Meet the site
The Arch is one of Jervis Bay's best-known advanced dives, a deep gully and arch below the cliffs just north of Point Perpendicular, about 200 m offshore. The gully is roughly 7 m wide and 25 m long, dropping to about 35 m, and on its eastern side at depth an underwater arch opens out – a huge suspended rock formation shaped like an ancient stone bridge, spanning about 10 m and rising some five metres above the seafloor. The arch sits at about 37 m, and depths reach 40 m further out.
Outside the gully the terrain is boulder-strewn, with small rocks and very large boulders to the north. The southern outside wall is an excellent vertical face extending for at least 100 m. The fixed growth on the arch walls and roof is outstanding – sponges, small gorgonian sprigs and anemones – and schools of striped seapike and yellowtail hang in the gully. Several species of leatherjackets are common, wobbegongs rest on the bottom and in winter the site is famous for Port Jackson sharks, with McFadyen counting up to 60 on one dive.
Visibility is normally very good, commonly 25–30 m, which adds to the sense of scale. But at 35–40 m this is a genuine deep dive: narcosis is noticeable, no-deco time is short (20–24 minutes including the gully), and the exposed location means current can occasionally run. It suits Advanced divers with deep training and experience, ideally on nitrox or with a planned staged ascent. For those divers it is a highlight of the NSW South Coast.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Arch (Jervis Bay) is recorded as Wall 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 The Arch (Jervis Bay) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 The Arch (Jervis Bay) 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
Port Jackson sharks (up to 60 in winter), wobbegongs, striped seapike, yellowtail, leatherjackets (several species), sponges, gorgonians, anemones
Location
Deep gully and underwater arch about 200 m offshore north of Point Perpendicular; the arch sits at about 37 m with a 100 m vertical wall outside and 25–30 m visibility.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson: Dive Jervis Bay shop (air, nitrox, hire), cafés, parking; Huskisson and Callala ramps.
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.aucurrarong.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.