Meet Jess Hill – PADI Instructor & Marine Biologist in Sydney

Jess Hill is a passionate PADI Instructor and marine biologist at Abyss Scuba Diving in Sydney. Combining a scientific background with a love of the ocean, Jess brings an educational and conservation-focused approach to every dive she leads across Sydney’s iconic coastal sites.

Experience and Qualifications

Originally from the UK and now calling Sydney home, Jess began diving during a backpacking trip to Australia in 2019 and has been exploring the underwater world ever since. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bangor University (Wales) in 2023, she joined Abyss Scuba Diving as a PADI Divemaster Intern to gain hands-on experience in dive leadership and marine research.

Jess is now a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (2024) with specialties in Peak Performance Buoyancy, Project AWARE, Emergency First Response, and Coral Reef Conservation. She is also working toward her Master Scuba Diver Trainer rating and scientific diver certification, expanding her ability to teach and guide dives that inspire ocean awareness.

Favourite Sydney Dive Sites

Jess’s favourite dive sites include The Steps at Kurnell—famous for its weedy sea dragons—and Oak Park in Cronulla, where she often leads marine-life identification dives. She loves introducing new divers to the diverse ecosystems of Sydney’s shore and boat dives, from playful blue gropers to hidden nudibranchs and soft coral gardens.

Teaching Philosophy

Jess believes that “every dive should teach you something new—about the ocean, your buoyancy, or yourself.” Her calm, methodical approach helps new divers build confidence while understanding the delicate balance of marine environments. Whether guiding a Learn to Dive course or a marine life specialty, she ensures every student leaves the water with a deeper appreciation of the ocean and their role in protecting it.

Beyond the Dive

When she’s not underwater, Jess is often cataloguing marine species, contributing to citizen science projects, or developing educational content about sustainable diving practices. Her goal is to bridge the gap between marine biology and recreational diving, empowering others to become ambassadors for the sea.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone take their first breath underwater and realize how incredible our oceans truly are.” – Jess Hill