Meet the site
The Shotgun is a Tollgate Islands site with a playful character. The Marine Life Network describes small caves and swim-throughs at 4–18 m that are popular for riding the swell through the shallow passages. Spirit Divers' site guide rated it Easy with a maximum depth of 16 m and described it as an exciting little site where, in the right conditions, water movement pushes you through the swim-throughs 'like being shot out of a barrel'. Grey nurse sharks were commonly seen passing through during dives.
The reef consists of boulders and rock formations that form short tunnels and gaps. In gentle surge, the water flows in and out of these gaps and carries divers with it, which is the source of the name. The rocks are covered in sponges, sea squirts, anemones and encrusting algae, and the passages hold eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes and cardinalfish. Blue groper, sweep, yellowtail and red morwong gather over the reef, and wobbegongs rest in the caves. Because the Tollgate Islands are a sanctuary zone, the fish are numerous.
The site suits Open Water divers who are comfortable with some surge, but the surge that makes it fun can be dangerous if the swell is bigger than expected. Follow the operator's advice, keep hands and gauges tucked in, and go through one at a time. It is a good photography site because of the grey nurse sharks and light through the swim-throughs. The published information is limited to short operator summaries, so ask the crew for a briefing on the day.
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 Shotgun (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.
- 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 The Shotgun (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 The Shotgun (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
Grey nurse sharks (passing), wobbegongs, eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes, cardinalfish, blue groper, sweep, yellowtail, red morwong, sponges, anemones
Location
Shallow swim-throughs and small caves at the Tollgate Islands, Batemans Bay, where surge 'shoots' divers through; 4–18 m.
Facilities nearby
Hanging Rock boat ramp; air and nitrox 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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.