"So, did you see any sharks?"
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is the question we get post-dive from the curious public. The answer is usually: "No, but there were some beautiful seahorses".
Shore diving in Nelson Bay is world-renowned.
If fish is what you want to see, then Fly Point in the marine sanctuary is the place to go, but the highlight for many is the vast macro life that is so abundant throughout all the dive sites.
To draw an analogy to when you're on land; imagine being able to hover inches above the ground, not making a sound and seeing all the different ground-dwelling creatures close-up without disturbing them, and with a small kick be in the treetops to explore everything you can't see from the ground. That is the reality for scuba divers underwater in our beautiful Nelson Bay.
The Bay is home to a great diversity of macro life, due to the strong currents that deliver nutrients for filter-feeders, which provide food and habitat for a multitude of small critters.
Over 250 different species of nudibranchs have been recorded in Nelson Bay alone, from ones with vivid colours, to some that blend into their background and you would not even know they are there.
With more than 20 different types of cowries, including the photogenic Tiger Cowrie (Cuspivolva tigris) with its signature black stripes and the spiked Spindle Cowries (Phenacovolva rosea), ranging in colour from a deep maroon red to bright yellow.
On the slightly larger scale is the alien-like cuttlefish, with the ability to change colour and make mesmerising pattens using special cells under its skin used to attract a mate, show its mood, hide from predators and confuse its prey. Yet when danger looms, the animal can jet away at great speeds.
The Southern Blue-lined Octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata), a close relative of the blue ring octopus, is also a highlight to see. When it is not threatened, it blends into its surrounding, and would be mistaken for a piece of sandy rubble.
But if you get too close, the iridescent blue lines on the body and blue-ringed patterns on the arms are hard to miss.
Every dive has a highlight, the unexpected is the thrill of the treasure hunt- it could be a bubble shell, anglerfish, sea spiders, or an unusual nudibranch - no two dives are ever the same.
Whichever fascinating creature you could encounter, capturing that perfect shot, and experiencing another world, is why divers keep coming back.
Port Stephens is truly one of Australia's top macro dive locations.
Chris Westley is a recreational diver and photographer from Medowie and a member of the Combined Hunter Underwater Group.
Also read in the Beneath the Surface series
- Where to find the best scuba diving sites in Port Stephens
- Why divers love to venture near the scary-looking shark
- Gropers not shy to say hi to Bay's divers
- Life along Port Stephens' rocky shore
- Under the night sky our marine world is alive in Nelson Bay
- Frenzied mating ritual of the bizarre beasties that are Port Jackson sharks
- The Sea Slug Census - putting Nelson Bay on the world scientific map
- Supercharged sea puppies - the seals of Cabbage Tree Island
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.portstephensexaminer.com.au
- Follow us on Instagram @psexaminer
- Follow us on Twitter @PortExaminer
- Follow the Port Stephens Examiner on Facebook