Hyams Beach

Meet the site

Hyams Beach is famous for having some of the whitest sand in the world, and it draws crowds of beachgoers every summer. For divers the interest lies not on the beach itself but on the reef off its southern end. The Marine Life Network describes Hyams as the better shore dive in this part of the bay: entry is via the Cyrus Street boat ramp, followed by a swim of about 100 m east to a series of parallel ledges at 8–10 m.

The ledges are low but continuous, undercut in places and running parallel to the shore, so navigation is simple – follow one out and another back. Wobbegongs rest under the overhangs, and reef fish such as blue groper, luderick, leatherjackets and wrasse are common, with cuttlefish and rays over the sand. The brilliant white sand reflects light and makes the water look exceptionally clear on a calm day, and seagrass patches near the shore hold small creatures worth a look on the way out. The point at Little Hyams to the north has its own snorkelling reef.

Conditions are the main limitation. The beach faces east across the bay and is poor in easterly swell or strong north-easterly winds, which are common on summer afternoons, so early mornings and westerly days are best. The boat ramp is busy, and swimmers crowd the beach in summer, so divers must tow a float. Parking is scarce and restricted during peak season. For divers based in Vincentia or Huskisson, Hyams is an easy, rewarding shallow dive and an excellent snorkel.

What you might see

Wobbegongs, blue groper, luderick, leatherjackets, wrasse, cuttlefish, rays, seagrass fauna

Location

Famous white-sand beach on the western shore of Jervis Bay; the better shore dive is along parallel reef ledges at 8–10 m reached by swimming about 100 m east from the Cyrus Street boat ramp.

Facilities nearby

Limited street parking (restrictions in peak season), toilets and a café/general store in Hyams Beach; fills at Huskisson.