Meet the site
Occy Point is on the western side of the Tollgate Islands, the sheltered side of the group that faces the mainland. The Marine Life Network describes it as an easy and sheltered dive renowned for the octopus found around the bases of the bommies, along with nudibranchs, sea dragons and rays. Spirit Divers' guide rates it Easy with a maximum of 16 m, calls it a dependable site that is usually good in most conditions, and mentions octopus building and tending their dens. The Abyss guide adds turtles and grey nurse sharks, which move around the islands in summer.
The reef consists of a series of bommies and boulders on sand and rubble, with kelp on the upper surfaces and sponges and sea squirts in the shade. Octopus dens are easy to spot by the piles of broken shells outside them, and the octopus are usually tolerant of a patient diver. Nudibranchs are common on the sponges, and weedy sea dragons drift over the kelp. Rays and flathead sit on the sand, and fish include blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail and eastern blue devilfish. Because the islands are a sanctuary zone, the fish are plentiful and relaxed.
This is one of the easiest dives in Batemans Bay, suitable for new divers, training and photographers who want time with small animals. It works as a night dive too. When a southerly swell rules out the outer sites, Occy Point is often the first choice. Operators sometimes link it with Tiger Reef nearby.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Occy Point (Tollgate Islands) is recorded as Reef in Batemans 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Occy Point (Tollgate Islands) 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 Occy Point (Tollgate Islands) 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
Octopus, nudibranchs, weedy sea dragons, rays, flathead, blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail, eastern blue devilfish, turtles (occasional), grey nurse sharks (summer, passing)
Location
Easy, sheltered reef on the western side of the Tollgate Islands in Batemans Bay, known for octopus around the bases of its bommies; to 16 m.
Facilities nearby
Hanging Rock boat ramp; air and nitrox fills at Beneath the Bay.
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
spiritdiversdotcomdotau.wordpress.commarinelife.org.auabyss.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.