Little Egypt

Meet the site

Little Egypt is named for five pyramid-shaped rocks of different sizes that stand along the edge of Bowen Island at its north-eastern corner – a miniature Giza on the shoreline. Below them the seafloor falls away dramatically, from 5–10 m at the island's perimeter to 34 m, with substantial boulders and many swim-through passages on the way down.

The site rewards exploration in both directions from the anchor. The deeper boulder fields and caves carry dense sponges, sea squirts and sea whips, and eastern blue devilfish shelter in the recesses. Weedy sea dragons forage over the boulders, and six-spined and black reef leatherjackets are everywhere. As divers work shallower they find more swim-throughs near the anchor and further cave systems in the shallow areas under the pyramids, so the last part of the dive is as interesting as the first.

McFadyen recommends the site for experienced divers because of the complex terrain and deeper sections: it is easy to lose track of depth while threading through boulders on a steep slope, and navigation among many similar passages needs care. The north-eastern corner of the island faces the bay entrance, so it wants calm conditions or westerly winds. Like the rest of Bowen Island it is within Booderee National Park and a sanctuary zone, and landing on the island is prohibited. For Advanced divers it is one of the most scenic multilevel dives at the entrance, combining depth, caves and colour in a compact area. Nitrox helps extend time on the deeper boulders.

What you might see

Eastern blue devilfish, weedy sea dragons, six-spined and black reef leatherjackets, sponges, sea squirts, sea whips, yellowtail, seapike

Location

Five pyramid-shaped rocks at the north-eastern corner of Bowen Island, where the bottom drops from 5–10 m at the island edge to 34 m, with boulders, caves and swim-throughs.

Facilities nearby

Departure from Huskisson (Dive Jervis Bay shop, air/nitrox, cafés) or Murrays Beach ramp in Booderee National Park (toilets, parking; park entry pass required).