Hopper Barge 656 Wreck Dive
Quick facts on our Hopper Barge 656 wreck dive
- Location: 3NM offshore Long Reef Artificial Reef Area
- Diver Level: T1/ Tec45
- Depth: 45-51m
- Recommended Gas: 21% & 50% / 21/20 & 50% / 21/35 & 50%
- Dive time: 25-30min BT / 60-75min TRT
- Visibility: 5m to 40m
- Season: All year
Dive a great Sydney wreck off Long Reef
The Hopper barge 656 was constructed in 1957, made of steel, was 206 Gross tonnes, LOA of 46.9 metres, and was owned by the NSW Maritime Service Board (MSB). The barge was scuttled in 1980 off Long Reef in the northern part of the artificial reef area.
Sydney wreck diving at its best
The Hopper Barge 656 sits upright surrounded by sand, generally in a west to east direction. This is a very interesting wreck dive with most of the wreck still fully intact; however it is starting to show signs of its age, with some large holes in deck sheeting on the port and starboard hull in several areas, also some areas have fallen in around the forward hold. The power plant room is very similar to the void found on the Trio with a large free standing valve wheel in the centre of the room, technical scuba divers can enter the power plant room via one hole located in the hold bulkhead, several other areas can be penetrated but caution must be taken due to some degradation and siltation.
A fish-filled feast for the eyes
Large numbers of fish can be seen throughout the wreck or around the surrounding sand. The wreck lays in 48 metres of water with the hull around 44 metres with technical scuba divers getting an average of 46 metres.
Come wreck diving with us!
Sydney wreck diving doesn’t get much better than this. Dive Sydney with the best scuba diving team in the business!
Jesse Grien
01:52 05 May 25
Had a great double boat dive with these guys.
Everyone was very helpful and friendly, definitely our go to place for Sydney diving now.
Everyone was very helpful and friendly, definitely our go to place for Sydney diving now.
Emily Morrison
03:21 22 Apr 25
First time diving in Australia! Had the best most relaxing morning and saw so many beautiful and large sharks, cuttlefish, numerous amounts of fish, sea stars, coral galore and more! Thank you and I’ll be back!!!
Brad Jaillet
22:33 08 Apr 25
One of the best dives I have ever been on! Jason and his crew were amazing and really helpful with everything. They made a decision that morning to change sites because of the swell, and he took us to an amazing site with a lot of sharks and other wildlife. When I get back to Sydney, the first thing I do will be to book multiple more dives with them. 10/10 Experience!
Terence Pham
08:50 07 Apr 25
I recently had the pleasure of diving with Jason and Alize from Sydney Dive Charters and cannot recommend them highly enough. From the moment we arrived, the team was professional, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. Their attention to safety and detail during the pre-dive checks and briefing was outstanding — everything was thorough, well-explained.
The crew’s knowledge of the local dive sites was top-tier. Each location was well-chosen based on conditions and experience levels, and their insights into the marine life and underwater features made the dives even more memorable. You can really tell they’re passionate about what they do and committed to providing an exceptional experience.
If you’re looking for a safe, well-organised diving experience in Sydney, this is the charter to book. Can’t wait to come back for another trip!
The crew’s knowledge of the local dive sites was top-tier. Each location was well-chosen based on conditions and experience levels, and their insights into the marine life and underwater features made the dives even more memorable. You can really tell they’re passionate about what they do and committed to providing an exceptional experience.
If you’re looking for a safe, well-organised diving experience in Sydney, this is the charter to book. Can’t wait to come back for another trip!
Ian Mayo
08:20 05 Apr 25
Amazing experience, fantastic hire gear, Both Jason and Alize were awesome DMs and guided us through really cool places. And most importantly, sooo many sharks! I highly recommend and I'll be diving with them again.
Joel Turley
10:38 30 Mar 25
We went diving recently with Jason and his team and couldn’t recommend them more.
The smaller group size meant we were treated to a more personalised experience, catering to all levels of diving experience.
The smaller group size meant we were treated to a more personalised experience, catering to all levels of diving experience.
Andy Nunn
21:35 05 Mar 25
Amazing diving! Would definitely book with them again.
Two excellent dive sites - Apartments was the best. Nurse sharks everywhere
Two excellent dive sites - Apartments was the best. Nurse sharks everywhere
Riccardo Privolizzi
23:32 26 Feb 25
Had a great time doing my DSD at Shelly Beach with Jason! He was expert, professional and friendly put up with my jet lag 🙂 ! We were lucky to see some beautiful sea life and I would definitely come back for a full dive. Thank you!
Dexter R
22:55 24 Feb 25
Had a great double boat dive with Sydney Dive Charters in Magic Point and Old Man‘s Hat！Visibility is so good and the whole trip is amazing!
sarah handebeaux
09:55 23 Feb 25
Took good care of us, gave us hot soup between dives, and was efficient and on time. Great service thank you!
Gary kennedy
11:59 15 Feb 25
Did two boat dives today 15/02/25 with Sydney dive charters, everything was top notch from booking the trip, the hire equipment and down to both dive sites. Our group was led by Jason who pointed out all the interesting things to see from carpet sharks to cuttlefish, would definitely dive with Sydney dive charters next time I am in Sydney.
Isabel Dalton
09:53 31 Jan 25
I had an absolutely phenomenal time! I saw nudibranchs, sharks, groupers, and shrimp. My guide, Jason, was so wonderful and made sure to point out all the cool little organisms!
Sophie Stoneham
02:09 13 Jan 25
My wife and I had such a fantastic dive with Jason and the team at Sydney Dive Charters.
We did one shore dive from Shelly Beach to dust off the cobwebs as we hadn’t dived in a while. Jason was super approachable, clear with his gear instructions and patient.
Jason is clearly very passionate about what he does and has a wealth of knowledge of the local wildlife and dive sites.
We did a second day of diving at The Apartments. Another fab dive and well organised trip.
Loved it and would totally used SDC again.
Thanks!
We did one shore dive from Shelly Beach to dust off the cobwebs as we hadn’t dived in a while. Jason was super approachable, clear with his gear instructions and patient.
Jason is clearly very passionate about what he does and has a wealth of knowledge of the local wildlife and dive sites.
We did a second day of diving at The Apartments. Another fab dive and well organised trip.
Loved it and would totally used SDC again.
Thanks!
