Dive Site: Amity Point

About Amity Point

Amity Point is a popular shore diving destination located at the northwestern tip of North Stradbroke Island, within the protected waters of Moreton Bay. This unique positioning shields the site from significant ocean swell, making it diveable even when exposed outer reef sites are not. The topography features a sandy bottom extending from approximately 5 meters to 15 meters, interspersed with rocky reefs, the pylons of the Amity jetty, and several artificial reefs created from car bodies and tractor tires. These structures provide habitat for a dense array of fish life and act as focal points for exploration. Marine life is surprisingly abundant for an inshore bay site, with resident wobbegong sharks, brown-banded bamboo sharks, diverse nudibranchs, and schooling fish commonly sighted. Seasonal visitors include leopard sharks from November to April, occasional manta rays, bull sharks, and bottlenose dolphins. Optimal diving conditions, particularly the best visibility and minimal current, occur around high tide, approximately half an hour before its peak. Divers should remain aware of potential boat traffic and fishing lines, ensuring proper safety protocols such as deploying a dive flag and carrying an SMB.

Dive site facts: Amity Point

Depth

5–15 m

Current

Variable, tide-dependent

Visibility

3–10 m

Water temperature

19–27°C

Entry

Shore

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Macro, reef, artificial structures

Night dive

Possible, recommended

Region / port

Queensland, North Stradbroke Island

Coordinates

-27.398, 153.437

Conditions & Currents

Current strength at Amity Point is variable, making careful timing essential for a pleasant dive. To experience optimal conditions with minimal current and best visibility, divers should plan their entry approximately half an hour before high tide. The site is sheltered from ocean swell due to its location within Moreton Bay, allowing for diving even when offshore sites are affected by rougher conditions. Divers must remain vigilant for boat traffic, especially given the shore entry, and are advised to deploy a dive flag, carry an SMB, and have a surface watch. The presence of fishing lines also requires caution during the dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nudibranch

common

Wobbegong

common

Stonefish

common

Schooling Fish

common

Dolphin

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Cuttlefish

common

Octopus

common

Brown-banded bamboo shark

common

Eagle ray

common

Bull ray

common

Stingray

common

Leopard shark

November to April · occasional

Manta ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Accessing Amity Point involves a shallow shore entry, ideal for a relaxed start. The dive route typically follows the sandy bottom, which gradually slopes from 5 to 15 meters. Divers explore the rocky reef formations, the supporting pylons of the Amity jetty, and various artificial reef structures comprising sunk cars and tractor tires. These structures are rich in marine life and are the primary focus. Progression is generally multi-directional, allowing for ample time to observe macro life and resident sharks. The dive is best conducted around high tide for optimal visibility and minimal current, making navigation straightforward. The shallow profile allows for extended bottom time, with the safety stop conducted anywhere along the return, typically in the shallower zones before exiting at the shore entry point.

Underwater photography

Amity Point is an excellent site for macro photography, particularly due to the abundance of nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, and small crustaceans hiding in the rocky reefs and artificial structures. A macro lens is highly recommended to capture the intricate details of these subjects. For capturing resident wobbegongs and schooling fish, a wide-angle lens can also be effective. Utilize external strobes or video lights to bring out the vibrant colors in the shallower depths and under ledges. Given the variable visibility, especially away from high tide, focusing on closer subjects will yield better results. Practice good buoyancy control to avoid stirring up the sandy bottom and maintaining clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

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  The C-53 Felipe Xicotencatl, known as "The Wreck" in Cozumel, Mexico, is a prominent artificial reef and a key dive site in the Caribbean.

• Flat Rock - Turtle Cave

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• Flat Rock - Shark Alley

  Sharks Alley, located off the coast of Grand Bahama, is a premier destination for shark diving, providing exhilarating encounters with…

• Shag Rock - Swim Through

  Turtle Rocks is a renowned shallow reef dive site in Bimini, Bahamas, characterized by three distinct rocky formations.

• Blue Corner

  Blue Corner, located off the southwest reefs of Palau's Ngemelis Island, stands as one of the world's premier dive destinations, frequently…

• Boat Rock

  Boat Rock is a prominent, exposed pinnacle situated off the northern end of North Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah, in…

Getting there & logistics

Amity Point is located on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), accessible from Brisbane, Australia. Travelers typically fly into Brisbane (BNE) and then take a vehicle ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. From Dunwich, it's approximately a 15-minute drive to Amity Point. This site is primarily a shore dive and is often explored as part of day trips or during stays on North Stradbroke Island, allowing divers to combine it with other local attractions. There are no specific permits mentioned for diving here, but local dive operators like Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre cater to divers in the area. Trip durations are flexible, ranging from single-day excursions to multi-day dive holidays.

Safety & environment

While Amity Point is considered beginner-friendly due to its shallow depths, specific hazards require diver awareness. Boat traffic in the area necessitates the deployment of a dive flag and carrying an SMB, with a surface watch highly recommended. Divers should also be cautious of fishing lines, which can be present in the water. A significant population of stonefish camouflaged on the reef and rubble poses a potential hazard due to their venomous spines, requiring careful buoyancy and awareness of surroundings. Always ensure your dive insurance covers potential dive-related incidents. The nearest recompression chamber and medical facilities would be located in mainland Brisbane, requiring evacuation from the island in an emergency.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Amity Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Amity Point

These liveaboards may visit Amity Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$406/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day