

The Arch is a technically demanding dive combining a wall, cave system, and reef structure that drops to 41 metres. Visibility consistently reaches 25 to 30 metres, which means you get a proper look at the gorgonias and dense sponge growth covering the wall before you commit to depth. Grey Nurse Sharks and bull rays are the headline encounters, while Wobbegong sharks tend to sit motionless on ledges and Eastern Blue Devilfish hold position in the shadows. The cave environment introduces overhead considerations on top of the decompression obligations that come with the deeper sections. Moderate current is manageable but demands attentive buoyancy and gas planning throughout.
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September through November brings the best conditions and peak Grey Nurse Shark aggregations, so plan your bookings around this window. Confirm your charter operator carries adequate oxygen and that your buddy is current on overhead environment protocols before you go.
The site is accessible only by boat, located approximately 1km off Point Perpendicular. Local dive operators such as Dive Jervis Bay and Jervis Bay Sea Sports in Huskisson provide boat charters to the site.
The site's depth makes it suitable for advanced divers only. Standard precautions for deep diving and potential decompression obligations should be taken.
Depth
20-41m
Visibility
25-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
17-22°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
60 min
Best Time
Sep, Oct, Nov
The Arch in Jervis Bay, New South Wales requires both advanced and deep diver certifications. These certifications are essential due to the site's depth range of 20 to 41 metres and decompression diving requirements. The overhead environment created by the arch structure adds additional complexity that necessitates advanced training.
The Arch dive site in Jervis Bay ranges from 20 metres to 41 metres in depth. This significant depth requires decompression stops and makes it suitable only for advanced divers with deep diving certification. The site's maximum depth places it firmly in technical diving territory.
The Arch in Jervis Bay is renowned for encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks and Wobbegong sharks. The site also hosts bull rays, Eastern Blue Devilfish, and various pelagic fish species. The underwater topography, decorated with gorgonias, sponges and jewel anemones, creates ideal habitat for these species.
The optimal months for diving The Arch in New South Wales are September, October and November during the Southern Hemisphere spring. During these months, water temperatures range from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius with visibility typically between 25 and 30 metres. Moderate currents are standard at this site throughout the diving season.
The Arch is exclusively an advanced dive site and completely unsuitable for beginners. The 20 to 41 metre depth range, decompression requirements, overhead environment and moderate currents demand significant diving experience. Only divers holding advanced and deep certifications should attempt this challenging Jervis Bay location.
The Arch requires boat access, as it is located offshore from Jervis Bay. Boat charters are available locally, along with dive shops offering equipment rental and air fills. No shore access is possible for this deep water site.
The primary hazards at The Arch include deep depth up to 41 metres, mandatory decompression stops, and navigation through an overhead environment. Moderate currents add complexity to dive planning and execution. These combined factors make comprehensive pre-dive planning and advanced training absolutely essential.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near The Arch in Jervis Bay. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at The Arch in Jervis Bay. Water temperatures range from 17°C to 22°C.
The Arch in Jervis Bay has depths ranging from 20 metres to 41 metres.
A typical dive at The Arch in Jervis Bay lasts approximately 60 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.
Yes, night diving is available at The Arch in Jervis Bay. Night dives often reveal different marine life including nocturnal creatures. Always dive with proper lighting and a buddy.