Rapid Bay Reef
Dive site
The natural reef extending south from the jetties is a temperate kelp and sponge garden that contrasts sharply with tropical diving. Ecklonia kelp forests shelter blue-throated wrasse, red indianfish, and the endemic leafy sea dragon in open water rather than on pylons. Australian sea lions occasionally visit from a nearby haul-out. Port Jackson sharks rest wedged in crevices from winter through spring. The reef is best dived from a small boat to cover the length of the sponge gardens.
Conditions
Depth
4 to 18 m
Good for beginners
Current
Can be moderate
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
5 to 12 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
12 to 19°C
7mm wetsuit with hood
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| Vis (m) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Current | calm | calm | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | calm | calm |
Field journal
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