The eastern side of Bare Island generally boasts superior visibility and its shallower depths make it more suitable for beginner divers.
Experience Level
Open Water
Max Depth
21m
Warnings
Exposed to SE swell so exits can be rough
Conditions
Exposed to S swell greater than 1.2m. Best Diving N swell and incoming tide
Location
Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Anzac Parade, La Perouse
Dive
Start Date
Bare Island - Shore Dive
Saturday 16 Dec 2023
Start Date:
Sat 16 Dec 2023 at 09:00
Bare Island is arguably Sydney's most popular dive site and is suitable for all levels of divers. With a range of dive sites, it is set to impress no matter what the conditions.
Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.
Many divers and diving schools consider Bare Island to be the best dive site in Sydney. It is located at the end of Anzac Parade in La Perouse in the, which is also at Botany Bay's northernmost point. You should aim to park as close to the Islands walkway as you can; during summer, finding a parking spot can be difficult if you don't arrive early.
Bare Island Fort
Bare Island was part of the traditional lands of the Gweagal and Kameygal Aboriginal peoples. On January 31, 1770, Captain Cook gained his first view of the Bare Island region, which he referred to in his journal as "a small bare island."
In 1885, British members of society were concerned that Russia would attack. To allay their fears, they constructed Bare Island Fort to defend Botany Bay (then known as 'Sydney's back door'). Since then, Kamay Botany Bay National Park's Bare Island Fort has had a fascinating history. The location was memorialized in the movie Mission Impossible 2 as the Virus Factory, which is wonderfully forgettable. Take this guided tour to learn the spectacular history of Bare Island Fort, which is generally stored by NSW National Park Services.
Scuba Diving At Bare Island
Bare Island is a great place to dive, with something for everyone. The island's east side generally has better visibility and is more suitable for beginner divers. The west side of the island may not have as good visibility, but it makes up for it with an abundance of aquatic life. No matter which side you dive to, you're sure to have a great time!
Entering Points When Diving Bare Island
There are a few different ways to enter the water when diving around Bare Island. The more experienced can attempt to circumnavigate the entire island or enter on the far side of the island, walking around the outer wall of the Bare Island fort to explore the deeper waters of the southwestern side.
Beginners generally enter at the boat ramp on the island to the right of the wooden bridge.
The other popular entry point is on the La Perouse side. Just before the start of the wooden bridge is a pathway that leads off to the left, it's a rocky path, and you must be careful when walking along here.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to take caution and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you are familiar with the area before diving in, and always heed the advice of experienced divers.
The Bare Island Dives
Unless a big southeasterly (southerly) wave is running, the Eastern side of Bare Island is generally dived. Because Bare Island is so adaptable, it makes for an excellent diving location; if one side of the island is too dangerous, the opposite side will almost always be accessible. The night at Bare Island diving here is fantastic on the eastern side.
The island's eastern side is usually more visible since it is closer to the open ocean. On this side of the island, navigation isn't too difficult because the reef generally runs north-south. You swim in a southerly direction until you come to a few little overhangs, at which point you'll want a flashlight.
If you're looking to dive on the island's western side, you can hug the main reef. This rocky wall gradually turns around the island's western side and is home to hundreds of Port Jackson sharks in winter. Following it around will get you to depths of about 18 meters.
Bare Island Dive Site
The Marine Life of Botany Bay
Botany Bay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the Sea Dragon, Port Jackson Shark, Red Indian Fish and Blue Groper.
The Sea Dragon is a type of seahorse that can be found in the shallow waters of Botany Bay. These creatures are well-camouflaged and can be very difficult to spot. If you're lucky enough to see one, you'll be treated to a sight that is truly unique.
The Port Jackson Shark is a common inhabitant of the waters around Botany Bay. These sharks are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 1.5 meters.
The Red Indian fish can is at ease in the sponge gardens encircling Bare Island. It blends in well and is sometimes hard to detect in the sponge gardens, but it is easy to spot if you have been looking for it.
The Blue Groper is a type of fish that is found in the deeper waters of Botany Bay. These fish are very beautiful and can reach lengths of up to 1 meter. They are not considered to be dangerous to humans but should still be avoided if possible.
These are just a few of the many different types of marine life that can be found in Botany Bay. So, whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, there's sure to be something for you to see and enjoy!
The Best Time To Dive Bare Island
The best time to dive at La Perouse is when there is a north swell and incoming tide, as the ocean is flat and the visibility is clearer. The water is also clearer at this time because the runoff into Botany Bay minimized by the incoming tide. However, it can be dangerous to dive Bare Island when there is a southerly swell greater than 1.2m.
