Boat diving in Sydney – reef and shark dive

Boat Diving in Sydney – FAQs for Certified Divers

Q: What are the best boat dive sites in Sydney?

Top boat diving sites in Sydney include Magic Point (home to wobbegong sharks), The Apartments, Shark Point, Long Reef, and Cape Banks. Each offers unique visibility, topography, and marine life.

Q: What’s the difference between boat diving and shore diving in Sydney?

Boat dives reach deeper, remote sites with better visibility. Shore dives are more budget-friendly and great for macro life. Abyss offers free guided shore dives weekly.

Q: How much does a boat dive in Sydney cost with Abyss?

Prices start from $120 and include tanks, weights, supervision, and briefings. Gear rental is extra.

Q: Do I need a certification to go on a boat dive in Sydney?

Yes, at least Open Water certification is required. Some sites need Advanced Open Water.

Q: What should I bring for a boat dive in Sydney?

Bring wetsuit, fins, snorkel, gloves (seasonal), computer, safety sausage, towel, water, and your certification card.

Q: What marine life can I expect to see on a Sydney boat dive?

Expect to see weedy sea dragons, wobbegongs, cuttlefish, blue gropers, Port Jackson sharks, rays, and pelagic fish.

Q: Is boat diving suitable for beginners in Sydney?

Yes, many boat dives suit beginners. Abyss matches you with suitable sites and buddy groups.

Q: How long does a typical boat dive trip last in Sydney?

Trips last 2–4 hours including travel and surface time. Most are in the morning and return by early afternoon.

Q: What type of boats does Abyss Scuba Diving use for dive trips?

Abyss uses custom dive boats with tank racks, ladders, shade, and safety equipment.

Q: Are guided boat dives available in Sydney?

Yes, all Abyss boat dives are guided by a Divemaster or Instructor, with full briefings and support.

Planning a boat dive in Sydney? Get your questions answered.

This guide answers the most common questions about boat diving in Sydney — from what to expect onboard to choosing the best dive sites and understanding how Abyss Scuba Diving delivers safe, exciting, and professionally guided boat dives for certified divers of all levels.

What are the best boat dive sites in Sydney?

Top boat diving sites in Sydney include Magic Point (home to wobbegong sharks), The Apartments (deep reef structure), Shark Point (advanced drift site), Long Reef, and Cape Banks. Each offers a unique experience with great visibility, topography, and marine life encounters. Check our Sydney Dive Calendar for upcoming boat dives.

What’s the difference between boat diving and shore diving in Sydney?

Boat dives give access to deeper and more remote dive sites, with easier gear handling and often better visibility. They’re ideal for seeing sharks, rays, and deeper reef systems. Shore dives are more budget-friendly, perfect for macro life, and offer easy access at dive spots like Bare Island. Abyss offers free guided shore dives every weekend — just pay for rental gear if needed.

How much does a boat dive in Sydney cost with Abyss?

Abyss Scuba Diving offers boat dives starting from $120. Prices vary depending on the dive site, number of dives, and rental gear needed. All dives include tanks, weights, divemaster supervision, and marine life briefings. Check current boat dive prices here.

Do I need a certification to go on a boat dive in Sydney?

Yes — all boat dives require at least an Open Water certification. Some sites may require Advanced Open Water certification due to depth or drift conditions. Bring your physical or digital certification card. Not certified yet? Start here.

What should I bring for a boat dive in Sydney?

You’ll need your full scuba kit including: wetsuit (5mm or 7mm recommended), mask, snorkel, fins (open-heel with booties), gloves, dive computer, and a safety sausage. Don’t forget water, a towel, warm clothes, and your certification card. Rental gear is available at Abyss if you need it.

What marine life can I expect to see on a Sydney boat dive?

Sydney’s boat dives reveal stunning marine life including weedy sea dragons, wobbegong sharks, giant cuttlefish, blue gropers, Port Jackson sharks, eagle rays, and schools of pelagic fish. Sites like Magic Point are shark hotspots!

Is boat diving suitable for beginners in Sydney?

Yes — many boat dives are beginner-friendly, especially those with calm surface conditions and easy entries. Abyss staff will match divers to suitable sites and buddy groups. If unsure, try a guided shore dive first or contact us for a recommendation.

How long does a typical boat dive trip last in Sydney?

Most boat dive trips last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of dives (typically one or two), travel time to the site, and surface intervals. Abyss trips usually depart in the morning, with return by early afternoon.

What type of boats does Abyss Scuba Diving use for dive trips?

Abyss operates custom-built dive vessels equipped with tank racks, safety gear, entry ladders, and shaded areas. The boats are optimized for diver comfort and safety and are skippered by experienced, dive-trained crew familiar with Sydney's coastal sites.

Are guided boat dives available in Sydney?

Yes — every Abyss boat dive is guided by a certified Divemaster or Instructor. You’ll receive a dive briefing, site orientation, and in-water support throughout the dive. Guided dives ensure safety, better marine life encounters, and more enjoyment.