Reese Miller
05:37 06 Jan 25
Great Diving experience! Both DMs were super knowledgeable about the sites. Pick up, drop off and gear rental was very easy. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a chartered dive.
Austin Harper
03:21 31 Dec 24
Wish I had three thumbs so I could put them all up. This was my first dive, and Jason clearly went above and beyond to make it the safest, most engaging, and most fun it could be. I was given all the information I could need, but also not overloaded on my first time. On the dive Jason was right by my side at first, but gave me little spaces to practice and learn as the dive went on while also staying close if correction was needed.
If you're looking for a place to try diving, I don't know what more you could want! 11/10 would recommend.
If you're looking for a place to try diving, I don't know what more you could want! 11/10 would recommend.
Nathan Pelling
07:56 29 Dec 24
Travelled to Sydney from the UK and wanted to experience the under water delights and all I can say is it did not disappoint.
I found Sydney dive charters to be personable, professional and above all else SAFE.
Small, well organised groups with well maintained gear and boat.
Choosing a dive charter can be a minefield but these guys made everything easy from start to finish.
A special thanks to Alizee for being my guide for the week.
Hope to see you all again soon!
I found Sydney dive charters to be personable, professional and above all else SAFE.
Small, well organised groups with well maintained gear and boat.
Choosing a dive charter can be a minefield but these guys made everything easy from start to finish.
A special thanks to Alizee for being my guide for the week.
Hope to see you all again soon!
Lochlan Taylor
10:01 28 Dec 24
Sydney Dive charters was very fun and professional. I dove at Bluefish Valley and Bluefish Point. Unfortunately, these sites did not host any grey nurse sharks and there was little other life, but that is of course not the fault of the crew. The crew was very professional, kind, patient, knowledgeable, and courteous. I rented gear, and it was all high quality and they provided me with the proper sizing and weights. I would recommend Sydney dive charters for any of your diving wishes!
CJ
08:51 22 Dec 24
Did a Double Boat Dive with my Husband three weeks ago. As it was my first boat dive in Sydney. So we organised a private guide. Jason guided both me and my husband. He was awesome, gave us a really great dive briefing and made me feel really at ease. The boat is comfortable. The dive gear is really high quality. And it was all ready and setup on the boat. The visibility was not great during this weekend, but Jason has amazing knowledge and managed to find us a good spot to dive.
Micaela Chutrau
08:43 22 Dec 24
I had my first dive today with Sydney Dive Charters and Im already looking forward to the next! It was my first dive in a long time (4 years), but despite being the most inexperienced by far on the boat I was made to feel extremely welcomed and taken care of. The sea was choppy, the water was freezing, but once I was under little did any of that matter! We saw some sharks, octopus, manta rays and big groups of fish. My favourite part was going into a cave/tunnel at Apartments. A huge thanks to Jason and the rest of the team for such an amazing day.
Justine Byra (Azurnage)
23:03 21 Dec 24
Top diving center 👍 Great supervision, attentive instructors, perfect security, complete explanations.
I am delighted with my dives 🙂
I am delighted with my dives 🙂
Maria Garcia
11:10 15 Dec 24
Small groups, excellent guidance, and helpful attitude. I recommend this local company and giving Sydney diving a go! We are lucky to have waters rich in wildlife and plenty of dive sites to explore 🙂
Ciaran
07:15 08 Dec 24
Best boat dive in Sydney. Awesome dive. Great crew, great dive-masters. They keep groups small. Only boat dive I will do in Sydney now!
Amanda Botzer
08:45 03 Dec 24
We had an excellent experience diving with Sydney Dive Charters, and Jason was a great guide. It was easy to book the trip, and the pickup at manly warf was simple. The gear provided was top tier and the shore dive was a neat way to experience Sydney’s harbor. On the day we dived, there was low visibility and Jason did a great job keeping track of us and pointing us to the sea life. We would use this dive company again.
Sarah Dickson-Hoyle
09:22 01 Dec 24
Great day diving with Jason and team! They dive with much smaller groups (just 4 of us, compared to the 15++ I saw piling onto another company's boat!) and did a great job of managing divers of different experience/skill levels. Hopefully I can make it back for a shark dive one day!
stanley hadden
00:07 30 Nov 24
Very good dives on the double boat dive with very informative guides. Would definitely recommend!
Isabelle Woodard
23:35 28 Nov 24
Such an incredible experience! I had never dived before this and Jason created such a relaxing atmosphere. He had brilliant knowledge of all the wildlife and of course diving that I feel like I really took so much away from the whole experience. I would highly recommend and when I come back to Manly I will definitely be going out again with Jason. Highlight of my trip!
Matilda Lindman
10:17 25 Nov 24
Wonderful experience! Friendly, professional staff with great knowledge of the surrounding dive spots and wildlife. The two dive sites of the day were chosen with great care regarding current conditions and we saw plenty of wildlife. Would definitely recommend!
Jonathan Watkinson
03:22 17 Nov 24
Jason and team do a great job - clearly a well run, professional operation, which considers the capabilities and preferences of the group. Highly recommend them for diving in Sydney!
K Temple
12:21 05 Nov 24
Sydney Dive Charters is my go to dive boat in Sydney. It is the best quality equipment and I always get a good bottom time from the dives (no 30 mins dives because one person needs to go up when I still have 150 bar). Always the highlight of the weekend. A few weekends ago we had a seal come play with us!
gilbert schneider
09:56 04 Nov 24
gray, rainy day!
What could be better than exploring the wonderful underwater world with Sydney Dive Charter: small group, friendly atmosphere which gives confidence even to a great novice like me, having not dived for 40
years.
Many thanks to the great diving instructors, Alizée and Jason
What could be better than exploring the wonderful underwater world with Sydney Dive Charter: small group, friendly atmosphere which gives confidence even to a great novice like me, having not dived for 40
years.
Many thanks to the great diving instructors, Alizée and Jason
pascale noel
09:50 04 Nov 24
While the dive was a little difficult because the sea was a little rough, we felt so safe with Sydney dive charters because it is always a small group with two super dive masters who takes good care of each of the clients. And it is very nice when you get out of the water to have a little hot towel, and hot tea with chocolate biscuits.
