Sydney Dive Conditions – Updated Daily by Local Experts

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 – 18 October 2025

Updated Daily by Local Experts

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of a morning shower in the west. It will remain dry and sunny along the coast. Winds S 15–20 km/h will ease early, then shift E 20–30 km/h in the middle of the day. Maximum air temperature will reach 22°C. A 0.8 m southerly swell at 7.8 seconds is creating calm and clear conditions across all Sydney dive sites. Visibility is excellent at over 10 m. All sites should be good today, with Bare Island the top recommendation for its protection and consistently diverse marine life.

Conditions at a Glance

• Weather: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the outer west this morning. Southerly 15–20 km/h, easing early then shifting E 20–30 km/h midday.
• Air Temperature: 22°C
• Water Temperature: 20°C
• Visibility: 10+ m
• Swell: 0.8 m S @ 7.8 s
• Tides: High 7:11 am 1.45 m; Low 1:07 pm 0.53 m
• Recommended Site: Bare Island — Calm, clear, and excellent visibility across the reef.

Detailed Report

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day for diving in Sydney. The small 0.8 m southerly swell at 7.8 seconds keeps conditions calm and manageable across all major dive sites. Visibility is excellent at 10+ m, providing ideal conditions for photography and relaxed exploration. Bare Island is the standout site today — it’s sheltered from southerly swells and perfect for spotting weedy seadragons, blue gropers, and colourful nudibranchs. The Steps, Oak Park, and Camp Cove are also diveable, offering clear water and easy entries.

Tide Strategy: For most Sydney sites, visibility is typically best around the 7:11 am high tide. At Oak Park, visibility isn’t strongly tide-dependent, but entries and exits are easiest around the 1:07 pm low tide when the reef platform is exposed. Plan dives accordingly for optimal access and clarity.

Preparation: Water temperature is a pleasant 20°C, perfect for multiple long dives. Bring a torch to highlight colours and reef detail under ledges and shaded areas.

Dive Tips for Today:

• Bare Island is today’s top recommendation — calm water, 10+ m visibility, and plenty of marine life.
• Expect clear and easy diving at The Steps, Oak Park, and Camp Cove.
• Best visibility around the 7:11 am high tide.
• Oak Park entries are easier at the 1:07 pm low tide.
• Enjoy the excellent spring conditions — sunny skies, light swell, and crystal-clear water.

Safe dives and happy bubbles!

Thinking of learning to dive while the conditions are perfect? Check out our PADI Learn to Dive course and be ready to explore Sydney’s best sites yourself.

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.

 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

Understanding Water Visibility in Sydney

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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