Sydney Dive Conditions – Updated Daily by Local Experts

Scuba diver checking ocean conditions in Sydney
Latest Sydney Dive Conditions

Updated Daily by Local Dive Experts

Welcome to Sydney's most reliable and up-to-date dive conditions page. Every morning, our team checks the tides, visibility, water temperature, swell, and weather to recommend the best local dive sites for the day.

Whether you're planning a weekend dive, checking if today’s conditions are safe, or just dreaming about your next underwater adventure, this is your go-to source. Bookmark this page and check back daily for the latest updates.

 

Sydney Diving Conditions – 23 August 2025

Updated Daily by Local Experts

A mostly sunny morning with light winds makes for a promising start, though conditions will deteriorate later in the day as the swell builds. The ENE swell is currently 1.4 m at 8.5 seconds but will rise to 1.9 m and swing south around 3:00 pm. This makes Bare Island the best option, particularly the east side, which is protected from ENE swells. Visibility is limited at 4–5 m, so plan dives for the morning to early afternoon window for the safest and most enjoyable conditions.

Conditions at a Glance

  • Mostly sunny morning, slight chance of a shower this afternoon. Winds W–SW 15–20 km/h, tending S–SW 20–30 km/h midday.
  • Air Temperature: 20°C
  • Water Temperature: 18°C
  • Visibility: 4–5 m
  • Swell: 1.4 m ENE, rising to 1.9 m and swinging south around 3:00 pm. Period 8.5 seconds.
  • Tides: High Tide at 8:20 am (1.43 m), Low Tide at 2:01 pm (0.42 m)
  • Recommended Site: Bare Island – East Side — Protected from ENE swell; dive before swell builds this afternoon.

Detailed Report

Morning conditions are the best window for diving today, with sunny skies and manageable swell. Bare Island provides protection from the current ENE swell, but visibility is limited to 4–5 m. By mid to late afternoon, conditions will worsen as the swell rises to 1.9 m and swings south, making most sites including Bare Island unsafe to dive.

The east side of Bare Island will offer the clearest water and most protection, especially around the morning high tide at 8:20 am. Plan dives early, ideally before midday, to take advantage of calmer seas and clearer water. Expect some surge in the shallows, but manageable conditions at depth until the swell shift.

Air temperatures reach a mild 20°C, making it a pleasant day topside, though a 7 mm wetsuit or drysuit is still recommended in the 18°C water. Pack warm layers for comfort after the dive in case the southerly winds strengthen in the afternoon.

Dive Tips for Today:

  • Dive early (morning to early afternoon) before swell builds and shifts south.
  • Head to Bare Island east side for the most shelter and clearest water.
  • Plan around the 8:20 am high tide for best visibility.
  • Expect 4–5 m visibility — good for macro and close-focus photography.
  • Avoid late afternoon dives as conditions will deteriorate rapidly.

Additional Notes: Bare Island east side is diveable early, but conditions will deteriorate as the swell rises and swings south from mid-afternoon.

Safe dives and happy bubbles!

Weekend Dive Forecast

We update this forecast daily based on the latest swell, wind, and visibility predictions. The closer we get to the weekend, the more reliable it becomes — by Wednesday, it’s generally accurate enough to plan your dives confidently.

Dive Forecast icon Forecast for the weekend, August 23-24, 2025

Dive Calendar Book a Dive – View the Calendar →

dive report video icon Latest Dive Report – As Seen Underwater Within the Past 24 Hours

 

Note: As always, it’s important to check out the particular site before committing to it. While we strive to provide the most accurate information, diving conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest updates before you head out.

When choosing your dive site to get the best conditions, we make the following recommendations:

How Conditions Affect Dive Sites

Lilli Pilli – Best on an incoming tide

Well-protected against all swell. Exposed to strong Westerly winds.

View site details →

Ship Rock – Best 15 minutes before high tide

Not exposed to any swell. Best on a high slack tide.

View site details →

Bass & Flinders – Best on an incoming tide

Good except for a NE swell greater than 1.4m.

View site details →

Oak Park – Best on low tide

Should not be dived if SE to N swell is greater than 0.7m.

View site details →

VooDoo – Best on high tide

Best with SW to NW swells. All other swells must be under 0.5m.