David Amey
03:48 03 Nov 24
Had a great time yesterday with double boat dive off North and South head. Everything straight forward and professional. Good equipment, good dive guides, no fuss, very engaging. Particularly liked the twin torch that Jason had to spot and show off all the marine life. Thanks
Sarah Dunn
05:58 13 Oct 24
Had a great double boat dive with Sydney Dive Charters. The pre-dive briefing was the most thorough I’ve ever heard, with safety at the forefront and lots of additional diving tips. Perfect for those who may be a beginner or a little rusty. The guide was always aware of where her diving group was and accompanied divers up to the surface who went through their air quicker than others, and continued the dive with the remainder of the group so that all divers got the most out of their dive. Saw lots of grey nurse sharks, blue groupers, octopus, cuttlefish and interesting seascape! A really enjoyable and safe diving experience!
Maria Fure
02:50 08 Oct 24
We had our first-ever dive in Australia last weekend with Jason from Sydney Dive Charters and had such a blast. We hadn't dived in a while, but Jason was kind and patient, making us feel safe and comfortable. He took us to see seals and sharks, which was exactly what we were hoping to see. There were also heaps of whales to see from the boat, which made the experience even better. We couldn't recommend this dive more and look forward to come back for a second dive. Thank you, Jason!
Mikaela Alger
21:50 06 Oct 24
We had a great dive with Sydney Dive Charter! Alizee was a great dive master and communication and coordination from the shop and was excellent. I would definitely do future dives with SDC if I am ever back in the area.
Wytse Monsma
07:20 05 Oct 24
As a novice diver (OW 6 dives) I was a bit nervous diving outside my home country first time. We got taken care of very well and were guided perfectly despite the big swells and currents. Gear was also in top condition. Thank you very much!
Scott Larking
23:31 26 Sep 24
I did the discover scuba diving and had a great time. Jason was a great teacher and knowledgeable about the fish that he took me to see.
Ray DiNardi
10:24 22 Sep 24
Had a great time time diving with Sydney Dive Charters. Dive masters were great and very knowledgeable about the dive sites. Would absolutely dive with them again and would recommend others to get on their trip to the apartment.
Esther Wong
03:48 15 Sep 24
Went for a double boat dive with Jason and Alizee on a beautiful Saturday morning. It was a smaller boat with a small group compared to other dive companies, making the experience not stressful and personable.
We first dived at The Apartments and later on at North Harbour Aquatic Reserve. Despite being not the season, we managed to see 1x grey nurse shark. We also saw plenty of marine life like giant cuttlefish, port Jackson sharks and many more.
Gear and tank hire were all ready on the boat when we were picked up from Rose Bay and the whole process was very smooth and easy. Jason and Alizee were both friendly and knowledgable. They’re patient with pre dive info and any questions we had. Both are experts on diving in Sydney and NSW, with a wealth of knowledge on different fish species in the area.
We unfortunately dropped our camera after the first dive, but Jason has been very helpful with providing an email to confirm the loss of our items so we can claim from our travel insurance after our dives.
We couldn’t have asked for a better crew to take us out - we will definitely be back to dive with Jason and Alizee, and highly recommend everyone else to reach out to them for a dive in Sydney - you will not be disappointed!
Thank you very much Jason and Alizee!
We first dived at The Apartments and later on at North Harbour Aquatic Reserve. Despite being not the season, we managed to see 1x grey nurse shark. We also saw plenty of marine life like giant cuttlefish, port Jackson sharks and many more.
Gear and tank hire were all ready on the boat when we were picked up from Rose Bay and the whole process was very smooth and easy. Jason and Alizee were both friendly and knowledgable. They’re patient with pre dive info and any questions we had. Both are experts on diving in Sydney and NSW, with a wealth of knowledge on different fish species in the area.
We unfortunately dropped our camera after the first dive, but Jason has been very helpful with providing an email to confirm the loss of our items so we can claim from our travel insurance after our dives.
We couldn’t have asked for a better crew to take us out - we will definitely be back to dive with Jason and Alizee, and highly recommend everyone else to reach out to them for a dive in Sydney - you will not be disappointed!
Thank you very much Jason and Alizee!
Allana Pitcher
07:36 08 Sep 24
Jason was professional and punctual. No mucking around, straight into diving. I really enjoyed the two dives, thanks Sydney Dive Charters.
Jan Miguel Deogracias
01:13 30 Aug 24
Diving wasn't in my itinerary but I had a free day and there was a slot in one of the weekday diving schedule. So I grabbed it and had the best time! Felt like a VIP, with Sir Jason as by dive buddy. Booking was easy and the equipment for hire was top notch. Total had 2 shore dives in Shelly Beach, both about an hour long, and lots of remaining air to spare! And even it was my first time winter diving (I'm used to tropical waters), it was tolerable after some time thanks to 7mm wetsuits!
Jack Wang
21:17 26 Aug 24
Great dives! Jason was a great guide. Port Jacksons, giant cuttlefish, common octopus, some nudis, frog fish, a few stone fish and a few Wobbegongs.
a v
08:27 24 Jul 24
Had the best time with Sydney Dive Charters!
Before booking my dive, I had a call with them to ask for recommendations since I haven’t really tried scuba diving in Sydney yet so I wanted to make sure to choose a package that’s worth it for me! They were very responsive and helpful — answering all my questions and concerns swiftly.
During the dive day, my instructor, Jason, was sooo helpful. He made sure that I am comfortable and having fun the entire time. I’ve never had a very hands-on instructor ever!!! It was a premium experience 😁
Thank you, Sydney Dive Charters!! 10/10 would recommend for sureeee ❤️
Before booking my dive, I had a call with them to ask for recommendations since I haven’t really tried scuba diving in Sydney yet so I wanted to make sure to choose a package that’s worth it for me! They were very responsive and helpful — answering all my questions and concerns swiftly.
During the dive day, my instructor, Jason, was sooo helpful. He made sure that I am comfortable and having fun the entire time. I’ve never had a very hands-on instructor ever!!! It was a premium experience 😁
Thank you, Sydney Dive Charters!! 10/10 would recommend for sureeee ❤️
N Wiggans
21:35 17 Jul 24
Thank you, Kieran, for an incredible diving experience with 4 memorable dives. Throughout, I felt safe and genuinely cared for as a customer. By the end of our last dive, it felt like I had gained a friend. Kieran, our dive instructor, played a crucial role in ensuring I experienced everything I had hoped for and more. Without him, it wouldn't have been as exceptional. I hope to visit again soon.
