Free Guided Shore Dives
Book Free DiveWhy Shore Dive in Sydney with Abyss
Enjoy the freedom of free shore dives, the assurance of expert guides and the camaraderie of Sydney’s best dive community. We welcome all certification levels – from your very first ocean dive to your hundredth adventure.
What’s So Great About Shore Diving in Sydney?
Sydney is one of the rare cities where world‑class diving lies just steps from the pavement. Dozens of easily accessible dive sites around our coastline mean you can drive up, suit up and jump into an underwater world full of kelp forests, rocky reefs, macro critters and even the odd shipwreck – no boat required. With no charter fees and minimal logistics, shore diving offers unbeatable flexibility, affordability and freedom to dive on your schedule.
Watch this short video showcasing many of the shore dives we explore in the Sutherland Shire, including Oak Park and other local favourites you can join on our guided dives.
Upcoming Guided Shore Dives
Check real‑time availability and book your free spot below – our dives fill quickly!
First Time Shore Diving?
If you’re newly certified or haven’t dived in a while, start with an easy site like Oak Park or the Weedy Seadragon Marine Marvels Dive. These sheltered reefs offer shallow depths of about 3–12 metres, simple navigation and plenty of marine life including blue gropers, cuttlefish and the iconic weedy seadragon. Our Divemasters will pair you with a buddy if you come alone and guide the entire dive, ensuring you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Feeling rusty? Consider a quick PADI ReActivate refresher to brush up on buoyancy and skills before joining our guided shore dives.
For Experienced & Specialty Divers
Ready for something more challenging? Our guides also run specialty shore dives to Sydney’s most thrilling sites, such as Voodoo, Cape Solander, The Leap and other advanced locations. These dives are for experienced and Advanced Open Water divers looking for deeper depths, sharks, canyons and stronger currents. Contact us to plan your next big adventure or check the Advanced filter below.
Prepare for Your Shore Dive
- Bring or rent essential gear, including mask, snorkel, open‑heel fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, gauges, tanks and weights.
- Most of our dives are double dives and require two tanks, although you can limit yourself to a single dive.
- Wear sturdy booties – many entries are across rocks.
- If you don't have a buddy, then the divemaster will team you up with one.
- If conditions make the dive unsafe, the divemaster will relocate the dive to a safe site.
Sydney’s Signature Shore Dive Sites
Sydney is home to some of the most diverse and accessible shore dives in Australia. Below is a quick overview of key sites we visit regularly. Conditions and marine life change daily, so our guides always choose the best location for the day’s tides, swell and visibility.
- Bare Island (La Perouse) – Sydney’s iconic shore dive with sponge gardens, overhangs, nudibranchs and regular weedy seadragon sightings.
- The Steps (Kurnell) – Famous for its kelp beds and seadragon alley. Beginner-friendly with abundant fish life and blue gropers.
- The Leap – A popular drift dive into The Steps. Scenic walls, sponges and schooling fish. Recommended for confident divers.
- Oak Park (Cronulla) – Gentle sloping reef, easy entry and plenty of marine life. One of Sydney’s easiest and most reliable shore dives.
- Sutherland Point (Kurnell) – Shallow kelp beds, boulders and a small “shark cave” are often home to Port Jackson sharks.
- Weedy Seadragon Marine Marvels Dive – A guided, marine‑life‑focused dive searching for Sydney’s iconic weedy seadragons in shallow kelp and sponge beds.
- Voodoo – Dramatic canyons and deeper terrain, offering encounters with bull rays, wobbegongs and the occasional grey nurse shark. For advanced divers.
- Cape Solander – Deep Kurnell walls, swim‑throughs and winter whale song. A spectacular advanced site on calm-swell days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification to shore dive? Open Water is the minimum for most sites. Advanced certification is required for deeper or more challenging shore dives such as The Leap, Voodoo and Cape Solander.
How much do shore dives cost? Our guided shore dives are free for certified divers. You only pay for air fills and rental gear if needed. Specialty events like the Weedy Seadragon Marine Marvels Dive may have a small fee.
Which sites are best for beginners? Oak Park, Bare Island, The Steps, Sutherland Point and the Weedy Seadragon Marine Marvels Dive are all beginner-friendly with shallow depths and easy navigation.
Are there sharks on shore dives? Yes. Some sites, such as Oak Park and Bushrangers Bay, feature harmless Port Jackson and wobbegong sharks, and occasionally grey nurse sharks. These species are gentle and safe to observe.
What gear is required? Standard scuba gear including wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer and weights. Booties and open heel fins are recommended. Rental gear is available if you do not have your own.
Can I join a guided dive if I do not have a buddy? Absolutely. Our guides will pair you up with another diver on the day and ensure everyone has a buddy.
Still have questions? Contact our friendly team, and we will help you choose the perfect shore dive.