Dive Site: Shelly Beach Manly

General description
On the northern beaches, just south of world famous Manly beach, Shelley beach has parking (with fierce competition on weekends) just metres above and with all facilities (showers, toilets, BBQ and even an equipment donning platform) on location. An easy entry makes for an effortless dive that stretches over towards neighbouring dive site, Fairy Bower. Shelly Beach is home to a trio of dusky whaler sharks during the winter months.

Getting there
Follow Bower Road Manly, to the south until it ends at the car park atop Shelley Beach. From there walk down the steps to the park proper.

 

 

Entry and exit
Another effortless beach entry. Wade in to waist depth, inflate BC, lean back and don your fins

 

   The Dives
Shelly Beach can be well explored in a couple of dives. One dive can be spent swimming up the northern peninsula, south into the bay and then east back towards the beach as you try to track down the submerged motorcycle. Keep an eye out for weedy sea dragons amongst the kelp.

Dive two could be well spent as a slow swim alongside the promenade, towards fairy bower before heading north and back I to the beach through the bay. Swim through the maze of boulders and soar over the fields of sea grass.

 

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Things you can see.
Weedy sea dragons, Pot Jackson sharks, wobbegong sharks, blue grouper, nudibranchs and during winter dusky whaler sharks.

 

Things to be careful of. On the weekends, Shelley Beach can be inundated with diver-ignorant boat owners, especially during the summer months. Parking is relatively expensive in Manly, but avoiding a ticket will guarantee you a hefty fine.

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