Kim Larsen
23:59 06 Jul 24
Had a great experience with Sydney Dive Charters this weekend 😎🤙
Went to Magic Point and enjoyed swimming with the graynurse 🦈.
Thank you for making my day!
Went to Magic Point and enjoyed swimming with the graynurse 🦈.
Thank you for making my day!
Steve Croft
09:04 06 Jul 24
The TSS Currajong was an awesome dive albeit a little cold.
2am in winter probably not for everyone, but then difficult to access the wreck given it lies in the Sydney Harbour ferry routes.
Thanks Sydney Dive Charters.
2am in winter probably not for everyone, but then difficult to access the wreck given it lies in the Sydney Harbour ferry routes.
Thanks Sydney Dive Charters.
josh goulston
00:50 29 Jun 24
Thoroughly enjoyed our dive last night. The team were very professional and knowledgeable
Matthew Alt
07:49 21 Jun 24
Jason and his team were awesome to work with. 6 of us guys went for our first ever discovery dive and we saw some cool marine life and got a great intro into scuba. Would totally recommend! Looking forward to coming back.
Melissa Moore
00:04 19 May 24
Great dive! But disappointed we paid for photos but cameraman wasn’t there 😢
Ida Amalie Spets
01:19 05 May 24
Had two awesome dives with Sydney Dive Charters! They were professional, had lots of knowledge about diving in the area and provided an amazing diving experience - probably two of my favourite dives so far since getting my OW certificate. I am definitely booking another dive with these guys the next time I’m in Sydney!
Maryalice Rosa
08:06 30 Apr 24
Great dives with great guides! We saw grey nurse sharks, giant cuttlefish, wobbegongs, and more! With everything we saw, it felt like we were on vacation somewhere far away, but it was just a short boat ride from Sydney harbor!
Tung Nguyen
12:00 11 Apr 24
First dive at The Apartment was amazing - grey nurse sharks cruising among thousands of promfrets. Second dive was also good with giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson and Wobbegong sharks. Boat was a bit small but easy to get on and off. Sea was a bit choppy on the day (aka normal diving conditions for Sydney) so seasick tablets were certainly required.
Elisabeth J
03:02 10 Apr 24
Thank you so much for making my dive trip possible! After having to cancel two days due to the storm, Jason put a lot of effort into giving me a dive before I had to leave. He has a good eye for rays! Very professional, friendly and fun!
Michael Graybeal
23:10 06 Apr 24
Jason and his team did an AMAZING job! My 14 year old son and I had a blast. We did a shore dive off of Shelley beach where we saw a giant cuttlefish eating a wobbegong shark! The next day we went up to the Apartments and saw quite a few sharks. What a great time!
Tomas Ducaud
10:03 05 Apr 24
Awesome operation! We were in Sydney on vacation and decided to die with Sydney Dive Charters and don't regret it one bit! We dove the Apartments and South Reef and saw tons of sharks, wobbegongs, massive cuttlefish, even a nudibranch resting on a wobbegong! I'd definitely repeat if I ever find myself in Sydney again.
Hamza El Bellaj
03:33 05 Apr 24
I had a great dive with Jason. He knew where all the sea animals were hiding and he also introduced me to his friend “the blue groper aka groupie”. Never seen such a connection before… if you’re looking for a nice easy dive with a lot to see, Cabbage tree bay is the place. Definitely ask for Jason 👌
rich mcd
03:28 05 Apr 24
I was not sure what to expect with a dive in Sydney but was pleasantly surprised as the marine life at the site that we dived was great.
Cuttlefish, nurse sharks, wobbegongs were the highlight with lots of others on display. I've done alot of diving so I know what good (and bad) looks like!
On time boat (tick), good rental gear (tick), short travel to dive site (tick), great dive briefing (tick) friendly but focus boat crew (tick) diving was exactly as described (tick)
Thanks Jason and team. We will be back.
Cuttlefish, nurse sharks, wobbegongs were the highlight with lots of others on display. I've done alot of diving so I know what good (and bad) looks like!
On time boat (tick), good rental gear (tick), short travel to dive site (tick), great dive briefing (tick) friendly but focus boat crew (tick) diving was exactly as described (tick)
Thanks Jason and team. We will be back.
Kristen Knight
03:08 02 Apr 24
We had a great dive today with Jason & Sharkie they accommodated us super last min and has us in the water with amazing animals and all our gear set up and ready to go. Thanks again guys for the memorable dive with amazing animals.
Aanika Patel
03:32 29 Mar 24
We had a great experience with Jason! One of my favorite/best dives, highly recommend!
Rewa Narsana
03:32 29 Mar 24
Amazing private service with a super knowledgeable guide!! An experienced diver and had a great time diving off of Manly in Aus. Highly recommend.
Laurent Dup
15:38 28 Mar 24
Very warm welcome from Jason, who came to pick me up from the Ferry at Manly Wharf. Clear in his explanations and his briefing. Pleasant one-hour dive departing from Shelly Beach. Saw many rays, drays, blue grapers and leatherjackets. It's a shame not to have seen a shark or a turtle, but that's part of the game, it's not like diving in an aquarium. Jason had also been responsive in answering all my questions by email in previous weeks.
Brett Colvin
06:28 24 Mar 24
Jason , Alizee and Aisha from Sydney Dive Charters were amazing today - We had Alizee as our guide who fantastic and helpful throughout the day both in the water and out. . Aisha captained the boat and looked after us on board. Jason runs a professional set up with fantastic crew and a fast boat to get you in the water quickly . I thoroughly recommend Sydney dive charters . We will be return customers
Vanessa Pham
08:32 23 Mar 24
Beautiful day diving with Jason and the team. Everything was done swiftly and professionally, making it such a pleasant and comfortable experience! We look forward to going again soon 😊
Kevin Fitzsimons
09:22 18 Mar 24
I was promised sharks, and I sure got them! Great day on the water with Jason, will definitely be back! Can’t recommend enough!
Kathleen Donaway
01:49 09 Mar 24
Very professional dive company with helpful crew. Had a great experience at the Apartments and another site and they were very accommodating to those who were unwell, had great snacks, etc. Will absolutely dive with Sydney Dive Charters next time I'm in the area!
Arshad M
05:08 08 Mar 24
Had a great day diving with Jason and Aisha. Equipment was great and dive sites were incredible with lots of marine life.
