Governor's Island in Bicheno offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reefs, walls, pinnacles, canyons, and kelp forests. Depths range from 5 to 38 metres, with visibility typically between 15 and 35 metres. The site is strictly for advanced divers due to strong currents, significant surge, and deep water. Access is by boat only, and Waubs Gulch must be avoided due to heavy boat traffic. Water temperatures remain cool, ranging from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius, making a drysuit advisable. Species recorded around this area include weedy seadragons, pot-bellied seahorses, draughtboard sharks, and various wrasses, alongside invertebrates like sea whips and sea fans.

Diamond Island near Bicheno offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reef structures and kelp forests. The site spans depths from 5 to 40 metres, allowing for both shallow snorkelling and deeper dives. Divers access the water from the shore, though conditions require caution due to moderate currents, potential rip currents, and the risk of kelp entanglement. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 40 metres. Given the water temperatures of 13 to 18 degrees Celsius, a minimum 5mm wetsuit is recommended. Beginners should remain in the shallower sections of the reef. Always check local conditions and plan entries around the tide to manage current strength.

Bicheno Bay offers a diverse underwater environment ranging from shallow reefs at 4 metres to depths of 38 metres. The site features a mix of reef, cave, and artificial reef topography. Divers should be prepared for moderate to strong currents and swells, particularly in the channel between the mainland and Governor Island. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 metres. Given the water temperatures of 13 to 18C, a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. Due to frequent boat traffic and surge, a surface marker buoy is essential. This site is suited for intermediate divers, and shore or boat entries are available.

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.

Apsley Waterhole is a peaceful section of the Apsley River near Bicheno, offering a freshwater experience in calm, shallow waters. Located 1200 metres from the shore, this site is accessible via a shore entry. The water is consistently cold throughout the year, requiring a wetsuit even during summer months. Conditions are generally mild, though river flow can increase significantly following rainfall. The site is suitable for beginners, though visibility fluctuates based on seasonal weather and recent precipitation. Basic facilities, including parking and toilets, are available for visitors. The associated Apsley Gorge walk should only be attempted during dry weather when river levels remain low.

Friendly Beaches in Bicheno offers shore-accessible diving and snorkelling across a reef and kelp forest environment. The site is characterised by sponge gardens and is exposed to the open ocean, resulting in variable visibility and significant surf. Divers and snorkellers must navigate moderate currents and potential rip currents at the entry point. Water temperatures range from 13C to 19C, necessitating a thick, full-length wetsuit year-round to manage the cold. Due to the exposed nature of the coastline and potential for strong surge, this site is best suited for intermediate skill levels. Facilities at the location include parking and toilets.

Picnic Island is a reef site located 800 metres off the Tasman Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, this site offers depths ranging from 6 to 24 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility fluctuates between 5 and 12 metres. The water temperature remains cold throughout the year, ranging from 13C to 19C, making a wetsuit necessary for all divers and snorkellers. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Due to the presence of tour boats in the area, all water users should remain vigilant and keep surface markers or snorkel flags visible at all times.

Wineglass Bay on the Tasman Peninsula is a shore-entry reef site suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 1 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. Visibility is variable, ranging from 12 to 40 metres. The site is characterised by cold water temperatures between 13C and 19C, necessitating a thick wetsuit of at least 5mm year-round. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets. Conditions can change, so local checks are recommended before entry. The site is accessible for night diving, with typical dive times around 60 minutes.