Meet the site
Cathedral Cave is one of the most impressive caverns in Jervis Bay – a huge sea cave in the outer cliffs of the Beecroft Peninsula, a little over 5 km north of Point Perpendicular. The entrance lies in a large gap between a prominent rock and the cliff face, at about 12 m, and the floor inside drops to about 18 m. McFadyen estimates the cave at roughly 100 m long, 20 m wide and 10 m high, with a dog-leg to the left extending about another 20 m into total darkness.
The name comes from an air pocket above the water inside, where divers can surface into a vaulted chamber – the 'cathedral'. Visibility inside is typically 20–25 m because the cave is flushed by clear ocean water, and torch beams pick out sponges and encrusting life on the walls. Wobbegong sharks rest on the floor, and in late winter Port Jackson sharks shelter in the cave in numbers. Outside, the wall and boulders to 23 m offer a second phase of the dive with typical Beecroft reef fish.
This is a dive for experienced divers: most of the cave is in darkness beyond the entrance zone, surge can be felt in any swell, and the air pocket should be treated with caution (air may be stale; keep regulators in). A primary and backup torch are essential, and a guideline is sensible for anyone venturing into the dog-leg. On a calm winter day with clear water it is one of the signature experiences of Jervis Bay diving, and it can be combined with Crocodile Head or The Caves, which lie a short distance to the south.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cathedral Cave is recorded as Cave/Cavern in Jervis Bay. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Cathedral Cave suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Cathedral Cave 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
Wobbegong sharks, Port Jackson sharks (late winter), sponges, bullseyes, eastern blue devilfish, yellowtail, leatherjackets
Location
Large sea cave about 100 m long, 20 m wide and 10 m high with an air pocket, a little over 5 km north of Point Perpendicular on the outer Beecroft Peninsula.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson: Dive Jervis Bay shop (air, nitrox, hire), cafés, parking; Huskisson and Callala ramps.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.