Marcus Levy
21:27 06 Mar 24
Experienced, well organised team. All gear sorted and rigged before dive. Good pre dive briefing and we were lucky to have amazing visibility on our dive saw some beatiful sea life. All round excellent dive and team.
Frida Johansson
22:16 02 Mar 24
I really enjoyed the diving which lasted over 70 minutes since the water was quite shallow. Hoped to see some grey nurse sharks but got to see lots of other animals. Felt like a small dive centre with a familiar vibe.
Caitlin Attwell
21:12 02 Mar 24
We accompanied Jason and Aisha on a double boat dive yesterday to Bluefish Valley and Bluefish Point. We were lucky enough to see a variety of wildlife including grey nurse sharks, a bronze whaler, cuttlefish, a turtle and plenty of fish. Jason was highly knowledgeable and briefed us on the dive sites very well. All the equipment and boat were to a high standard and Aisha was very helpful.
Nigel Attwell
20:32 02 Mar 24
Had a great day with Sydney Dive Charters. Sharks, Turtles and so many fish. Great fun
Rod Jones
08:04 02 Mar 24
An excellent days diving with Sydney Dive Charters. Thank you Jason and Ayesha!
Matias Fevre
00:37 17 Feb 24
Awesome dive with Jason. They are just great and made the dive fun since I approached the boat ramp (in Manly!) and until I left back home. I will definitely repeat!
Tom Larby
21:30 11 Feb 24
In tough conditions the Syd Dive charter team still ensured we got our dives in and provided good and interesting local knowledge. For those new to diving would recommend following the guidance on required experience on the website. Thanks again team!
Martin Nester
04:22 31 Jan 24
Jason took me out for a shore dive at Fairlight Beach at manly wharf. Sick dive and had a blast in the water
U Miss
08:59 14 Jan 24
Jason is so professional guide. He know well how care fishes and customer. I just follow him. He care ahout me like princess. I’m so thankful about it. But i highly recommend preparing pill of seasickness when you go boat diving.
It depends on person. For me it’s little hard. For sure that day have strong waves. Someone else calm of the waves😂. Anyway i saw sharks and seahorse and bluefishes and giant calamari etc…! It was amazing memory in sydney ocean😇
It depends on person. For me it’s little hard. For sure that day have strong waves. Someone else calm of the waves😂. Anyway i saw sharks and seahorse and bluefishes and giant calamari etc…! It was amazing memory in sydney ocean😇
Mat Cornish
01:18 26 Dec 23
Booked from the UK, great communications, top notch gear (if renting), Jason and his team are the ones to dive with in and around Sydney, first class. One of the best operators I have dived with in nearly 1000 dives. Final observation is that Sydney doesn’t get enough good press for diving, just around the heads are some great sites and wildlife. Sydney Dive Charters know them all!
Bernard Mills
00:03 25 Dec 23
Went diving with these guys Christmas Eve 2023. Wonderfully well set up little boat, highly professional skipper and dive master, good gear, and awesome sights. Thoroughly recommend!
Lyndal Robson
03:46 17 Dec 23
Going out on a Tec Dive recently with Sydney Dive Charters was fantastic! Jason and Aisha made the whole process smooth and easy – they know exactly what you need help with and when, lugging around heavy dive gear. They know where the best sites are in any given conditions and they make everyone feel welcome and a part of something fun. I highly recommend diving with Sydney Dive Charters!
Marc Russheim
23:22 09 Dec 23
Amazing crew with Jason and the team being incredibly experienced and the double boat dives are simply a smooth and enjoyable day out exploring some of Sydney's best dive sites
Giulia Filippini
01:29 14 Nov 23
Yesterday, I had an incredible scuba diving experience with Jason as my guide. The dive was amazing, and Jason expertly showed me the underwater world at Shelly beach. I added a few pics of our dive 🙂
Scott Joseph
09:04 29 Oct 23
I've only been diving with them once, but it was a very good trip! I hired their BCD and regulator - great quality, and it was even a wing BCD, rather than a jacket (pleasant surprise!). They accommodated having a drysuit regulator ready for me to go (not typical). I went on a Friday, so the boat was only half full, so plenty of space. Both crew and passengers were all friendly, and crew went above & beyond to help. Well maintained boat. One downside is we didn't split off into smaller groups when a few divers, both dives, got to 50 bar after 30 minutes. But to be fair, I didn't ask beforehand about how we can handle this situation. And based on the owner's reply to this review, sounds they're 100% cool with it!! Thanks so much Jason & crew!
Cheryl Ng
09:26 23 Oct 23
As a tourist, I try to fit in diving wherever I'm going, and conduct a thorough research of reviews and dive sites from companies I dive with. From the start of the booking to end, I felt super comfortable with the team at Sydney Dive Charters. I called in for my reservation, and was given tips to arrive on time at the Rose Bay Quarry and also what equipment to rent (as the weather was quite cold). All the documentation was done through signing forms online (super convenient), with a phone number to reach directly (call/message) in case of any questions. On the dive boat, everything is set up already, so I didn't need to haul any tanks on from one location to another (which I experienced poorly with another company). While preparing for the dives, the team was great to help with the equipment in case we had trouble putting it on, and I felt well taken care of and safe diving! The visibility wasn't the greatest, but Jason still led the dives and was able to point out a few sharks we saw underwater. I would highly recommend Sydney Dive Charters.
Catrina Bargwanna
07:22 23 Oct 23
Thank you Sydney Dive Charters for a wonderful experience! I hadn’t been for a dive in years and so I did a refresher course with shore dive. Jason was very patient and explained things really clearly which helped me get my confidence back. I also felt very safe and supported by him on our dive which helped me feel at ease and able to enjoy the dive. Saw lots of wonderful sea life and am well and truly hooked again!
Gillian
03:44 01 Oct 23
I went diving with Jason and the team last week and it was absolutely amazing! They're very knowledgable about diving and showed us a fantastic dive site called "The Apartments". We saw so many different species of sharks which was an absolute highlight for someone like me who loves sharks. Will definitely dive with Sydney Dive Charters again soon!
Jack Harman
04:38 25 Sep 23
Had two awesome boat dives with Sydney Dive Charters. Jason and the team were extremely professional and reassuring to have in the water and gave divers a good sense of comfort when exploring the dive site! We saw whales and seals from the boat as well as Grey Nurse sharks, Port Jackson Sharks, Bulls rays and a huge school or Pomfret in water It was a great experience and will definitely be going again in the future!
