Sydney scuba diving conditions
 

Sydney Dive Conditions

Updated Daily by Local Dive Experts

Sydney’s underwater conditions are showing signs of improvement as the swell height begins to fall. The Steps is the recommended site for manageable and enjoyable dives, even with the lingering southerly swell. Visibility remains limited to 4-5 metres, so careful planning is essential for a safe and rewarding experience in the water.

Dive Conditions – 5 July 2025

Sydney’s diving conditions are much improved today, offering a fantastic opportunity to get back in the water. With a swell of just 1.1m and light winds, conditions are calm and manageable. Visibility is better at 2 to 4 metres, although it may still be an issue in some bay sites due to recent runoff. Most locations are expected to be accessible, with Oak Park standing out as a great option for the day.

Conditions at a Glance:

  • Weather: Nice day, partly cloudy. Chance of morning fog in the outer west. Light winds. .
  • Air Temperature: Max 19°C
  • Water Temperature: 17°C
  • Visibility: 2-4 metres.
  • Swell: 1.1m height and falling, SE direction, 10.1-second period.
  • Tides: Low Tide at 9:37 am (0.68m).
  • Recommended Sites: Most sites are expected to be accessible, with Oak Park being a standout choice as it should have the best visibility.

Detailed Report

Today’s conditions mark a welcome change, with calmer seas and pleasant weather providing a good backdrop for an enjoyable day of diving. The swell has dropped significantly to 1.1m with a steady 10.1-second period, while gentle, light winds contribute to the ease of entry and exit at most locations. Visibility, while improved at 2 to 4 metres, may still pose a challenge in some bay sites due to runoff after recent rain.

The weather is shaping up nicely, with partly cloudy skies and a mild air temperature of 19°C. A slight chance of morning fog in Sydney’s outer west is expected to dissipate quickly, clearing the way for ideal conditions across most sites. However, we always recommend checking conditions on-site before gearing up to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For those looking for a sure bet, Oak Park shines as the top pick today because it's likely to offer the best visibility of all sites. With its reliable conditions and great underwater scenery, it promises a rewarding dive. Take advantage of this much-improved day by getting back into Sydney’s underwater wonders while keeping an eye on visibility. Have fun and stay safe!

Remember to see what diving is coming up, then check out the dive calendar →

 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.

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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.

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The Steps – Swell-sensitive

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

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Sutherland Point – Best on an incoming tide

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

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Bare Island – Best with N swell and incoming tide

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

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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.

  • 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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