Meet the site
Lighthouse Bay lies below the historic Montague Island lighthouse. The Marine Life Network lists it at 16 m, sheltered from northerly winds, and names several features: the Grotto sea cave, swim-throughs, and rock formations called Cathedral Rock and Church Rock. It is a good all-round dive that shows off the island's topography without the depth or current of the northern sites.
The Grotto is a sea cave at the edge of the bay, with light entering and fish sheltering in the shadows. The swim-throughs are formed by large boulders typical of Montague's granite shoreline. Cathedral Rock and Church Rock are large rock formations rising from the bottom, with steep sides covered in sponges, sea squirts and encrusting algae. Fish include blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, leatherjackets and eastern blue devilfish, and wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks rest under ledges. Seals frequently visit from the colony, and turtles and tropical fish are sometimes seen in summer when the East Australian Current pushes south.
The moderate depth, sheltered position and variety of features suit Open Water divers, and the site is often used as the second dive after a seal or grey nurse dive. Keep clear of surge in the Grotto if there is any swell. Published details are limited to the Marine Life Network's short description, so the operator's briefing on the day is the best guide. The lighthouse above is an attraction in its own right and can be visited on NPWS-guided island tours, which run separately from the dive boats.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lighthouse Bay (Montague Island) is recorded as Reef in Narooma & Montague Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- 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 Lighthouse Bay (Montague 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 Lighthouse Bay (Montague 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
Blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, leatherjackets, eastern blue devilfish, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, fur seals, turtles (summer), sponges, sea squirts
Location
Bay below the lighthouse on Montague Island, sheltered from northerly winds, with the Grotto sea cave, swim-throughs and the Cathedral Rock and Church Rock formations; about 16 m.
Facilities nearby
Narooma town wharf and marina.
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
marinelife.org.auunderwatersafaris.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.