Dive-site story
Shelly Beach forms the sheltered southern corner of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve in Manly. Protected from prevailing southerly ocean swells by a rocky headland, the bay transitions gently from a sandy entry into kelp-covered boulders, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. Divers can follow the rocky reef along the eastern wall out toward the open ocean or explore the boulder gardens along the northern edge.
Protected marine reserve status supporting high biodiversity right off the sand
Resident Eastern blue gropers regularly approaching divers along the rocky reef margins
Kelp beds where weedy seadragons and giant cuttlefish hide
Winter aggregations of Port Jackson sharks and summer sightings of juvenile dusky whalers
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Winter often brings the clearest water and migrating Port Jackson sharks, while summer offers the warmest water temperatures.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weedy SeadragonPhyllopteryx taeniolatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Eastern Blue GroperAchoerodus viridis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Port Jackson SharkHeterodontus portusjacksoni | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Spotted WobbegongOrectolobus maculatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Australian Giant CuttlefishSepia apama | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Old WifeEnoplosus armatus | Common |
Marine forecast
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