Dive Site: Bare Island Left
(Eastern) Side

General description
Bare Island offers some great diving and there are a variety of different dives you can do around Bare Island. The left hand side (eastern side) is just one of these dives. Usually visibility is better on this side of the island as it is closer to the open ocean. Navigation on this side of the island is pretty easy, as the reef runs basically north south. Following the main reef on the way out you swim in a southerly direction on the way back in a northerly direction. There are a few little overhangs, so a torch is a good idea. See map for more information on directions.

The left side is usually diveable unless a big southerly (south easterly) swell is running. Bare Island is a good dive site due to its felxibilty - if one side of the Island is too rough then the other side is usually diveable. The dives here are also great night dives.

Entry and exit
After gearing up walk down the pathway that leads to the island's bridge (that same bridge Tom Cruise rides his motorcycle over in MI2). The most popular entry point is on the mainland side. Just before the start of the bridge is a pathway that leads off to the left, it’s a rocky path and you must be careful when walking along here. At one stage you have to climb down the rocks, so again be careful. The actual entry point is a squarish cutout in the rocks (see photo). Depending on conditions you can really enter anywhere around this area. Some people prefer to enter on the island side (walk over the bridge) but on our club dives and with students we usually enter on the mainland side.

Exiting is easiest in this square cutout area mentioned above. The main thing to be careful of is that there are a few sea urchins here so watch where you put your hands. If conditions are rough you can swim under the bridge and get out on the other side. Depending on the conditions you can get out in numerous places all around the island and the main land.

Things you can see.
Commonly seen

Things to be careful of.
The main thing to be careful of at this dive site is the entry and exit points if the swell is large. Also be careful of the walk down the rocky path and when climbing down the small rocky ledge.

Usually currents are not strong under the water but occasionally strong currents run under the bridge. So be aware when on the surface.

Getting there
Bare Island is located at the end of Anzac Parade at La Perouse. Park as close to the walkway to the Island as possible. In summer it is sometimes hard to get a parking spot, so it’s recommended that you get there early.