Big Seal

This dive site, Big Seal Rock, is a significant offshore rock reef located in an area exposed to the prevailing swell and the East Australian Current. It’s a combined exploration of several smaller sites, offering diverse underwater features. The depth range explored varies from 16 to 25 meters, extending down to approximately 30-40 meters on the sandy seabed. The rock formations are largely bare but possess numerous gutters, overhangs, caves, and bommies – these elements play a crucial role in attracting substantial populations of grey nurse sharks and a vast array of schooling pelagic fish. A particularly notable feature is the Eastern Gutter, which begins at a prominent rock overhang to the southeast and progresses northwards along a natural ramp before reaching shallower waters. This gutter serves as a primary aggregation point for grey nurse sharks, with dozens of individuals regularly observed navigating this area. Divers should be aware that strong currents are present and carry a surface marker buoy to signal the boat if ascending away from the anchor line. Visibility is generally good, frequently providing crystal-clear conditions out to 30 meters.