Matthias Comfort
09:11 11 Sep 23
Had a great day out diving with them!
Family & Local run operation, service was friendly and more personal than most large dive companies!
Dive boa and rental gear was all in good condition and safety was well briefed & looked after.
The dive sites chosen on the day were great, sharks & seals aplenty!
I will be booking with them again!
Cheers Jason & Team 👍🏼
Family & Local run operation, service was friendly and more personal than most large dive companies!
Dive boa and rental gear was all in good condition and safety was well briefed & looked after.
The dive sites chosen on the day were great, sharks & seals aplenty!
I will be booking with them again!
Cheers Jason & Team 👍🏼
Yoan Bourgeault-Gagnon
17:50 26 Mar 23
Jason and Aisha were amazing. We had a wonderful day. The dives were absolutely memorable, with grey Nurse sharks, a cute cuttlefish, banded shrimps, a sponge gardens & many giant schools of fish. Everything was well organised. The diving equipment was top-level.
We would go back with him for other dives around Sydney for sure.
We would go back with him for other dives around Sydney for sure.
Jonny Russell
07:39 01 Dec 22
Even with murky waters after a great swell, even without any sharks to be seen (i was really hoping to see some 😔), I still had a great time diving with the instructor. It was my first ever scuba dive, and despite my initial claustrophobia and discomfort Jason was such a comfort and encouragement that step by step I worked up to swimming (mostly) unassisted. We saw so many bright and colourful fish at Manly and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone who enjoys marine life. Just take it easy, stay calm, and trust the equipment and you'll have a great time.
henry kneebone
04:03 27 Nov 22
Experienced and professional dive charting service. Dives sites were excellent and expertly guided by Jason despite harsher than usual conditions.
If you are new to diving, get a few shore dives under your belt, as there is no hand-holding, and it is very much Go, Go, Go from the start! BCD, equipment is all assembled and ready on the board, as well as snacks and refreshments are provided.
Overall a very positive no-nonsense experience. Especially recommended if you are an experienced or technical diver.
If you are new to diving, get a few shore dives under your belt, as there is no hand-holding, and it is very much Go, Go, Go from the start! BCD, equipment is all assembled and ready on the board, as well as snacks and refreshments are provided.
Overall a very positive no-nonsense experience. Especially recommended if you are an experienced or technical diver.
Connor Kwan
14:23 05 Nov 22
My girlfriend and I just did two boat dives with Jason last Sunday, the experience was amazing. I rented almost full set of gear from them, and Jason gave us a detailed briefing on the rental gear, which some dive operators do not provide such information but expect you to know their setup. Our trip was supposed to go to the Apartments, but in last minutes we had to change to another dive site as we were told that the water visibility was not very great in the past few days. I can confirm that as I did another dive two days before the Sunday dives, and the viz that day was too terrible that I had to call the dive. Jason used his best knowledge and picked a dive site, which had like 15 metre of visibility. We ended up encounter a lot of grey nurse sharks and some massive school of fish. The only downside from the experience was that the boat was a little bit small. But that was not really a problem to us as the boat was neat and we didnt really spend much time on it before we got into the water. Just remember if you are going to book with them, pack your things in a single bag as there is not much space. All in all, I would recommend them to my friends and will definitely book another dives with them in the future.
ang ziyuan
13:17 24 Oct 22
Did a double boat dive, and rented all the equipment. It was nice reminder from Jason to rent along the torch and hood, as the water was cold in Oct.
The dive was beautiful, and we were given a nice cup of hot soup mid dive courtesy from Sydney Dive Charters. Really appreciate the experience.
The dive was beautiful, and we were given a nice cup of hot soup mid dive courtesy from Sydney Dive Charters. Really appreciate the experience.
Josh Clarke
12:04 10 Sep 22
Have dived with Sydney Dive Charters multiple times and it is always a 5* experience. Jason's knowledge of all the dive sites around Sydney is second to none, the boat is well setup, comfortable and perfect for diving all the sites sydney has to offer. My go to for diving, would recommend to anybody thinking about booking a dive in Sydney
Paulo Ribeiro
03:31 04 Sep 22
Highly recommend Sydney Dive Charters. Jason and his team were great. Great knowledge of Sydney's best dive sites. Very comfortable boat. Will 100% be diving with them again
David Harrington
05:50 13 Aug 22
My son and I had a great dive with Jason. He took the time to share some skill-building tips, and pointed out a lot of fun wildlife on our dive. Would recommend!
Adam S
08:04 02 Jul 22
Nothing in Sydney compares to Sydney Dive Charters! They pick you up from the wharf with all (high quality) rental gear good to go, so it’s super convenient! Also, whilst you can’t always guarantee good conditions, I’ve always had a good dive with Jason. On my second to last dive with Jason, it was raining and super windy, yet he was still able to find us a nice dive spot with great visibility! I’ll always book with Sydney Dive Charters when boat diving in Sydney!
Yamila Bara
12:38 21 May 22
I went diving today with Sydney Dive Charters and had amazing dives. The boat was comfortable and all the equipment was high quality and new. Jason is a great diver and captain and was really helpful in all the dives.
Steve Williams
05:35 01 May 22
Awesome morning diving with Sydney Dive Charters. Will definitely be booking my next dive with them.
Nevada Jordan
08:00 06 Apr 22
Really awesome guide and amazing dive trip. Highly recommended all around!
Vissarut Tantiwattanarom
10:56 05 Apr 22
Awesome, professional and lovely crews, great charters for diving, nothing to complains, no fuss, also if you renting gears they have pretty good quality gears for you as well its one of the best in the the market 🙂 highly recommend diving with Sydney Dive Charters. 👍
Kelsie Dadd
22:52 27 Mar 22
Fantastic dive at the apartments. Grey nurse sharks and an amazing encounter with a giant cuttlefish. Great service and very friendly and skilled staff. Highly recommend.
Thomas Buxereau
22:42 27 Mar 22
Had a great time diving with Sydney Dive Charters. The boat was comfortable and well set up. Jason knows the area well, allowing us to make the most of the site. Enjoyed being able to get close to an hour in the water on our first dive and not be rushed to move on. The Apartments is an excellent site and will definitely go again with SDC to see more of what this amazing spot has to offer!
