Scuba diving and snorkelling are very popular activities for visitors to the area, and great to experience at one of the many great dive spots. With its clear and warm Pacific waters, Port Stephens is the optimum place to have an underwater experience.
Experienced divers and novices enjoy the cobalt blue waters alike, and the tourism industry at Port Stephens makes it very welcoming and accessible for a snorkeling or SCUBA diving trip here. Port Stephens is around two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, on the East Coast of Australia.
For SCUBA diving trips in Port Stephens you should first head to Nelson Bay. Here you’ll find several dive shops that hire SCUBA gear, and also offer PADI training with an experienced instructor.
One of the reasons why Port Stephens is so popular and attracts divers from all around is because of its inspiring sea life. The tide-dominated estuary here is part of the protected Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, which is home to colourful varieties of fish, turtles, dolphins, and other aquatic wildlife.
Also, you will find sharks swimming these waters, although these are not-for-the-feint-hearted!
If you don’t fancy full-on SCUBA gear and diving, then snorkeling is your next best option. You can hire equipment and go alone, or take an experienced guide with you to point out the best underwater features and wildlife.
Most visitors head to Fly Point, where an enticing underwater world awaits. Here you will find sea caves, sponge gardens, and ship wrecks to explore. You can go by boat and then take a dive.
Other popular diving and snorkeling spots include Halifax Park (best site for wobbegong sharks), Little Beach (a recommended spot to see turtles), and the Seahorse Gardens (the name gives it away!).
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to swim with a dolphin in the waters around Port Stephens, of which there are plenty.
For your best bet, hire a boat to take you out a little further to where the dolphins like to feed, but don’t worry, these fellas are usually more than friendly!