Written by Peter Perry  (Associate Instructor SDA)

 Location / How to get there

The usual way to get to Bare Island (see previous divesite directions). Gear up, walk down the access road,across the bridge, down the stairs (use the handrails), head West under the bridge to the ramp.

Amenities.

Toilets are located in the brick building on the ocean side of the road approaching the Island, opposite the bus terminus.

Experience Level.

All levels, depending on experience and air consumption.

Precautions - including Wind, Waves, Currents, Tides.

Watch for uneven or loose rocks, divets and potholes. Exercise caution at low tide using the old gun ramp for entries, better still walk past it and enter via one of the many ledges. Watch for slippery rocks! Can be dived on both low and high tide.

Take care in moderate seas and in wind swells. Offers shelter in East, South East and strong Southerly winds. Can be dived in West and North Easterly winds. During strong winds and large tidal movement there may be current pulling towards the direction of the bridge. To avoid this, stay close to entry point to start descent

Best time to dive.

As previously mentioned can be dived either low or high tide. The latter will provide cleaner water.

Where to enter/exit.

The old gun ramp when high to mid tide, watch for slippery and submerged rocks. Shoulder roll entry preferred. The ledges up further shoulder roll or control seated entry. Exits can be made on ledges along West Wall, leave mask on and regs in and crawl up until clear of any wave action. Same method used at ramp when tide offers covering over slippery rocks, use wave propulsion to carry you up the ramp and crawl clear. (Always watch for Sea Urchins - usually not a problem, exercise care though!)

Navigation.

Start decent keeping the rocks on your left. You will gradually increase in depth as you pass a rock covered in reddish berry (Dead Man's Fingers) like growth and an aluminium fin in the sand partially buried at approx. 6M. At this point you will come over the weeds and follow the rocks (rock on left still) in a southerly direction. If you pass the weeds you will have to head South over the sand for a minute or so. When reaching the rocks head right which is west.( if you keep going South you will end up on the South wall on an out going tide you will experience a strong outgoing current) When heading West you will come across Sea Horse  Rock (approx 11-12 mtrs) a rock where 3 seahorses live, please be careful and maintain neutral bouyancey. This is recommended for the newly certified divers. Take your time as there is lots to see as well as Weedy Seadragons. Heading back keep the rocks on your right.

You will breifly head north then east to the exit, approx five minutes from reddish berries and aluminum fin. If you have the experience you can keep heading West and follow the rocks on left as you go out and head South to the sponge gardens or just go as far as the PJs cave. Some current may be experienced at the caves. Stay close to the rocks and use them as a navigation aid on the way to the exit, keeping the rocks on your right. A few dives are recommended with someone with experience to become familiar with the site. Max depth 14-16 mtrs.

Points of interest.

Lots of critters in the boulders, Occy's, Eels, Crabs etc. SeaHorses, Eastern Blue Devil Fish, Angel Sharks, the occasional Wobbygong and the ever present Bluey's. PJs in colder months at caves. Red Indian fish in sponges occasionally.

Local creatures.

Bluey the big Grouper and his relatives inhabit this area! Same with territorial White Ear Drummer.

Tips (from the pro)

Don't enter caves or over head enviroments - this requires special training! Use your torch if you want to see to the back of the cave. Go a little bit further each time so you dont get lost!

If possible check position of sun, learn how to use your compass and trust it! If you feel current, turn around and stay close to the rocks in low visibility!