Find the answer to your scuba diving question.
Whether you're visiting Sydney or diving here every weekend, this FAQ is designed to help certified scuba divers get the most out of local diving conditions, gear tips, marine life encounters, and guided experiences. Scroll through to explore everything you need to know.
Top Sydney sites include:
- Magic Point – home to wobbegong sharks
- Bare Island – great for macro photography
- Oak Park – Port Jackson sharks and friendly gropers
- The Leap to Steps – drift dive with sponge gardens
- Shelly Beach – protected marine reserve with easy access
Check our Sydney Dive Calendar for live availability.
What’s the difference between a boat dive and a shore dive in Sydney? Boat dives reach deeper offshore sites like Magic Point and Cape Banks. They include surface support, ladders, and are priced from $120–$160.
Shore dives are ideal for relaxed exploration and marine life photography. Abyss guided shore dives are free to join.
What marine life will I likely encounter when diving in Sydney? You’re likely to see:
- Weedy sea dragons (especially at Kurnell)
- Wobbegong sharks and Port Jackson sharks
- Giant cuttlefish, rays, and octopus
- Blue gropers and schools of bream and yellowtail
- Seals at Martin Island (seasonal)
Plan your dives with our Sydney Dive Calendar.
When is the best time of year to dive in Sydney? May–October: Best visibility (10–25m), calmest seas, and highest marine life activity.
December–March: Warmest water (21–24°C) and peak social diving season.
June–September: Ideal for seal dives at Martin Island.
Do I need dive insurance to scuba dive in Australia? Dive insurance is not mandatory in Australia but highly recommended. It can cover:
- Hyperbaric chamber treatment
- Emergency evacuation and transport
- Lost or damaged dive gear
- Missed dive trips due to medical reasons
Top providers include DAN, DiveAssure, and World Nomads.
What scuba diving certifications are accepted in Sydney? Sydney recognises all major certification agencies including:
- PADI
- SSI
- NAUI
- RAID
- CMAS
- BSAC
Bring a physical or digital card. Open Water is suitable for most sites; Advanced is recommended for deeper or drift dives.
Can I dive in Sydney if I've been out of the water for a while? Absolutely. If it’s been:
- 6–12 months: We recommend a guided refresher dive.
- 12+ months: Consider the PADI ReActivate program with theory and pool/ocean review.
Are there guided dive trips for certified divers in Sydney? Yes. Abyss offers:
- Free guided shore dives every weekend
- Weekly boat dives to deeper sites
- Seasonal seal dives (June–September)
- Night dives, drift dives, and marine marvel events
Browse the Sydney Dive Calendar to join in.
What scuba gear do most Sydney divers use? Sydney's cooler waters and rugged entries mean most divers use:
- 5mm or 7mm wetsuits (seasonal)
- Neoprene hood and gloves (May–October)
- Open-heel fins with booties
- Snorkel for surface swims in swell
Explore Our Live Sydney Dive Calendar
Find upcoming boat dives, shore dives, and special marine life encounters. Updated daily.
View Calendar
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