Cottage by the Sea is a shallow reef located 100 metres offshore from Portsea. This site features depths between 6 and 10 metres, with an average of 8 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can expect visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Access is via a shore entry, though users should shuffle their feet in the shore break to avoid stingrays. Conditions include moderate currents and potential boat traffic, requiring the use of a surface marker buoy. Water temperatures fluctuate between 13C and 19C throughout the year. Parking is available at the site, and night diving is permitted.

Spectacular Reef in Sorrento is a wall and drop-off site located 1000 metres offshore within a major shipping channel. The topography features shallow sections at 6 to 9 metres, with the main reef dropping to depths between 15 and 33 metres. Due to strong tidal currents, this site must be dived at slack water and is suitable for advanced divers only. Visibility ranges from 3 to 20 metres. Divers should be aware of significant boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy during ascent. The reef structure is characterised by ledges and crevices that support soft corals and sponges.

The Grotto in Portsea is a reef, wall, and cave dive site ranging from 12 to 25 metres in depth. Due to its proximity to the Port Phillip Heads, the site is subject to strong tidal currents and must be dived at slack water. Divers encounter a variety of marine life, including very common Western Blue Devil, common Blue Throated Wrasse, wrasses, sea stars, and Old Wife. Uncommon species recorded here include Giant Cuttlefish, Fiddler Ray, Port Jackson Shark, Cat Shark, Butterfly Perch, Goatfish, Moonlighter, zoanthids, and soft corals. The site requires boat access and is suited for intermediate divers due to potential surge and current hazards.

Popes Eye is a partially submerged, circular stone structure located in Port Phillip Bay. Serving as an artificial reef, the site features depths ranging from 1 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. It is accessible only by boat and is suitable for beginners. While the interior of the annulus provides protection, strong tidal currents reaching 5 to 8 knots can occur outside the structure. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic on the surface. Visibility varies from 5 to 25 metres, and water temperatures fluctuate between 13C and 19C, necessitating a full exposure suit year-round.

The Rip is a challenging site located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay near Sorrento. This area features a mix of natural reef, wall, and artificial structures. While the Popes Eye structure provides sheltered conditions, the surrounding area is defined by strong tidal currents reaching 5 to 8 knots. Divers encounter Long-nosed Fur Seals, Blue Throated Wrasse, Butterfly Perch, Old Wife, and various sea stars. Other species include Stonefish, Shaw’s Cowfish, and Clown Doris. Depths range from 1 to 60 metres, with an average of 8 metres. Boat access is required, and conditions demand caution due to heavy boat traffic and rapid weather changes.

The Eliza Ramsden is an artificial reef wreck located 2000 metres offshore in the South Shipping Channel near Sorrento. Resting at depths between 14 and 22 metres, the site is suited for intermediate divers due to the requirement for precise timing. The wreck is subject to strong tidal currents, necessitating dives during slack water to ensure safety. Visibility ranges from 7 to 20 metres, with the clearest conditions typically occurring during the winter months. Divers must remain vigilant regarding heavy boat traffic in this active shipping channel. Access to the site is by boat only, with local charters and guided tours available for those planning a visit.

Flat Rock is a reef site located near Port Phillip Heads, offering depths between 12 and 25 metres. The topography features a mix of reef sections, caves, and overhangs, which require awareness of the overhead environment. Due to its proximity to the heads, the site is subject to moderate to strong tidal currents and surge; diving must be timed for slack water. Visibility is highly variable, ranging from 1 to 20 metres. Access is by boat only, and guided tours are available for those unfamiliar with the local conditions. The water temperature ranges from 13C to 18C, necessitating appropriate thermal protection.

Lonsdale Wall is a vertical reef and cave system located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The wall drops from 12 to 45 metres, with an average depth of 25 metres. Due to its position in a high-velocity tidal zone, this site is strictly for advanced divers and requires boat access. Dives must be timed precisely for slack water to manage strong currents, and the site is often dived as a drift. Divers should be prepared for deep diving conditions, potential decompression requirements, and active shipping traffic. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres, and water temperatures fluctuate between 13C and 18C throughout the year.