View site details →

Cape Solander – Tide has no effect

Best with SW to NW swells. Other swells must be below 0.7m.

View site details →

The Leap – Best near high tide

Should not be dived if E to S swell is greater than 1m. Best on an incoming tide.

View site details →

The Steps – Swell-sensitive

Protected, but exposed to E to ESE swells greater than 1m.

View site details →

Sutherland Point – Best on an incoming tide

Well protected. Only exposed to ESE swell greater than 1.8m.

View site details →

Bare Island – Best with N swell and incoming tide

Should not be dived if S swell is greater than 1.2m.

View site details →

Shelly Beach – Sheltered and beginner-friendly

Should not be dived if swell is greater than 0.8m. Protected from all but westerly swell.

View site details →

Understanding Water Visibility in Sydney

Waves icon What affects water visibility in Sydney?

Water visibility is influenced by tides, swell direction, weather, and even seasonal algae blooms. After rain or storms, visibility tends to drop due to sediment stirred up in the water.

Waves icon How do tides impact visibility?

Slack high tide often provides the best visibility, as water movement slows and particles settle. Many Sydney sites are clearest just before high tide.

Waves icon What’s the typical visibility range?

Visibility usually ranges from 5m to 10m but can exceed 20m in winter or drop below 2m after several days of heavy rain. July to October offers the clearest conditions.

Waves icon Where are the best spots for good vis?

Sites like Shelly Beach, Bare Island (east side), and Ship Rock are known for consistent visibility—especially during high tide with minimal swell.

Sydney Water Temperatures by Month

Diving in Sydney is great all year, with mild seasonal changes that affect both water temperature and visibility. Whether you prefer warmer dives or crystal-clear winter water, there's always a great dive site to suit the season, making it the best to dive Sydney.

  • Water Temperature: Ranges from 15°C (winter) to 25°C (summer)
  • Visibility: Typically 5–10m, up to 20m from July to October
  • Best Clarity: Winter (July–October), when seas are calm and algae is low

Here’s how Sydney’s sea temperatures shift throughout the year:

Sydney Water Temperatures Chart

Month Min °C Max °C
January 21.5 25.1
February 22.1 25.3
March 21.6 25.3
April 20.8 24.6
May 18.8 22.6
June 17.5 21.1
July 17.3 20.9
August 17.4 20.2
September 17.2 19.9
October 17.5 20.9
November 19.1 22.1
December 19.5 24.3

What to Expect: Sydney offers a diverse diving experience year-round. In summer (Dec–Mar), enjoy warmer waters and active marine life, ideal for newer divers. Autumn and spring bring steady conditions and great critter sightings. Winter (Jul–Oct) delivers the clearest visibility, making it perfect for photography, deep dives, and encounters with weedy sea dragons. With the right gear, every season is dive season in Sydney!

Diving in Sydney: Your Questions Answered

When is the best time to dive in Sydney?

Sydney is great for diving year-round. For the calmest seas and clearest visibility, July to October is ideal. Water is warmer from October to May, making it popular for beginners.

Is Sydney good for beginner divers?

Absolutely! Sites like Shelly Beach and Bare Island offer easy shore entries, shallow depths, and protected conditions — perfect for new divers.

How’s the visibility for diving in Sydney?

Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, with the clearest conditions from July to October. After heavy rain, it can drop to 1–2 metres.

What’s the average water temperature for diving in Sydney?

Expect temperatures from around 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer.

Are there strong currents at Sydney’s dive sites?

Most popular sites around Sydney have mild currents, suitable for divers of all levels. Tidal flow can affect some locations, so timing matters.

fish What marine life can I see while diving in Sydney?

You may spot weedy sea dragons, wobbegong sharks, blue groupers, cuttlefish, octopus, and even seals or dolphins.

Should I wear a wetsuit when diving in Sydney?

Yes. Most divers use a 5–7mm wetsuit year-round. In summer, a 3–5mm suit or shorty is okay for shallow dives, but conditions can vary.

How can I check diving conditions before heading out?

Check this page daily for updated reports. You can also use apps like Seabreeze or WillyWeather for swell, tide, and wind forecasts. Or just call us!

Still have questions?
Contact Us or Ask Our Team

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