Meet the site
Spider Cave is the most impressive cave on the southern side of the Jervis Bay entrance. It lies on the southern headland about a kilometre from the point nearest Bowen Island, where the cliff wall rises straight from 5–10 m close in to more than 25 m further out, with the reef edge near 30 m. The cave extends some 80–100 m back under the enormous cliff and has three entrances stacked one above another.
Divers typically enter at 24 m, ascend through the middle entrance at 21 m and then the top entrance at 17 m. Further in, a cavern section opens at 12 m, and the far end of the cave is at about 7 m. Deep 6 describes a 70–80 m overhead cave tapering to 16 m against the cliff face. Fish congregate near the entrances, and the sponge gardens on the wall outside are colourful; following the wall in either direction after the cave reveals boulders, overhangs and more reef.
This is a genuine overhead dive with narrow passages, so torches, gas planning and good buoyancy are essential, and cavern training is advisable for anyone going far inside. Access is the other limitation: charter boats rarely come this far from the bay mouth, and they need millpond seas; the best chance is a winter westerly spell. For experienced divers who get the conditions, it is one of the most memorable dives in Jervis Bay. The site is within Booderee National Park waters, where all marine life is protected.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Spider Cave is recorded as Cave/Cavern 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Spider Cave 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 Spider Cave 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
Sponge gardens, schooling fish at the entrances, eastern blue devilfish, wobbegongs, blue groper, leatherjackets, yellowtail
Location
Cave extending 80–100 m under the cliff of the southern headland about 1 km from the point nearest Bowen Island, with three stacked entrances at 24, 21 and 17 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson (Dive Jervis Bay shop, air/nitrox, cafés) or Murrays Beach ramp (Booderee; toilets, parking, park 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.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.