Swell
Wind
How to Dive Camp Cove
Overview
Camp Cove is a calm, shallow shore dive located in the sheltered waters of Watsons Bay. It’s ideal for new divers or anyone looking for an easy, relaxed site with surprisingly rich marine life close to shore. With sandy patches, seagrass beds, and small rocky areas, it’s a great spot for macro enthusiasts and night dives.
Entry & Access
Entry: Entry is as simple as it gets, walk straight in from the beach. The entire cove is diveable, and you can enter from almost anywhere along the shoreline. To save time walking in full gear, use the road access behind the beach to get closer to your chosen entry point. The sandy bottom and gentle slope make for a very easy and safe entry and exit.
Parking: There’s free parking available in the main Camp Cove car park, just north of the beach. It fills up quickly on warm weekends and holidays, so early arrival is key. Street parking in the surrounding area is limited and patrolled.
Hazards
Boat traffic can be heavy on hot days. Stay close to shore and use a dive flag if venturing out.
Marine Life
Expect to encounter small cuttlefish, juvenile Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, stingrays, and plenty of tiny reef fish among the seagrass. At night, it’s common to see octopus, flathead, and other nocturnal critters moving through the sand.
Pro Tip
Dive early morning or at dusk for the best visibility and fewer boats. The site’s gentle slope makes it perfect for long, slow dives — ideal for photographers and new divers building comfort time underwater.