5 great summer freediving spots in Sydney
Summertime in Sydney is a great time for freediving, as the weather is typically warmer and the water is at its most comfortable. The water temperature during the summer months (December to February) can reach up to around 25°C (77°F). This makes it comfortable for diving without a wetsuit.
During the summer, Sydney's beaches and bays are also at their busiest, and the water can be crowded with swimmers, surfers and other water activities. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow the rules and guidelines set by the local authorities. For personal safety it is highly recommended to carry a float and flag at all times especially when diving a busy waterway such as sydney harbour so that boats and other watercraft can clearly see you.
The summer months are also the best time to see a wide variety of marine life, as many species are more active, juvenile schools of fish are abundant and migratory tropical species arrive during the warmer months.
Gordons bay
Gordon's Bay is a popular spot for freediving and snorkelling in Sydney. It is located in the eastern suburbs of the city and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. The bay is protected from the ocean by a rocky headland, which helps to create a calm and safe environment for diving.
The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including colourful fish, cuttlefish, rays, octopus, and various species of crustacean. The visibility in the bay is also relatively good, making it easy to see the marine life as you dive. Gordon's Bay is also ideal for dropping a training line as you can reach 14-15m in the middle of the bay on a high tide.
Gordon's Bay is also easy to access, with a convenient car park on the headland and a well-maintained pathway to the water's edge. It is also a good spot for beginner divers as the water is relatively shallow. get their early in summer as it is a very popular location for divers and swimmers.
Little bay
Little Bay is a secluded spot that is popular with freedivers and snorkelers looking for a more peaceful experience. It is located in the southeastern suburbs of Sydney, and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. The bay is protected from the ocean by a rocky headland, which helps to create a calm and safe environment for diving however be mindful of larger swells and currents that may affect the area.
Little Bay is home to a variety of marine life, including local reef fish, cuttlefish, rays and turtles. The visibility in the bay can also excellent thanks to the deep drop-off on the ocean side, making it easy to see the marine life as you dive. The bay is also known for its unique shape, underwater rock formations, and swim throughs which can be explored by more experienced freedivers.
Little Bay is not as busy as other diving spots in Sydney, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded and tranquil experience. It also offers a good spot for beginner divers as the water is relatively shallow.
While Little Bay is not as easily accessible as some other diving spots in Sydney, it's worth the effort to get there. The natural beauty and seclusion of this spot make it a unique and enjoyable diving experience.
Shelly beach
Shelly Beach or Cabbage tree bay is a great spot for freediving and snorkelling in Sydney. It is located on the northern beaches in Manly and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life due to it being a fully protected marine preserve for over 20 years. The north west facing beach is protected from the ocean by a rocky headland, which helps to create a calm and safe environment for diving on most days.
Shelly Beach is home to a large variety of unique marine life, they are also very calm around human presence this includes a large range of fish, cuttlefish, octopus, juvenile dusky whalers, grey nurse sharks, rays and also weedy seadragons. The visibility in the bay is generally pretty good, with a fairly shallow bottom making it easy to see the marine life as you dive. The beach is also known for its large population of bush turkeys and walking trails connecting to the north head lookout, a great viewing platform for when the humpback whale migration occurs across winter/spring.
The beach is easy to access, car parking is 2 hours on the street or tickted at the headland there are also several pathways to the water's edge along bower street. There's also a beachside café and a picnic area where divers can relax after their dive. It is highly recommended in summer to get there early if driving as this location is very popular or alternatively you can go via public transport to manly and use the beach walkway instead from manly beach.
Overall, Shelly Beach is a great spot for freediving and snorkelling in Sydney, offering a combination of clear waters, diverse marine life, easy access, and a great spot for families and beginner divers.
North Bondi beach
North Bondi is a popular iconic spot for freediving in Sydney. It is located in the eastern suburbs of the city, and is known for its clear waters, large tourist culture and diverse marine life. The beach is a large flat sandy bay with protection from northern swells which helps with recreational freediving.
North Bondi is a popular spot for beginner divers, as the water is relatively shallow and the beach is easy to access with a convenient car park and easy access to the water's edge either from the beach or the rock platform. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, which provides an extra level of safety for divers.
While freediving at Bondi beach you can expect to encounter many of the common reef species of fish, large pelagic species such as kingfish, bonito and salmon, wobbegongs, rays and grey nurse sharks. during their seasons you may also be lucky enough to encounter the odd seal or dolphin cruising through the bay.
Bondi in general is a very busy location all year round so be mindful of that and consider diving early when planning your trip, there are plenty of local public transport bus lines and parking spaces available as well.
Fairlight Beach
Fairlight beach is a small inner Harbour beach located next to manly cove on the northern beaches. It is considered a great option for those busy summer days where places like shelly beach are crowded and difficult to reach. the shoreline reef is a popular snorkelling location as it can be swam all the way into manly cove. the beach is easy to access via the manly scenic walking track.
As Fairlight is also a fairly shallow diving location it is suitable for beginner freedivers, there are many ledges and small caves to investigate as you leave the bay near the beach. For marine life you can expect to see all the common sydney reef species of fish, turtles, rays, crustaceans such as lobster and blue swimmer crabs, seahorses, pipefish , octopus and cuttlefish.
Fairlight is a popular location for recreational boating so it is highly recommended to carry a visible float and flag with you at all times especially in summer.