Swim with Sharks in Sydney

Swim with Sharks in Sydney

Sydney offers some of Australia’s most spectacular shark diving experiences, from close encounters with gentle grey nurse sharks at world-renowned dive sites like Magic Point to controlled aquarium adventures at SEA LIFE Sydney. Whether you’re a certified scuba diver seeking wild ocean encounters or a beginner wanting your first underwater experience, Sydney’s diverse shark diving options cater to every skill level and comfort zone.

Why Sydney is Australia’s Premier Shark Diving Destination

Shark diving at Bushrangers Bay offers a unique and thrilling experience that stands apart from other shark dives in Sydney. Unlike the Shark Dive Xtreme at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, which takes place in a controlled tank environment behind glass, Bushrangers Bay lets you dive in the open ocean—no cages, no glass, just you and real wild sharks in their natural habitat. This uncaged, unfiltered encounter provides an authentic connection with grey nurse sharks and other amazing sea creatures, making it the ultimate adventure for shark lovers.

One of the biggest advantages of Bushrangers Bay is its accessibility for new divers. Unlike Magic Point and the nearby Apartments dive sites, which are located at deeper depths unsuitable for non-certified divers, Bushrangers Bay offers shallower waters that are perfect for beginners. Additionally, because the dive is shore-based, there’s no need for a boat ride. This is a huge benefit for those prone to seasickness or who prefer to avoid the logistics and motion of boat travel. You can simply walk into the water from the shore and begin your dive, making the experience more relaxed and comfortable.

While Magic Point is renowned for its excellent dive sites and abundant marine life, its depth and the necessity of boat access can be challenging for inexperienced divers. In contrast, Bushrangers Bay provides a safer and more approachable environment without compromising on the thrill of swimming alongside grey nurse sharks and other fascinating marine creatures. Whether you’re a certified diver or trying scuba for the first time, Bushrangers Bay is the perfect spot to take the plunge and enjoy an exhilarating, close encounter with Sydney’s wild sharks.

Why Dive with Grey Nurse Sharks at Bushrangers Bay?

  • Uncaged. Unfiltered. Unforgettable. This is Sydney’s only wild shark dive—no barriers, just open ocean, with multiple dives including both surface and underwater dives for all levels of thrill-seekers.

  • Beginners welcome. Never dived before? You’ll get full scuba training with a certified PADI professional. This experience is suitable for both certified and uncertified divers—no prior certification required.

  • Already certified? You’ll complete the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Dive at no extra cost.

  • Incredible marine life. Encounter Grey Nurse Sharks, rays, blue gropers, schools of pike, and colourful reef fish in their natural habitat.

  • Everything’s included. Wetsuit, dive gear, expert guides, and free digital photos—just bring swimmers and a towel.

  • Just 90 minutes from Sydney. Easy transport options available from Ramsgate or Shellharbour.

  • Boat ride included. The trip features a boat ride to the dive site, making the boat an essential part of your shark diving adventure and providing safe access to prime shark habitats.

  • Swimming ability required. A reasonable level of swimming ability is necessary for your safety and comfort during the dives.

  • Physically demanding activity. Shark diving can be physically demanding, so participants should be prepared for the physical effort involved.

Real Ocean Dive vs Aquarium Shark Dive

Here’s why swimming with sharks in the wild beats any aquarium experience:

Wild shark dives in Sydney allow encounters with a variety of species of sharks, as well as other marine creatures like giant stingrays and dolphins. At some dive sites, divers may also see other animals such as reef fish and rays alongside sharks. At Magic Point, divers are advised to remain still on rock walls to avoid disturbing the grey nurse sharks. Both certified and uncertified divers have scuba dived at these sites, making the experience accessible to a wide range of participants. While Sydney shark dives offer close encounters with diverse marine life, Port Lincoln is known for great white shark cage diving, providing a unique thrill for those seeking to see great whites in their natural habitat.

Feature

Wild Shark Swim

Aquarium Dive

Environment

Open ocean marine reserve

Glass-walled tank

Wildlife

Grey nurse sharks, rays, reef fish, giant stingrays, dolphins, other animals, multiple species of sharks

Captive species

Time in water

Up to 90 minutes underwater

Around 30 minutes in a tank

Extras

Free photos & Shark Conservation certification

Photos ~$100 extra

Thrill factor

Raw, immersive, unforgettable

Staged, behind glass

Booking Information

Our Swim with Sharks in Sydney experience runs on select dates and spots fill fast. This is a small-group dive with limited availability — early booking is essential.

Click below to view upcoming dive dates, prices, and to reserve your place in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

If you are booking for another person, please ensure they are aware of all medical requirements and any necessary preparations.

Go to Booking Page

Gift Voucher Options: Share the Adventure

Looking for an unforgettable gift? Give the gift of adventure with a Shark Dive Gift Certificate from Abyss Scuba Diving! Perfect for thrill-seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone ready to experience something extraordinary, this gift lets them dive with sharks in a safe, controlled environment. No prior diving experience is needed—everything is included, from a full safety briefing to all necessary scuba gear. Abyss Scuba Diving ensures every participant is guided by experienced divers, making it an incredible way to encounter grey nurse sharks and other fascinating marine life. Purchase your Shark Dive Gift Certificate online and give someone special the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to swim with sharks in Sydney? Yes. Grey Nurse Sharks are non-aggressive and protected in this marine reserve. While shark diving can be dangerous if proper safety protocols are not followed, all necessary precautions are taken to ensure participant safety. You’ll be guided the entire time by experienced PADI professionals.

  • Do I need any diving experience? Not at all. If you’ve never dived before, you’ll do a PADI Discover Scuba Dive — full training, shallow depth, and constant supervision.

  • What’s included in the shark dive? Your booking includes dive training, all scuba equipment, wetsuit hire, professional guides, a guided dive with sharks, and free digital photos.

  • Where is the dive located? The dive takes place at Bushrangers Bay near Shellharbour, just 90 minutes south of Sydney. Transport options are available for an extra $40.

  • Can this count toward my Open Water certification? Yes. If you complete your full PADI Open Water Course within 30 days, this dive can count as Dive 1 toward your certification.

Ready to Swim with Sharks?

Don’t just walk past sharks behind glass—dive into the wild and experience a real shark encounter in the open ocean. It’s safe, beginner-friendly, and one of the most unforgettable things to do in Sydney.

Perfect for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and anyone ready to tick a true bucket-list experience off their list.

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