Ju Mei Khoo
05:25 27 Feb 22
Jason and Kylie were amazing and professional. They were very patient with my partner and I who are inexperienced and were very good guides. Would highly recommend diving with them at Sydney Dive Charter. Thank you so much for a great day
Norma Clifford
07:01 22 Feb 22
Awesome dive experience with Jason & co - perfect sized boat/ dive group, easy going and knowledgeable crew and top notch equipment. Will definitely book again. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore diving around our beautiful Sydney!
Aisha Alas
09:05 14 Feb 22
Amazing experience scuba diving with Sydney dive charters. Jason the operator is knowledgeable, taking my group to exciting dive sites in Sydney. Highly recommend.
Alizee Berger
01:23 20 Jan 22
Sydney Dive Charters are my go-to for all boat dives in and around Sydney, the service is great and so hassle-free, no need to go pick up equipment somewhere beforehand, you just show up to the boat ramp and everything is ready! Jason is hands down the most knowledgeable person I have ever met when it comes to all things diving, Sydney sites and even Sydney history (wrecks etc). Both him and Kylie are are also great fun to be around, so the boat rides are never boring!
peter plato
09:49 06 Jan 22
Thanks Jason and Kylie. had a wonderful double boat dive. Nice to find a team who are professional and have a sense of humour. Will definetly be diving with you again.
Marcelo Rodriguez
21:58 01 Jan 22
Very professional and friendly. The boat was perfect for Diving. Unfortunately the harbour did not turn out for us and the viz and conditions were poor. Nothing to do with Jason and his friendly crew. Look forward to many more dives, the ambience is always positive and friendly.
Des D
21:49 01 Jan 22
Had two spectacular dives and saw weedy sea dragons both times. The equipment was top quality and the latest. Jason and his wing man know their stuff! Will definitely dive with him again.
Fiona Hill
08:57 01 Jan 22
We loved our two boat dives, high quality equipment, Jason was an outstanding dive master, beautiful locations, everything was made easy for us - we just turning up with all equipment ready to go on the boat. As two relatively new divers we felt safe at every step. We would definitely dive with them again! Thank you for a lovely day.
Leah M
00:41 22 Nov 21
Thanks to the Sydney Dive Charters team for a fantastic double dive. The crew were professional and friendly. Will definitely be a return customer.
ana bilic
06:00 16 Nov 21
An amazing dive tour organised by Jason and his team! I really enjoyed the experience and was pleased with the dive sites selected 🙂
Mary Anne Naylor
00:48 15 Nov 21
I booked Sydney Dive Charters for myself (a PADI instructor) and six students to complete the final two dives of the PADI Advanced Open Water course. Jason went over and above to help me. I had to rebook the dates due the Sydney lockdown and this was made as easy as possible given the uncertainty around restrictions. On the day he made sure to find dive sites that met my training requirements, gave my students tips about boat diving, and even stayed underwater to act as my DM on the deep dive when he had finished guiding his own divers back to the boat. The day before I had finished a bit late and was unable to get my tanks filled, Jason solved my problem for me last minute and had full tanks waiting for me on-board.
Tip for new customers - don't forget to take your sea sickness pills!
Thanks Jason and see you aboard for my next course!
Tip for new customers - don't forget to take your sea sickness pills!
Thanks Jason and see you aboard for my next course!
Renee Rossiter
03:54 08 Nov 21
If you want a great day of diving, you cannot go past the Sydney Dive Charters! Friendly, knowledgeable and flexible team. Always get shocked at the beautiful sites we visit - never give up the chance to jump on!
Dmitriy Larin
05:27 26 Oct 21
Very friendly and professional service. The diving sites selection was pretty good too - managed to bump into a calony of nursing sharks and saw quite a big sea dragon.
Jade Starling
10:17 09 Jul 21
A fabulous double boat dive! Saw some awesome marine life, helped by the clear viz.
Wasn’t even that cold considering it’s the middle of winter.
Kate and Jason were great on board, super helpful with setting up dive gear, particularly with a rookie diver like myself. They clearly know their stuff. Top notch gear too. Can’t fault anything!
Wasn’t even that cold considering it’s the middle of winter.
Kate and Jason were great on board, super helpful with setting up dive gear, particularly with a rookie diver like myself. They clearly know their stuff. Top notch gear too. Can’t fault anything!
teefa2u
02:31 15 Jun 21
Had a great morning with Jason and Kylie, saw heaps port Jackson sharks, massive wobbegong shark and had a cool interaction with a giant cuttlefish.
The dive boat is set up well and very easy to enter and exit the water.
Jason is a fantastic dive master with a lot of knowledge and is happy to share that knowledge with anyone who wants to get the most from there diving.
Highly recommended.
The dive boat is set up well and very easy to enter and exit the water.
Jason is a fantastic dive master with a lot of knowledge and is happy to share that knowledge with anyone who wants to get the most from there diving.
Highly recommended.
Vaness Blank
09:14 26 Apr 21
Sydney Dive Charters gets a well deserved 5 stars! Jason and crew were absolutely professional providing us with top notch equipment, great advice and knowledge for top dive sites. We booked a double boat dive, they picked us up on time, the boat was spotless and everyone was super friendly. I highly recommend them and will certainly be diving with them again soon.
Georgina Woolf
21:56 28 Feb 21
Sydney dive charters are a fantastic outfit. Very easy to book with. Loved their calendar so you could easily see what sites they were diving and when. Booked online and was contacted by Jason over text to confirm any missing details and to ask further questions.
Got picked up from Rose Bay, all gear was on board already. Ordered full kit and went on a boat dive to the apartments.
The kits is in fantastic order and the latest tech. I got a bit sea sick (don’t forget your travel tablets!) and the crew were wonderful at looking after me. Managed to do my two dives despite that. And saw so much - grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, cuttlefish, a weedy sea dragon and an incredible jelly fish.
Can’t recommend them enough and will certainly be using them again. Thanks for the great day out team!
Got picked up from Rose Bay, all gear was on board already. Ordered full kit and went on a boat dive to the apartments.
The kits is in fantastic order and the latest tech. I got a bit sea sick (don’t forget your travel tablets!) and the crew were wonderful at looking after me. Managed to do my two dives despite that. And saw so much - grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, cuttlefish, a weedy sea dragon and an incredible jelly fish.
Can’t recommend them enough and will certainly be using them again. Thanks for the great day out team!
