Sydney · New South Wales
Scuba Diving at 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.
Recommended: Any certified diver; many suit supervised try-dives. Parts of the site reach 14 m, which needs Open Water Diver. What can I dive with my cert?
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
Marine Life at Clovelly
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site.
Dive Centre BondiBondiPADIAn Eastern Suburbs PADI 5 Star IDC on Bondi Road teaching through Instructor and technical levels, with air, Nitrox and Trimix fills and manufacturer-approved servicing.CoursesAdvancedProTechNitroxHireSource-backed profilePro Dive SydneyPro Dive's inner-Sydney training centre at Alexandria, close to Camp Cove, Clovelly, Gordons Bay and Bare Island, with courses to Divemaster, hire and servicing.CoursesAdvancedProHireServicingSource-backed profileUseful Training for Diving Clovelly
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Dive Sites Similar to Clovelly
Worth reading alongside this one.
Planning Guides for Diving Clovelly
Practical guides selected from this site's access, environment, wildlife and experience profile.
Dive Sites Near Clovelly
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other Dive Businesses Near Clovelly
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Clovelly Diving FAQs
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?
Ladder and platform entry on either side of the channel. Very sheltered in most conditions.
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.