Today's Sydney Dive Conditions – Updated Daily

Updated Daily by Local Dive Experts

Welcome to Sydney's most reliable and up-to-date dive conditions page. Every morning, our team checks the tides, visibility, water temperature, swell, and weather to recommend the best local dive sites for the day.

Whether you're planning a weekend dive, checking if today’s conditions are safe, or just dreaming about your next underwater adventure, this is your go-to source. Bookmark this page and check back daily for the latest updates.

Dive Conditions – 30 April 2025

Sydney’s current diving conditions are poor today, with challenging surface weather and limited underwater visibility. Strong south-westerly winds and a rising swell make it a day best suited for very protected locations like Camp Cove. For most divers, it might be worth considering other plans.

Conditions at a Glance:

  • Weather: Cloudy, with a high chance of showers from late this morning. Thunderstorms are possible along the coastal fringe early on. Winds south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h, with swell rising to 2m S throughout the day.
  • Air Temperature: Max 21°C
  • Water Temperature: 21°C
  • Visibility: 3-5 metres
  • Swell: 1.6m height, S direction, 7.4-second period.
  • High Tide: at 10:16 am (1.48m).
  • Recommended Sites:  Only highly sheltered locations like Camp Cove.

Detailed Report

Surface conditions are creating significant challenges for divers today. With wind speeds of 25-35 km/h shifting south to southwesterly, the exposed coastline is taking the brunt of adverse conditions. Frequent showers and the potential for thunderstorms early in the morning add another layer of difficulty. The swell, building toward 2m later in the day, further complicates any plans for shore or boat dives. Many operators have likely cancelled their outings, making today a better day for land-based activities.

Underwater, the picture isn’t much better. Visibility is limited to between 3-5 metres, and the water has a noticeable greenish hue, which reduces clarity further. The strong southern swell, paired with a short period of 7.4 seconds, destabilizes the underwater environment and increases surge at most exposed sites. However, Camp Cove, thanks to its natural protection, offers a calmer alternative. The sheltered aspect keeps the site more manageable, making it one of the few viable spots for a shore entry today.

If you do decide to hit the water, take extra caution in choosing entry and exit points to avoid areas impacted by heavy swell. Camp Cove, with its sheltered location, is a solid choice for those looking to make the most of what the conditions allow. That said, this might also be the kind of day to stay dry and plan your next adventure when conditions improve. Stay safe, keep warm, and happy planning!

 Latest Dive Report – As Seen Underwater Within the Past 24 Hours

Thanks to our divers at The Steps for today's footage! Thinking about heading out? Book a dive here or start your journey.

Note: As always, it’s important to check out the particular site before committing to it. While we strive to provide the most accurate information, diving conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest updates before you head out.

When choosing your dive site to get the best conditions, we make the following recommendations:

How Conditions Affect Dive Sites

Lilli Pilli – Best on an incoming tide

Well-protected against all swell. Exposed to strong Westerly winds.

View site details →

Ship Rock – Best 15 minutes before high tide

Not exposed to any swell. Best on a high slack tide.

View site details →

Bass & Flinders – Best on an incoming tide

Good except for a NE swell greater than 1.4m.

View site details →

Oak Park – Best on low tide

Should not be dived if SE to N swell is greater than 0.7m.

View site details →

VooDoo – Best on high tide

Best with SW to NW swells. All other swells must be under 0.5m.

View site details →

Cape Solander – Tide has no effect

Best with SW to NW swells. Other swells must be below 0.7m.

View site details →

The Leap – Best near high tide

Should not be dived if E to S swell is greater than 1m. Best on an incoming tide.

View site details →

The Steps – Swell-sensitive

Protected, but exposed to E to ESE swells greater than 1m.

View site details →

Sutherland Point – Best on an incoming tide

Well protected. Only exposed to ESE swell greater than 1.8m.

View site details →

Bare Island – Best with N swell and incoming tide

Should not be dived if S swell is greater than 1.2m.

View site details →

Shelly Beach – Sheltered and beginner-friendly

Should not be dived if swell is greater than 0.8m. Protected from all but westerly swell.

View site details →

Understanding Water Visibility in Sydney

Waves icon What affects water visibility in Sydney?

Water visibility is influenced by tides, swell direction, weather, and even seasonal algae blooms. After rain or storms, visibility tends to drop due to sediment stirred up in the water.

Waves icon How do tides impact visibility?

Slack high tide often provides the best visibility, as water movement slows and particles settle. Many Sydney sites are clearest just before high tide.

Waves icon What’s the typical visibility range?

Visibility usually ranges from 5m to 10m but can exceed 20m in winter or drop below 2m after heavy rain. July to October offers the clearest conditions.

Waves icon Where are the best spots for good vis?

Sites like Shelly Beach, Bare Island (east side), and Ship Rock are known for consistent visibility—especially during high tide with minimal swell.

Sydney Water Temperatures by Month

Diving in Sydney is great all year, with mild seasonal changes that affect both water temperature and visibility. Whether you prefer warmer dives or crystal-clear winter water, there's always a great dive site to suit the season.

  • Water Temperature: Ranges from 15°C (winter) to 25°C (summer)
  • Visibility: Typically 5–10m, up to 20m from July to October
  • Best Clarity: Winter (July–October), when seas are calm and algae is low

Here’s how Sydney’s sea temperatures shift throughout the year:

Sydney Water Temperatures Chart

Month Min °C Max °C
January 21.5 25.1
February 22.1 25.3
March 21.6 25.3
April 20.8 24.6
May 18.8 22.6
June 17.5 21.1
July 17.3 20.9
August 17.4 20.2
September 17.2 19.9
October 17.5 20.9
November 19.1 22.1
December 19.5 24.3

What to Expect: Sydney offers a diverse diving experience year-round. In summer (Dec–Mar), enjoy warmer waters and active marine life, ideal for newer divers. Autumn and spring bring steady conditions and great critter sightings. Winter (Jul–Oct) delivers the clearest visibility, making it perfect for photography, deep dives, and encounters with weedy sea dragons. With the right gear, every season is dive season in Sydney!

Diving in Sydney: Your Questions Answered

When is the best time to dive in Sydney?

Sydney is great for diving year-round. For the calmest seas and clearest visibility, July to October is ideal. Water is warmer from October to May, making it popular for beginners.

Is Sydney good for beginner divers?

Absolutely! Sites like Shelly Beach and Bare Island offer easy shore entries, shallow depths, and protected conditions — perfect for new divers.

How’s the visibility for diving in Sydney?

Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, with the clearest conditions from July to October. After heavy rain, it can drop to 1–2 metres.

What’s the average water temperature for diving in Sydney?

Expect temperatures from around 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer.

Are there strong currents at Sydney’s dive sites?

Most popular sites around Sydney have mild currents, suitable for divers of all levels. Tidal flow can affect some locations, so timing matters.

fish What marine life can I see while diving in Sydney?

You may spot weedy sea dragons, wobbegong sharks, blue groupers, cuttlefish, octopus, and even seals or dolphins.

Should I wear a wetsuit when diving in Sydney?

Yes. Most divers use a 5–7mm wetsuit year-round. In summer, a 3–5mm suit or shorty is okay for shallow dives, but conditions can vary.

How can I check diving conditions before heading out?

Check this page daily for updated reports. You can also use apps like Seabreeze or WillyWeather for swell, tide, and wind forecasts. Or just call us!

Still have questions?
Contact Us or Ask Our Team

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