Meet the site
The deep version of Dee Why Wide is the same reef approached from its seaward side, where the plateau ends in a proper wall dropping from about 30 m to a sand floor at 36–37 m. It is dived as a distinct profile because the character changes: the boulders are bigger, the overhangs at the base of the wall are deeper and darker, and the fixed growth, now beyond the reach of most surge, becomes a dense carpet of sponges, gorgonians and sea whips with none of the kelp that fringes the shallower top. Sydney Dive Charters describes it as a 'large reef, situated at the reef edge, with an excellent depth range', and Pro Dive gives 37 m as the maximum for their trips. The wall is where the bigger animals turn up. Kingfish in numbers hunt along the edge, bull rays and the occasional eagle ray cruise the sand, grey nurse sharks are seen from time to time in the cooler months, and wobbegongs stack in the undercuts. Blue devilfish, pomfret schools and giant cuttlefish are shared with the shallower reef. In blue winter water the view up the wall to the plateau, with the shot line disappearing toward the surface, is one of the more dramatic sights on a Sydney reef. This is a short dive. At 33–36 m an air diver has around 15 minutes of no-decompression time, and most dives are planned on nitrox or as a light-deco profile with a staged ascent; operators require Deep certification and experience. The reward is a piece of undisturbed reef that only a few divers see each year, and the knowledge that the Myola wreck lies a few kilometres further out in the same clear water. It suits Deep-certified divers and entry-level technical divers as a progression from the Advanced profile.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Dee Why Wide (Deep) is recorded as Wall in Sydney Northern Beaches. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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.
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 Dee Why Wide (Deep) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Dee Why Wide (Deep) 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
Kingfish, bull rays, eagle rays, grey nurse sharks (occasional), wobbegongs, eastern blue devilfish, ladder-finned pomfret, giant cuttlefish, sponges, gorgonians, sea whips, sea tulips
Location
The outer, seaward edge of the Dee Why Wide reef where the plateau drops from about 30 m to sand at 36 m; dived as a separate deep profile by Sydney Dive Charters and Pro Dive Manly.
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
sydneydivecharters.com.auprodive.com.aumichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.