Meet the site
The Split is a deep reef just south of Jibbon Head, a few hundred metres off Royal National Park, named for the crack that runs through it. The reef is flat-topped and covered in kelp, dropping vertically to the sand. Its defining feature is a crack running north–south for a good distance, about four metres deep and two metres wide, with its floor at about 22 m; smaller cracks branch off at right angles, and there are small swim-throughs and caves along the walls. The average depth is about 26 m, with sand at 25–28 m in different areas. Storms in 2023–24 moved sand around and exposed rock formations previously hidden. The site is known for rare small creatures as much as for fish. Common sightings include kingfish, bream, blue gropers, flathead, eastern blue devilfish, several wrasse and Port Jackson sharks, especially in winter. The rarer finds are the draw: stargazers, pygmy pipehorses, upside-down pipefish just 50–60 mm long, donut nembrotha nudibranchs, purple ascidians, weedy sea dragons and many other nudibranchs. Visibility is usually good and often exceptional, 15–20 m and sometimes 35 m, because this coast sees little runoff. The depth keeps surge away, but it also limits bottom time to about 22–28 minutes on air, followed by a mandatory safety stop of at least five minutes; a current from the north sometimes adds to the challenge. The site is only minutes from Port Hacking but, with no charter operating there now, is a private-boat or club dive. It suits experienced Advanced divers, ideally on nitrox, and macro photographers who want to hunt for rare animals.
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 Split (Royal National Park) is recorded as Wall in Sydney South & Botany 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 The Split (Royal National Park) 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 Split (Royal National Park) 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
Yellowtail kingfish, bream, eastern blue groper, flathead, eastern blue devilfish, wrasse, Port Jackson shark (winter), stargazer, pygmy pipehorse, upside-down pipefish, donut nembrotha nudibranch, purple ascidians, weedy sea dragon, nudibranchs
Location
Flat-topped kelp reef dropping vertically to sand, cut by a 4 m deep, 2 m wide north–south crack, a few hundred metres off Royal National Park south of Jibbon Head; average depth 26 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure only: Port Hacking ramps – Tonkin Park/Gunnamatta Bay (Cronulla), Lilli Pilli, Bundeena – with parking and toilets; air/nitrox at Pro Dive Cronulla and Abyss (Ramsgate).
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
