Sloop Reef are December, January, February, and March.
Diving at Sloop Reef in East Coast requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Sloop Reef in East Coast. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C.
Divers at Sloop Reef in East Coast should be aware of jellyfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Expect moderate currents at Sloop Reef in East Coast. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Sloop Reef in East Coast typically ranges from 12 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.