Meet the site
Boambee Beach, tucked between Sawtell and the mouth of Bonville Creek south of Coffs Harbour, has an even lighter diving profile than its better-known neighbour Sawtell Reef, and information on any specific dive site here is essentially anecdotal rather than documented by any dive shop, guidebook or online database. It is included in this survey for completeness as a small rocky headland/reef feature along an otherwise beach-dominated stretch of the Coffs Coast, on the basis that similar small headland reefs up and down this coastline are dived informally by local residents even without any commercial or club infrastructure supporting them. What can reasonably be inferred from the regional geography is a shallow rock reef in the 3-12 m range, typical of small headland features on this part of the coast, likely supporting resident subtropical reef fish, occasional turtles moving along the coastline, and the kind of algae and invertebrate growth found on similar unprotected rock elsewhere in the area. Boambee Creek itself, a short distance inland, offers a well-known freshwater swimming and picnic spot but has no bearing on the ocean-facing reef described here.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Boambee Beach reef is recorded as Reef in Coffs Harbour & Solitary Islands. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Boambee Beach reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Boambee Beach reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Likely resident subtropical reef fish, occasional turtles (unverified — inferred from regional pattern)
Location
A small rocky reef and headland at Boambee Beach/Boambee Bay, between Sawtell and Bonville Creek south of Coffs Harbour, an even more lightly documented and rarely dived spot than Sawtell Reef nearby.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
visitnsw.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.