Long Reef

After everything Sydney had already given us on Saturday, you could have been forgiven for thinking Sunday might be a little quieter. Apparently not. Our first dive took us to Long Reef, with around 10 metres visibility and some surge from the moderate seas giving everyone a bit of movement underwater. The dive started in typical Long Reef fashion, with hundreds of Pomfrets greeting us almost immediately. Plenty of Port Jackson Sharks and Wobbegongs were scattered around the site, along with several Blue Gropers wandering about. Then came an encounter nobody was expecting. A Humpback Whale and her calf cruised straight through the dive site, passing several very lucky divers along the way. Seeing whales from the boat is always special. Having a mother and calf cruise past you while you're underwater is something else entirely, and for those divers fortunate enough to witness it, an experience they won't forget anytime soon.

Sea Life 5 dropped in over Long Reef this morning and the water was as good as it gets — 25 metres plus, blue all the way to the bottom and sunlight down the whole water column. This is why we bang on about winter and early spring in Sydney. The water is cold, but it is clean, and days like today are the reason locals dive through it. We are back out at Long Reef tomorrow. Same boat, same site, and the forecast is holding. If you have been waiting for a reason to get wet, this is it.r.

Another beautiful Sydney winter's day greeted us aboard Sea Life V, with calm seas and no current providing wonderfully relaxed diving conditions. Our first dive at The Apartments saw us head straight up to the Cutter for a slow and easy exploration, with four photographers in the group and absolutely no reason to hurry. Plenty of Port Jackson Sharks and Wobbegongs were scattered around the sandstone formations, while tucked away together we found a rather romantic-looking pair of Eastern Red Scorpionfish. We eventually headed back towards the Cathedral, passing more Wobbegongs and PJs along the way, with the ever-present Pomfrets once again filling the area around the sandstone formations. Images Courtesy of Phil Hawley

What a day to be diving Sydney! A beautiful winter morning, calm seas and a boat full of familiar faces made for a fantastic atmosphere aboard Sea Life V. Regulars Deedee, Lisa and Mary—testing out her new drysuit—were joined by a father and son visiting from Armidale, four twin-tank tech divers, and it was particularly good to welcome old friends Trish Brownett and Steve Walsh back aboard. The Apartments certainly turned it on. At times there were so many Pomfrets filling the water column that it was difficult to see where you were going! A Grey Nurse Shark cruised past, a massive Wobbegong made an appearance, and several Port Jackson Sharks added to an already impressive morning of marine life. With Captain Tim having the day off, Captain Sam took the helm and did a great job looking after everyone aboard Sea Life V. Great people, beautiful winter weather and plenty happening underwater.

A beautiful winter's day greeted everyone aboard Sea Life V, with sunshine, light winds, a moderate swell and virtually no tidal movement providing comfortable diving conditions throughout the day. Our first dive at Long Reef didn't disappoint, with all the usual favourites making an appearance. Hundreds of Pomfrets shimmered through the water, while a Grey Nurse Shark cruised gracefully past. A curious Giant Cuttlefish entertained divers, and with the Port Jackson Shark breeding season now well underway, groups of Port Jacksons could be found gathered around the site. Photos Courtesy of Phil Hawley