Meet the site
Kianinny Bay is the small cove on the southern side of Tathra Head that houses the town's boat ramp. Merimbula Divers Lodge lists it as an Open Water shore dive with a maximum depth of 18 m, calling it spectacular at high tide. Large boulders run from the shallow bay down to a sandy bottom at about 16 m. The shop's list of marine life includes garfish, schools of yellowtail, nudibranchs, sea hares, stingrays, pufferfish, leatherjackets and gurnards.
The boulder slope is the main feature. Boulders create overhangs and crevices where leatherjackets, wrasse and blue groper shelter, and the rock carries kelp, sponges and sea squirts. On the sand at the base, stingrays and gurnards are common, along with flathead. Nudibranchs and sea hares are found on the algae in the shallows, and garfish school near the surface. Because it is next to Tathra Wharf, it shares that site's rich growth to some degree, though without the wharf's spectacular gorgonian display.
The dive suits Open Water divers and is a straightforward alternative when the Tathra Wharf entry is too rough or too crowded with anglers. The two key rules are to dive at or near high tide, when the water covers the shallow approach, and to keep to the left of the ramp to avoid boats. Facilities are basic but the town is close. It also works as a night dive in calm conditions, when stingrays and octopus are active on the sand and among the boulders. Shore anglers use the rocks either side of the bay, so watch for lines near the edges and keep clear of anyone casting.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Kianinny Bay is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Bermagui & Tathra. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Kianinny Bay 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 Kianinny Bay 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
Garfish, yellowtail, nudibranchs, sea hares, stingrays, pufferfish, leatherjackets, gurnards, flathead, blue groper, wrasse, kelp, sponges
Location
Small bay with the Tathra boat ramp just south of Tathra Head; large boulders from the shallows down to sand at about 16–18 m, dived at or near high tide.
Facilities nearby
Boat-ramp car park; Tathra shops and cafés close by; nearest air fills Merimbula or Eden.
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
merimbuladiverslodge.com.aumerimbuladiverslodge.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.