

Best for beginner divers, 4-15m, shore entry, mild current.
Waub's Bay in Bicheno offers a gentle shore dive suitable for beginners, featuring a reef system beneath a kelp forest. Divers can explore depths between 4 and 15 metres, with an average of 10 metres. The site is home to common species including weedy seadragons, wrasses, and draughtboard sharks. Less frequently, divers may encounter pot-bellied seahorses, smooth rays, Shaw’s cowfish, scorpionfish, and various invertebrates like clown doris and sea stars. While the bay is generally sheltered with mild currents, divers should remain aware of surge near the shore and boat traffic. Visibility ranges from 5 to 30 metres, and water temperatures fluctuate between 13C and 19C throughout the year.
-41.86997, 148.29984
Summer months, December through March, bring the clearest water and the best chance of spotting weedy sea dragons. Keep an eye on boat traffic when surfacing, as the bay sees regular activity.
The site is accessed from the shore. The best entry point is adjacent to the breakwater on the eastern side of the bay, where a sloping rock and a railing (as of 2023) provide easy access.
Recorded at this site
Depth
4-15m
Visibility
5-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
13-19°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Divers commonly encounter weedy seadragons, wrasses, and draughtboard sharks. Other species recorded include pot-bellied seahorses, smooth rays, Shaw’s cowfish, scorpionfish, clown doris, goatfish, sea stars, crabs, cardinalfish, and sea spiders.
Yes, Waub's Bay is considered a suitable shore dive for beginners due to its sheltered nature and manageable depths.
The depth at Waub's Bay ranges from 4 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Snorkelling is possible, though the site has a low snorkel rating of 1/5.
The best months to dive are January, February, March, and December, which typically offer the clearest water.
Divers should be cautious of boat traffic, cold water, low visibility, surge, and sharks. Avoid the adjacent Waubs Gulch, which is subject to strong currents and swells.
Waub's Bay in East Coast is a shore dive. The site is accessed from the shore. The best entry point is adjacent to the breakwater on the eastern side of the bay, where a sloping rock and a railing (as of 2023) provide easy access.
Yes, parking is available near Waub's Bay. Arrive early during peak seasons as spaces can fill up quickly.
Diving at Waub's Bay 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 Waub's Bay in East Coast. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C.
Waub's Bay in East Coast typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Waub's Bay in East Coast typically ranges from 5 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.