Meet the site
Crocodile Head is a dramatic headland on the outer Beecroft Peninsula about 1.6 km north of Point Perpendicular, where the sandstone cliffs rise more than 100 m from the sea. Its signature feature is a large L-shaped arch that extends from below the surface – its shallow entrance at 5–7 m – right up to perhaps 20 m above the waterline. In extremely calm seas divers can swim through it, an unforgettable experience with the sky visible through the opening overhead.
The dive also includes several caves. One extends a good distance back beyond the arch's main entrance, and a long, narrow cave runs under the cliff in the inlet to the north. Smaller caves lie west of the shallow entrance. The bottom, around 24 m at the base of the wall, is strewn with boulders full of nooks and crannies.
Fish life is prolific. Luderick, bream and black reef leatherjackets are common, and the site is known for eastern blue devilfish – McFadyen has seen up to seven on a single dive. Wobbegongs, blue groper and schools of yellowtail and sweep are also regulars. Visibility is usually very good. Because the depth range is flexible and the caves can be viewed from outside, the site suits Open Water divers in calm conditions, while more experienced divers can explore the caverns with a torch. Surface conditions dictate the dive: the arch and shallow caves are only safe when the sea is flat. It combines well with The Caves just to the west and the deeper Crocodile Head Gorge to the north.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Crocodile Head is recorded as Reef 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.
- 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 Crocodile Head 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 Crocodile Head 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
Eastern blue devilfish (up to seven per dive), luderick, bream, black reef leatherjackets, wobbegongs, blue groper, yellowtail, silver sweep, sponges
Location
Headland about 1.6 km north of Point Perpendicular with a large L-shaped arch rising from below the surface to 20 m above it, caves and a boulder bottom to 24 m.
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.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.