Sydney · New South Wales
Clovelly
A sheltered concrete-lined channel giving Sydney's easiest entry into open water.
Clovelly's narrow bay, with concrete platforms lining both sides, offers one of the most sheltered entries on the Sydney coast and is heavily used for training.
The channel opens onto rocky reef and kelp, and the bay itself was long known for a resident blue groper.
It is a good choice when swell rules out more exposed Eastern Suburbs sites.
Max depth
14 m
typically 8 m
Access
shore
Current
minimal
Water temp
17–24°C
Level
beginner
| Region | Sydney |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | shore |
| Site type | reef |
| Minimum depth | 2 m |
| Typical depth | 8 m |
| Maximum depth | 14 m |
| Current | minimal |
| Visibility | Commonly 5–15 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 17–24°C |
| Experience level | beginner |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- eastern blue gropers
- octopus
- rays
- wobbegongs
- nudibranchs
- schooling baitfish
Access
- Ladder and platform entry on either side of the channel.
- Very sheltered in most conditions.
- Busy with swimmers and snorkellers.
Hazards
- swimmer and snorkeller traffic
- surge at the channel mouth in swell
- slippery platforms
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other dive businesses in the area
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Clovelly?
Depths range from around 2 metres to roughly 14 metres, with a typical profile around 8 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Clovelly suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Clovelly?
Access is shore based. Ladder and platform entry on either side of the channel.
Is there current at Clovelly?
Current is recorded as minimal. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Clovelly?
Commonly reported marine life includes eastern blue gropers, octopus, rays, wobbegongs, nudibranchs, schooling baitfish. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Clovelly?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 5–15 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Clovelly?
Clovelly is in the Sydney region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.