Bare Island

High risk: Blue-ringed octopus

These small but highly venomous octopus are regularly sighted in rocky crevices from 3–12m. Never touch or provoke. Their venom can cause respiratory failure.

Moderate risk: Southerly swell

Southerly swells over 1.2m make conditions dangerous, especially on the exposed eastern side. Check the forecast before entering.

Moderate risk: Poor Visibility After Rain

Heavy rain (over 20mm) flushes the Cooks River into Botany Bay, dropping visibility to 1-2m. Avoid snorkeling within 24 hours of significant rainfall.

Moderate risk: Tidal currents across northern passages

Strong tidal flow runs across the northern wall of the island; divers can be swept around the point. Slack water 1–2 hours either side of high tide is safest.

Moderate risk: Southerly swell and surge at entry/exit

The western concrete stairs can become treacherous in southerly swell. Surge can knock divers against the steps. Best to enter/exit on the peak of a surge.

Moderate risk: Boat traffic in Botany Bay

Boat traffic passes close to the island. All divers must carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for ascent safety.

Moderate risk: Tidal currents

Moderate tidal currents flow around the island, especially during incoming/outgoing tides. Snorkelers should be mindful of being swept past the entry point.

Low risk: Rough entry/exit rocks

Rocky entry points, especially the path beside the wooden bridge and the boat ramp, can be slippery and uneven. Exits can be rough in surge.

Low risk: Outgoing tide current

Flowing tide around the island can create currents, particularly around the eastern and western points. Incoming tide offers calmest conditions.

Low risk: Boat traffic

The boat ramp on the island and nearby boating channel in Botany Bay can have vessel traffic. Stay alert near entry points.

Low risk: Fishing lines from bridge

Fishermen frequently cast lines from the bridge connecting Bare Island to the mainland. Entanglement risk in the inner channel.

Low risk: Boat traffic in channel

The inner channel between the island and mainland is used by small boats and kayaks. Snorkelers should stay close to the rocky shoreline.

Low risk: Limited shade

No shade on the shore or in the water. High sun exposure risk on clear days, especially during warmer months.

Low risk: Strong Currents

Tidal currents can develop in the channel around the island, especially on outgoing tides near the bridge and deeper drop-offs.

Low risk: Fishing Lines

Fishing lines and hooks are occasionally tangled in shallow corals near the shore entry point.

Low risk: Reduced visibility after rain

The nearby Cooks River discharges into Botany Bay, dropping visibility to 3–5m after heavy rain (above 20mm in catchment). Avoid diving within 24 hours.

Low risk: Variable visibility

Visibility swings dramatically from 2m to 20m depending on weather, tides, and recent rain. Poor vis can disorient snorkelers.