Meet the site
Diamond Reef has built its reputation in the Forster area almost entirely on macro life: local records put the nudibranch count here at 38 different varieties, an exceptional tally for a single site and a strong draw for underwater photographers and divers with a specific interest in these small, colourful sea slugs. The reef itself, at 16 to 20 metres, is described as carrying extensive soft and hard coral growth alongside sponges, providing the varied micro-habitats that support such a wide nudibranch range — different species tend to specialise on particular sponge or coral hosts, so a reef with this much variety in its sessile invertebrate cover naturally supports a correspondingly wide range of nudibranchs feeding on them. This makes Diamond Reef a natural complement to Forster's bigger-animal sites like The Pinnacle and Latitude Rock: where those dives are built around grey nurse sharks and turtles, Diamond Reef rewards a patient, close-focus approach and is best dived with a macro lens or a genuine willingness to spend the whole tank moving slowly and looking closely rather than covering ground. It is a popular inclusion for repeat visitors and photography-focused groups, and Forster Dive Centre uses it as a deliberate change of pace from the area's shark and turtle sites. Divers unfamiliar with nudibranch identification will get more out of the site with a guide who knows where the resident species are currently sitting, since many are small and easily missed without local knowledge. Bring a torch even in daylight to pick out colour and detail in the shadier crevices where many of the smaller species congregate.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Diamond Reef (Forster) is recorded as Reef in Forster & Seal Rocks. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Diamond Reef (Forster) 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 Diamond Reef (Forster) 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
38+ recorded nudibranch species, extensive soft and hard corals, sponges, general reef fish
Location
A reef off Forster known for exceptional nudibranch diversity — reportedly 38 different varieties recorded — plus extensive soft and hard corals and sponges.
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
mudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.