Iconic offshore dive sites From Grey Nurse Sharks at Magic Point to deep wrecks and vibrant reefs, our boat takes you to Sydney’s best underwater adventures unreachable from shore.
Fast, stable boat — expert crew
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⭐ 4.9 ★ average from 2,400+ divers — Sydney’s most trusted dive centre.
Why Choose Boat Diving in Sydney with Abyss?
Sydney divers consistently rank boat quality, site access, crew professionalism, and comfort onboard as the most important factors when choosing a boat operator. Abyss delivers on every one.
Custom dive vessel Our 12.5 m aluminium dive boat offers excellent stability and 900 HP of power, plus an open gear-up deck, dual ladders, hot showers and dry seating for comfort.
Experienced, safety‑first crew Our local skippers and divemasters know Sydney’s sites intimately and provide personalised, professional guidance every step of the way.
Easy parking and pickup. Depart from Sans Souci Wharf with plenty of free all‑day parking right next to the boat. No long gear carries, no stress.
See Our Boat In Action
Take a quick look at our 12.5 m custom dive vessel – wide deck, dual ladders and hot showers, built to make your Sydney boat dives comfortable and easy.
Upcoming Boat Dives
Check real‑time availability and book your spot below – spots fill fast!
First Time on a Boat Dive?
If you’re newly certified or haven’t dived in a while, Henry Head is our top recommendation. A short, gentle ride from the marina, this site offers depths of 8–12 m, a guided descent line and vibrant sponge gardens teeming with nudibranchs, blue gropers, cuttlefish and Red Indian fish. Our divemasters will pair you with a buddy if you come alone, and all dives are fully guided to keep you safe.
Feeling rusty? Consider a PADI ReActivate refresher to brush up on buoyancy, mask clearing and emergency skills before joining boat dives.
Prepare for Your Boat Dive
- Meet the minimum certification: Open Water for recreational dives; Advanced for depths beyond 18 m; Technical for wrecks deeper than 40 m.
- Bring or rent essential gear: wetsuit, BCD, regulator, SMB and dive computer.
- All daytime boat dives (excluding night & technical dives) are double dives (2 Tank dives).
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early to gear up and attend the safety briefing.
- Always carry a surface marker buoy and audible signalling device; use descent and ascent lines to control buoyancy.
- If prone to seasickness, take medication in advance.
- Listen to your divemaster or instructor at all times; they know the sites and conditions best.
Magic Point – Sydney’s Ultimate Shark Dive
Magic Point offers Australia’s most accessible Grey Nurse Shark encounter with 10–30+ sharks in a single dive. Situated off Maroubra in Long Bay, this site features unique cave systems at 15–24 m that attract large aggregations of sharks, weedy seadragons, giant cuttlefish and rays. Open Water divers are welcome, and group sizes are limited to 12 divers to minimise impact on these endangered creatures.
Winter (May–September) is peak season for shark sightings, but you can dive year‑round and still expect to see these gentle giants. Grey Nurse Sharks are harmless to humans, making Magic Point perfect for overcoming shark fears on a safe, unforgettable dive.
Xanadu Reef – Deep Sponge Gardens
A rich 30–35 m seascape off Botany Bay for seasoned divers. Colourful sponge gardens blanket Xanadu’s rocky ledges and small drop‑offs, attracting schools of fish and the occasional pelagic visitor in the clear offshore waters.
SS Tuggerah – Technical Wreck Dive
The SS Tuggerah lies at 46 m off the Royal National Park and features a largely intact 180‑foot steamer teeming with schools of bullseyes, wobbegongs and kingfish. This deep wreck requires technical training and experience below 40 m.
Dee’s Ditch & Malabar Wreck – Scenic Double Dive
A scenic double dive exploring the Dee’s Ditch reef gully and the Malabar wreck. Gentle conditions and colourful sponge life at around 18 m make this ideal for Open Water divers seeking a relaxed exploration.
Henry Head – The Ideal First Boat Dive
If you’re newly certified or returning to diving after a break, Henry Head is the ideal first boat dive. A short, gentle boat ride from the marina calms the nerves, and the site’s 8–12 m depths provide long bottom times and relaxed breathing. Descend along a fixed line to colourful sponge gardens and follow an easy route along the reef.
Henry Head boasts vibrant sponge gardens teeming with marine life such as nudibranchs, blue gropers, cuttlefish and Red Indian Fish. The underwater landscape features large boulders, ledges, swim‑throughs and gullies. Boat entry avoids surf and slippery rocks, and the boat stays nearby so you can climb back aboard with ease.
Deep Wrecks – Advanced & Technical Charters
For certified technical divers, Abyss runs charters to deeper wrecks such as the SS Tuggerah and the SS Kelloe. The Tuggerah lies at 46 m off the Royal National Park and features a largely intact 180‑foot steamer teeming with schools of bullseyes, wobbegongs and kingfish. The Kelloe rests at about 48 m and rewards careful exploration with debris fields, cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks and other marine life. These dives require technical certification and experience below 40 m.
Not ready for tech diving yet? Join our recreational boat dives until you build the skills and confidence to go deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certification for boat diving? – Yes. Open Water is the minimum; Advanced certification is required beyond 18 m, and Technical certification for wreck dives beyond 40 m.
How much do boat dives cost? – Prices start from around $130 for a double dive, plus gear hire if needed.
Where can I dive with sharks in Sydney? – Magic Point is the primary site for Grey Nurse Shark encounters.
What gear is required? – Standard scuba kit plus a mandatory SMB and whistle. Rental gear is available.
Can beginners join boat dives? – Yes. Henry Head and Martin Island are ideal first‑time boat dives, while Magic Point can be beginner‑friendly when guided.
Still have questions? – Contact our friendly team and we will help you choose the perfect dive.
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