Amanda Carroll
20:57 02 Feb 20
We had such an amazing dive with Sydney Dive Charters this weekend - loads of sharks and a Weedy Sea Dragon! So professional, impeccable service, they clearly know the dive sites so well which comes with years of experience and local knowledge, makes such a difference to making a dive good to great, relaxed, efficient easy going. Boat was spotless and well maintained, rental equipment good quality. I look forward to diving with Jason and his team again soon. Thank you guys!
Libby T
21:44 27 Jan 20
Great experience with a professional, friendly, and helpful dive team. Jason gave clear briefings, had a great boat set up that is perfect for diving, and provided top of the line hire gear. Jason has great local knowledge, and makes safety a priority. Looking forward to diving with them again.
Chloe et Benjamin .
07:46 26 Jan 20
Amazing diving trip with Jason and his crew! Great gear and logistic. Discovered some of the most beautiful underwater creatures. Jason knows where to find the best spots in Sydney bay and how to improvise when schedule doesn’t go as planned.
Jacintha Symes
04:27 17 Dec 19
Thanks Jason and Kate. We had a great day diving out to the apartments and Coral gardens. On time, will organised, friendly and warm people. Great value ! See you next time Jason !
Andrew Cronan
23:28 16 Dec 19
Great double dive. Quality rental gear and a capable crew. Highly recommended. Andrew
Mick G B
02:33 10 Dec 19
Had a great day diving with Kate. Jason runs a solid operation. Awesome hire gear and boat. Highly recommend
sidney Mendonca
02:20 09 Dec 19
Excellent dive, Jason and kate are very professional and friendly. The boat was comfortable and the dive sites were amazing. I would like give my special thank Jason as I left my wallet on the boat (luckily, it didn't fall to the water) , Jason Found it and called straightway.
Thanks mate .
Thanks mate .
Kasia Brulinski
15:43 04 Dec 19
Thank you Jason and Kate for an amazing diving experience. As a relative beginner, I was a little nervous about my double-dive, but the team were so friendly and warm that I immediately felt comforable. The diving equipment was all new and state of the art, which made a world of difference, and the dives and visibility were spectacular.
I look forward to coming back for more dives with this professional, passionate and kind team. Thanks again!
I look forward to coming back for more dives with this professional, passionate and kind team. Thanks again!
Mark
21:29 02 Dec 19
Well organized, we hired equipment, was good and thrustworty.
Enthousiast crew and good dive sites and diving.
Mark and Sandra
Enthousiast crew and good dive sites and diving.
Mark and Sandra
Rajdeep Roy
07:55 02 Dec 19
Great day out & a diving experience with Jason. His boat dive instructions are very clear and precise and helps every diver before entry and exit. The best part is when the divers are below, Jason makes sure that there's no other non-diving boat in the vicinity & keeps all the divers feel safe to surface. Gr8 job mate!
Yaofeng KONG
02:10 24 Sep 19
Amazing experience! Excellent boat crew, caring about the customers. Recommended to everyone!
Claudia Gilbert
12:01 21 Aug 19
Jason is so knowledgeable and despite being on a course... I learnt a heap from his advice and experience as well... he was also very caring and considerate... which I really appreciated 😉
D Abela
11:55 19 Aug 19
This was our third time diving with Jason & Sydney Dive charters and we're looking forward to many more. Jason, a true dive professional, has an enormous wealth of diving knowledge and runs the dives smoothly and safely. We have done a few courses on his dive charters and have the utmost respect for him and the charters he runs. We thoroughly enjoy the diving and information and knowledge we gain every time we dive with Sydney Dive charters.
Paul Kirk
11:20 18 Aug 19
I’ve never seen such a well organised, clean and tidy boat which to me, means someone really knows what they’re doing, I’m in good knowledgeable, safe hands and they take pride in their work and I respect that. Jason and his dive boat are a 5-star AAA operation that won’t disappoint.
Javier López
22:56 29 Jul 19
Great diving experience. Jason is very knowleadgeable and he made sure our dives were enjoyable and fun. We managed to see Sharks, Weedy sea dragons and many other interesting sea life!. The service is excellent and booking through the web is so easy that it makes the experience even better. I will definitely go with them in my next dives in Sydney!
Meg King
09:41 23 Jun 19
Great dive experience with Jason and Xavier. I would highly recommend his service. They took great care of me and all my gear was all top notch. I will definitely be going out with him again.
Arie B
05:13 29 May 19
Excellent service and attention to detail. This is the second time I have dived with Jason and he did not disappoint.
Roger O'Connor
08:57 13 May 19
Great boat with a amazing crew best dive experience so far with Sydney dive charters i have being out with other dive centers boats and if conditions are not right they will all ways look for the easiest dive site . Even with big swell Jason was happy to go to the dive site we wanted..... Matt was a great guide...... I highly recommend these guys for a great dive experience in Sydney
Ilaria Caccamo
09:53 12 May 19
Great diving. Jason is very professional and has great experience that allowed us to dive in safety without giving up a more challenging dive site despite tough weather conditions. He is always dedicated to the customers happiness and safety and always goes an extra mile to help out. Great addition to the team with the Dive Master Matt that perfectly guided our dives today. We saw heaps of sharks and a really giant cuttlefish. The boat is very comfortable and well equipped also with a toilet available. In addition the rental gear available from Jason is excellent quality.
riley9634
00:56 23 Apr 19
Excellent day out! Highly recommended!
I was considering going with another company, and was very happy I chose Sydney Dive Charters instead!
New high quality gear, no ripped wetsuits and a good briefing on how to use it all!
Jason was very knowledgeable and set us up in the best conditions as he knows the Sydney coast like no one else.
Our dive guide was great, he also made the trip very memorable.
I will be back again 100%
I was considering going with another company, and was very happy I chose Sydney Dive Charters instead!
New high quality gear, no ripped wetsuits and a good briefing on how to use it all!
Jason was very knowledgeable and set us up in the best conditions as he knows the Sydney coast like no one else.
Our dive guide was great, he also made the trip very memorable.
I will be back again 100%
Raychel Follis
18:47 04 Apr 19
Such a good time diving with Sydney Dive Charters. Knowledgeable, professional and fun. They delivered on everything they said. The boat was comfortable and the tanks were full. Thanks again Jason! It was a perfect first dive in Australia, you set a very high standard for us!
