Meet the site
North Bowen Island is one of Jervis Bay's most versatile dives. Bowen Island forms the southern side of the bay entrance, and its northern face is protected from southerly winds and seas, making this the one outer anchorage that is often available when the rest of the coast is closed by a southerly blow.
The dive combines depth and shallow structure. From an anchorage in about 20 m the sand edge is met at around 24 m, with boulder fields extending up to 30 m from the main reef and depths beyond 27 m past the boulders. The bottom is small boulders with kelp, giving way to sand with larger scattered boulders. Closer to the island, huge boulders create small canyons and swim-throughs in 5–10 m, with multiple caves and overhangs – the most enjoyable part of the dive for many.
Weedy sea dragons are a highlight, with up to ten recorded on one dive. Squid, kingfish, leatherjackets, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, striped seapike, bream, luderick and blackfish are common, and large rays glide over the sand. Deep 6 also describes a Bowen Island multilevel site where oceanic sunfish visit cleaning stations. The profile suits Open Water divers who stay in the shallows as well as Advanced divers who start on the deeper boulders. The island is part of Booderee National Park and a sanctuary zone, and landing on it is prohibited because of its little penguin colony. Because it is so often the only outer site available in southerly weather, it can be busy with several boats on the same day; tow an SMB when surfacing away from the anchor line.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
North Bowen Island is recorded as Reef in Jervis 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 North Bowen Island suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 North Bowen 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 (up to 10 per dive), squid, kingfish, leatherjackets, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, striped seapike, bream, luderick, blackfish, large rays
Location
Huge boulders forming canyons, caves and swim-throughs off the northern side of Bowen Island, from 5 m to sand at 24–30 m; the most sheltered outer site in southerly weather.
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).
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infodeep6divingjervisbay.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.