Dive Site: Jervis Bay

About Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay, located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, is recognized as one of the state's most rewarding diving locations. This large bay covers over 126 square kilometres and features an incredibly untouched coastline, with its southern headland forming part of Booderee National Park. The area is a designated marine reserve, offering a unique blend of tropical and temperate marine environments due to the convergence of the warm East Australian Current and cooler southern waters. Divers can explore more than 30 sites within the bay and along the coast from Currarong to Wreck Bay, an area stretching over 25 kilometres. This extensive range of sites includes everything from towering cliffs dropping into the water to unique underwater topographies supporting rich ecosystems. The region's diverse environment allows for a wide array of marine encounters. The dynamic interaction of currents offshore, combined with deep water at the continental shelf's edge, creates a habitat for a vast array of species. You can encounter tropical reef fish alongside temperate sponge gardens, various shark species, and delicate seahorses, often within the same day's diving. This rich biodiversity makes every dive a unique experience. The practical diving experience in Jervis Bay caters to various certification levels, from calmer sites suitable for less experienced divers to more challenging dives for advanced enthusiasts. The sheer number of available sites ensures that even with frequent diving, you can always discover something new, making it a comprehensive destination for any diver.

Dive site facts: Jervis Bay

Depth

4-24 m (site dependent)

Current

Mild to strong, influenced by East Australian Current

Water temperature

14-26°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All certification levels

Dive type

Reef, wreck, cave, shark

Region / port

South Coast, New South Wales

Coordinates

35.0692° S, 150.7173° E

Conditions & Currents

The waters around Jervis Bay are significantly influenced by the East Australian Current (EAC), which brings warm tropical waters from the north and mixes with cooler currents from the south. This confluence of currents contributes to the rich biodiversity and can result in varying current conditions. While many sites within the bay itself may offer calmer conditions, sites closer to the continental shelf or exposed headlands can experience stronger currents. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving scenarios, particularly at sites outside the immediate shelter of the bay, making experience with currents beneficial. Visibility can fluctuate, influenced by weather patterns and plankton blooms associated with the currents, but generally remains good. Water temperatures vary significantly seasonally, from warmer summer highs to cooler winter lows.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey nurse shark

occasional

Cuttlefish

common

Rays

common

Gropers

common

Tropical reef fish

December-April · common

Temperate fish

common

Sponge gardens

common

Seahorses

occasional

Port Jackson shark

occasional

Weedy seadragon

occasional

Wobbegong

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Jervis Bay offers a diverse range of dive profiles across its numerous sites, typically accessed by boat. Entry usually involves a backward roll or giant stride from the dive boat directly onto the site. Depths can vary widely, from shallower areas around 4 meters to deeper zones reaching 24 meters or more, depending on the chosen site, such as the TSS Merimbula wreck found between 4 and 13 meters. Divers typically explore reef systems, sponge gardens, or specific wreck features. Routes are often guided by the topography, following reef lines or exploring around pinnacles. The presence of the East Australian Current means that drift diving is common at some sites, requiring divers to be proficient in current management. Safety stops are generally conducted at 5 meters for 3 minutes, with surface intervals on the boat between dives.

Underwater photography

Jervis Bay offers varied photographic opportunities, from wide-angle reefscapes to macro subjects, depending on the chosen dive site. For broad scenes, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the extensive sponge gardens and large schools of fish often found here, especially given the good visibility. Macro photographers will delight in searching for unique temperate species like seahorses and weedy sea dragons; a dedicated macro lens will be essential. Pay close attention to buoyancy, as many areas feature delicate sponge and coral formations. If currents are present, maintaining stable positions for shots can be challenging; consider a solid focus light to assist with finding subjects. Respect marine life by observing from a distance and avoid touching the environment for both your safety and the ecosystem's health.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bateman's Bay

  Bateman's Bay is a scenic diving area located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

• Broughton Island

  Broughton Island is an offshore island reef located approximately 25 kilometers north of Port Stephens, making it a signature diving…

• Fly Point

  Fly Point is a celebrated shore dive site situated in Nelson Bay, part of the extensive Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park in New South…

• The Steps

  The Steps is a celebrated shore dive site nestled within the Kamay Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell, on the southern side of Botany Bay…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Jervis Bay primarily involves travelling to the South Coast of New South Wales. While not explicitly stated, Sydney Airport serves as a major international gateway for southern and central NSW regions, from which onward travel would be arranged. Dive operations in Jervis Bay typically depart from local towns surrounding the bay. Given the extensive number of dive sites, day trips are common, and liveaboard options specifically for Jervis Bay are less prominent than in tropical regions, with divers often staying in local accommodation. Many dive operators will arrange boat trips to the various sites within the bay and along the adjacent coastline. There is a marine reserve status, but no specific dive fees are mentioned beyond standard operator costs.

Safety & environment

Diving in Jervis Bay is generally safe for properly certified divers, but awareness of local conditions is crucial. The waters can experience varying currents due to the East Australian Current, requiring divers to be mindful of drift and plan accordingly. Water temperatures can range significantly throughout the year, from warmer summer highs up to 26°C to cooler winter lows around 14°C, necessitating appropriate exposure protection. While no specific recompression chamber location for Jervis Bay is provided, the nearest major medical facilities and chambers would be in larger cities such as Sydney, which implies that evacuation may be required for serious dive emergencies. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Adherence to dive operator briefings and maintaining good buoyancy control are essential to prevent incidents and protect the marine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Jervis Bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Jervis Bay

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

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$408/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day