Scuba Diving at The Docks, Jervis Bay (2024)

Explore the depths of adventure with Scuba Diving at The Docks Jervis Bay! Immerse yourself in an underwater wonderland where vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters create an unparalleled diving experience. Uncover the secrets of the ocean floor as you navigate through the mesmerising landscapes beneath the surface.

Jervis Bay takes the lead when talking about diving along the South Coast of New South Wales (NSW). Renowned for its enchanting underwater caves and breathtaking marine biodiversity, Jervis Bay consistently captivates the hearts of diving enthusiasts. Naturally, it found its way onto my must-visit destinations. A few weeks ago, a fellow scuba aficionado and I consciously chose to explore the depths of Jervis Bay. The dive centre we partnered with opted for “The Docks” as our chosen dive site, a decision influenced by prevailing weather conditions.

PIN for later reference – Scuba Diving at The Docks Jervis Bay

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Where is The Docks?

Positioned on the northern fringes of Jervis Bay, The Docks emerges as a premier dive site. To access this underwater wonderland, you must first make your way to the charming town of Huskisson, nestled along the picturesque shores of Jervis Bay. Setting the stage for your aquatic adventure, Huskisson serves as the launchpad for the boat journey that will transport you to The Docks dive site.

It’s worth noting that The Docks is celebrated for its intricate caves, adding an extra layer of attraction to underwater exploration. Meanwhile, Huskisson boasts its claim to fame with stunning sunsets that paint the coastal town in hues of unparalleled beauty.

Did you know that the Jervis Bay Marine Park is home to 60 or more dive sites?

Optimal diving conditions are typically experienced in the mornings, characterized by fewer crowds and enhanced visibility. Diving during this time allows for a more serene and immersive underwater experience, ensuring better visibility and a tranquil atmosphere beneath the surface.

How to Get to Jervis Bay?

By Road

Covering approximately 185 kilometres, the journey from Sydney Central Business District (CBD) to Huskisson takes 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. Conveniently, there are paid car parks near the dive centre, providing a hassle-free option for parking. Additionally, for those seeking a more budget-friendly choice, plenty of street car parks a bit farther from the dive centre offer complimentary parking options.

By Public Transport

Getting to Huskisson involves a two-step transportation process, and the most efficient route is as follows:

• Train– Initiate your journey by taking a train from Martin Place to Bomaderry train station.
• Bus – From Bomaderry train station, convenient bus services are available to transport you to Huskisson.
• For the latest details regarding bus routes and timings, it’s advisable to check the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).
• Payment for public transport in Sydney can be conveniently made using Credit/Debit cards or Opal transportation cards, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.

Dive Site – The Docks Jervis Bay

To be candid, my experience with the dive at The Docks left me less than impressed. It’s safe to say I felt a bit disappointed, especially considering the high praise I had heard about Jervis Bay’s dive sites. I acknowledge that the day’s weather conditions can influence such experiences, which could be an isolated incident. Despite my initial disappointment, I’m open to giving it another shot, recognizing that conditions vary, and I plan to return for another dive.

Logistics

• Type of Dive: Embark on a boat dive approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the shoreline, nestled within the bay. It’s crucial to know that this dive site features intriguing caves, and some passages can be pretty dark.
  • We executed a giant stride from the boat into the water to commence our aquatic adventure.
  • For a more illuminating experience, it is highly recommended to carry a torch, particularly for navigating the passages within the captivating caves.
• Dive site: Open (Sea).
• Depth: 18 to 21 metres.
• Visibility: The depth hovered around 4 to 5 meters during my dive at The Docks. Unfortunately, the visibility wasn’t optimal on that particular day. A recent muddy storm had swept through Jervis Bay a few weeks before our dive, impacting the underwater clarity.
• Ideal for: All level divers, including Open Water divers.
• Wet suit: Wearing a 5 mm thickness wetsuit is strongly recommended when diving in Australian waters, mainly around Sydney and the south coast, where temperatures can be pretty chilly.
  • Despite a surface temperature of approximately 40 degrees Celsius, the water was freezing at 15 degrees Celsius during my dive.
  • Be prepared for the temperature difference and ensure the appropriate wetsuit thickness to stay comfortably warm underwater.
• Current: A bit rough.

Marine Life

The marine life at this location is said to be both abundant and spectacular. I had been advised to watch for various fascinating species, including Bull Rays, Wobbegong sharks, Cuttlefishes, and Groupers. During my dive, I encountered a Blue Grouper that gracefully accompanied us throughout the underwater journey.

A particularly memorable and amusing moment unfolded when the Blue Grouper was in a playful chase with a tiny fish. Witnessing the Blue Grouper darting away in what seemed like a comical escape added an adorable and amusing touch to the overall experience.

Dive Centre and Cost

• Dive Centre: Dive Jervis Bay.
• Address: 64 Owen Street, Huskisson NSW 2540.
• Cost: AUD 225, including the boat ride and the whole gear.
• Equipment: Two tanks, BCD, weights, a regulator, a wetsuit with an inner vest, a mask with a snorkel, fins, and boots.
• Booking: via phone 02 4441 5255.

Despite the challenging conditions of murky and rough waters, my diving experience was delightful due to the fantastic and friendly staff. Their expertise and the well-maintained equipment contributed significantly to my positive experience, making the dive enjoyable.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The boat ride and gear rental cost is on the higher side, making it financially challenging for frequent diving. Additionally, the considerable distance from Sydney and the occasional murkiness of the water pose logistical challenges. Despite these drawbacks, I remain hopeful for another opportunity to return to Jervis Bay and dive again.

Is Diving at The Docks Safe for Solo Female Divers?

In scuba diving, adhering to the buddy system is a golden rule. For novices like myself, partnering with an instructor is the ideal choice. Teaming up with someone more experienced is advisable to ensure a safer diving experience. When diving with a reputable dive centre, safety concerns are alleviated as they take charge of providing a secure environment.

Travelling to and from the dive site or centre is notably safe, especially for solo female travellers. Australia, including the tranquil town of Huskisson, is recognized for its safety. However, as a general practice, maintaining awareness of your surroundings is prudent, as it would be in any location.

Closing Notes

While the dive at The Docks left much to be desired, I know that Jervis Bay holds a wealth of captivating dive sites and marine life. Despite this less-than-ideal experience, I am eager to revisit Jervis Bay, anticipating the opportunity to explore its picturesque dive sites and encounter its diverse marine ecosystem.

PIN for later reference – Scuba Diving at The Docks Jervis Bay