Meet the site
Number Sixteen is the ocean beach south of Rye named for the sixteenth of the old back-beach access tracks, and it offers a shallow dive over what The Scuba Doctor describes as a series of low ledges and gullies off the edge of the sea terrace, with interesting undercuts full of fish. The maximum depth is only about 5 m, but the terrain is intricate: the limestone terrace is cut by wave-worn crevices and channels, its seaward edge is undercut into ledges where sweep, old wives, zebrafish, magpie perch, wrasse and leatherjackets crowd, and offshore the reef continues as gutters and low bommies. Weedy seadragons occur in the kelp on the outer reef, Port Jackson sharks rest under the ledges, abalone and the occasional rock lobster are in the holes, and the shallow water gives excellent light for photography. The site's particular danger is its blowholes: crevices in the terrace connect to the open sea, and the source warns that a freak wave can force a diver through one and against the rocks in a potentially fatal way, so every crevice that pulses with the swell must be avoided. The whole area is very exposed to southerly swell and very calm conditions are required – the usual back-beach prescription of long-period swell under about 1.5–2 m after several days of northerlies, at low tide. Number Sixteen suits experienced divers and strong snorkellers who enjoy shallow, intricate reef and photography on a glassy day; it should never be attempted with any swell running.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Number Sixteen Beach, Rye is recorded as Reef in Mornington Peninsula. 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.
- 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 Number Sixteen Beach, Rye 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 Number Sixteen Beach, Rye 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 seadragon, Port Jackson shark, sea sweep, old wife, zebrafish, magpie perch, bluethroat wrasse, leatherjackets, blacklip abalone, southern rock lobster, kelp, sponges
Location
Ocean beach on the Rye back-beach coast at the end of Number Sixteen Access Road off Tasman Drive, with low ledges and gullies off the sea terrace and the wreck of the Craigburn just offshore to the west-south-west.
Facilities nearby
Car park at the end of Number Sixteen Access Road; no toilets; Rye shops and The Scuba Doctor (air fills) 3 km north.
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
scubadoctor.com.auscubadoctor.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.