Meet the site
Snapper Point sits at the southern end of Merry Beach, just north of Kioloa on the Murramarang coast south of Bawley Point. The Marine Life Network lists it as a shore or boat dive, notes a 500 m walk to the point and warns of steep and dangerous access points. Its standout feature is a large cave under the rock shelf. The coast here is inside the Batemans Marine Park and backed by Murramarang National Park, so it is quiet and relatively undisturbed.
The reef drops from the rock platform into kelp and boulders, then to deeper broken reef and sand. The cave under the shelf is the main attraction: an open, overhead space that shelters fish such as eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes and cardinalfish, with sponges and sea squirts on the walls and ceiling. Outside, expect blue groper, red morwong, sweep, luderick, eastern rock blackfish and schools of yellowtail, with wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks under ledges. Weedy sea dragons are found in kelp along this coast.
Because of the walk and the rough entries, Snapper Point is mainly for experienced shore divers on flat days or for divers with their own boat. It is also a good site to combine with other Murramarang coast dives such as Pretty Beach, a more sheltered alternative, or Brush Island to the north. There is little detailed published information about the site layout, so depths here are indicative. Treat the cave with respect: it can surge powerfully, and there is no guide line or survey of it.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Snapper Point (Merry Beach) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Ulladulla. The listed access is shore or 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 Snapper Point (Merry Beach) 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 Snapper Point (Merry Beach) 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
Eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes, cardinalfish, blue groper, red morwong, sweep, luderick, eastern rock blackfish, yellowtail, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, weedy sea dragons, sponges, sea squirts
Location
Rocky point at the southern end of Merry Beach near Kioloa, reached by a 500 m walk; a large cave runs under the rock shelf. Shore or boat dive.
Facilities nearby
Parking at Merry Beach; caravan resort with kiosk nearby; no dive shop – fills at Ulladulla or Batemans 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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.