Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Spots in Byron Bay

The beaches of Byron Bay are divine, and the area’s underwater world is especially rich with life, since it is bathed in the warm currents drifting down from the Great Barrier Reef. When you’re ready to get off the sand and into the water, here’s a rundown of the best scuba diving sites and snorkeling spots.
Julian Rocks Marine Reserve
Just a 5-minute boat ride from Byron Bay, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is one of the few sites where you can swim with tropical species found on the Great Barrier Reef and mammals from Australia’s Southern Ocean, including three species of sea turtle, wobbegong sharks, and manta rays. Snorkel and scuba dive tours departing from Byron Bay typically include equipment and transportation. Some snorkeling tours are specifically targeted at swimming with sea turtles and include instruction if required.
Cod Hole
About 100 feet (30 meters) from the northeastern tip of Julian Rocks, the Cod Hole is one of the most popular dive sites around the rocks. A spacious swim-through that opens up at about 50 feet (15 meters), it is home to big moray eels, blue groupers, wobbegongs, and tropical fish of all sizes.
Cray Cave
At the southeast end of Julian Rocks, the Cray Cave is a small swim-through where, amongst the black coral, you can spot marine life such as grey nurse sharks, loggerhead turtles, and big bullrays. Divers can reach depths of up to 82 feet (25 meters).
Tassie III Wreck
Believed to have been sunk at the end of World War II while supplying American forces with ammunition, the wreck of theTassie III (believed to be theTassie II until 2008) remains off the shore of Main Beach and is especially shallow, making it ideal for snorkelers to explore. Just remember to do so with caution and while the ocean is calm—and watch out for surfers using the wreck as a break.
75 Tours and Activities | All Byron Bay Tours

3-Hour Sea Turtle Snorkeling Experience in Byron Bay

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Byron Bay Wildlife Safari

Byron Bay Platypus Walk

Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay

Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour

Byron Bay Hinterland Tour Including Rainforest Walk to Minyon Falls

Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session

Byron Bay and Beyond Tour Including Cape Bryon Lighthouse Crystal Castle and Bangalow

Hinterland Magic & Glow-worm Experience

2-Night Byron Bay Surf Camp

Byron Bay Half Day Surf Lesson

5-Hour Byron Bay Introductory Scuba Diving Tour

Byron Bay Combo: Hinterland Tour Including Minyon Falls and Kayaking with Dolphins

Byron Stand Up Paddle Nature Tour

Crystal Castle Shuttle from Byron Bay (half day)

Beyond Byron Hinterland Tour

Premier Whale Watching Byron Bay

Master the White Wash 2-Day Surf School in Byron Bay

Byron Bay 3-Hour Certified Dive Tour

Byron Bay Combo: Minyon Falls and Hinterland Day Trip and Learn to Surf at Byron Bay

Byron Bay Night Vision Walk
