Meet the site
Jimmies Island is a small island inside Batemans Bay, and it is one of the sites Beneath the Bay uses for divers of all levels. The Marine Life Network lists Jimmy's Island at 6–18 m inside the Batemans Bay Marine Park and describes it as well known for good fish life, including sea dragons, with gutters, swim-throughs and overhangs. A bommie near the island, called Jimmy's Secret, has similar gutters, swim-throughs and overhangs and rich fish life. NSW DPIRD also lists Jimmies Island among the grey nurse shark areas where special rules apply.
The island's reef is mostly rock and boulders with kelp and crayweed on the upper surfaces and sponges and sea squirts in the gutters. The gutters and swim-throughs are short and open, suitable for newer divers with good buoyancy. Weedy sea dragons are found over the kelp. Fish include blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail, bream and leatherjackets, with wobbegongs and eastern blue devilfish under the ledges and octopus in the rocks. Rays and flathead are on the sand.
The site suits Open Water divers, training dives and relaxed fun dives. Its position inside the bay means it can be dived when the outer sites are too rough, but it is also where rain runoff reduces visibility first. Published coordinates were not found; ask the operator for the location. Grey nurse shark rules apply around the island. Jimmy's Secret makes a good second dive, since it is close by and has a similar mix of gutters and fish without the crowds.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Jimmies Island is recorded as Island in Batemans 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Jimmies Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Jimmies Island 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
Weedy sea dragons, blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail, bream, leatherjackets, wobbegongs, eastern blue devilfish, octopus, rays, flathead, kelp, sponges
Location
Small island inside Batemans Bay with gutters, swim-throughs and overhangs to 18 m; known for good fish life and sea dragons. A nearby bommie is called Jimmy's Secret.
Facilities nearby
Hanging Rock boat ramp; air and nitrox at Beneath the Bay.
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
beneaththebay.com.aumarinelife.org.audpird.nsw.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.