Meet the site
Fingal Island sits at the southern end of Port Stephens off Fingal Bay, connected to the mainland by the striking Fingal Spit — a natural sand tombolo walkable at low tide that has claimed more than one vehicle attempting the crossing at the wrong time, and which gives the island a distinctive, much-photographed profile from the surrounding beaches. Underwater, the island's pinnacles and drop-offs run from a shallow five metres down to thirty-five, their faces carrying some of the most colourful sponge gardens in the Port Stephens islands group, a habitat that in turn supports an excellent range of nudibranch species for macro-focused divers working the shallower sections. Resident grouper use the pinnacle's ledges and overhangs, and turtles are a regular sighting cruising the structure or resting in its lee. In the warmer months the site becomes a genuine pelagic draw as well, with yellowtail kingfish and cobia both moving through in numbers that make Fingal Island a popular choice for anglers-turned-divers and anyone hoping to combine reef scenery with a chance at bigger, faster-moving fish. The depth range across a single dive — from the shallow pinnacle top to the deeper base — demands a properly planned multi-level profile, and the moderate current typical of this more exposed southern part of Port Stephens means the site suits confident, experienced divers rather than a first open-water outing. Combined with its striking above-water landmark status, Fingal Island offers one of the more complete Port Stephens island experiences, mixing scenic macro-rich sponge gardens with a real chance at seasonal pelagic action.
What you might see
Nudibranchs, resident grouper, turtles, yellowtail kingfish (seasonal), cobia (seasonal), sponge garden fauna
Location
An island off Fingal Bay connected to the mainland by the Fingal Spit sand tombolo, with pinnacles and drop-offs from 5-35 m carrying colourful sponge gardens, nudibranchs, grouper, turtles and seasonal kingfish and cobia.
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.