Blue Devil Cave is a legendary shore-entry snorkel and dive spot on the northern side of Bass Point Reserve, Shellharbour, on the NSW South Coast — about 90 minutes south of Sydney. The main attraction is a small undercut reef ledge at around 20 m depth, reached by a 150-metre swim from The Gutter entry. This site is famous for its habituated resident eastern blue devil fish (Paraplesiops bleekeri), a shy electric-blue temperate reef fish that here reliably emerges from the cave, offering extraordinary face-to-face encounters. Beyond the cave, the surrounding reef is blanketed in vibrant sponge gardens, gorgonian fans, and soft corals teeming with macro life, including Sydney pygmy pipehorses, blue-kneed sea spiders, nudibranchs, and giant cuttlefish. Eastern blue gropers, bull rays, weedy sea dragons, and wobbegongs are regular companions.
Blue Devil Cave (Bass Point)
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Moderate risk: Variable depth
Depth transitions quickly from 3–5 metres at entry to 18–20 metres further out — snorkellers should stay aware of their depth limits.
Moderate risk: Ocean swell and surge
Swell can push snorkelers against rocks inside The Arch, particularly during southerly or easterly winds.
Moderate risk: Strong currents and rips
Tidal currents can be strong around Bass Point headland, especially on outgoing tides.
Moderate risk: Calm-condition entry required
Entry and exit through the rock channel is only safe in very calm seas. Swell or surge makes access dangerous.
Moderate risk: Southerly Swell Surge
Southerly swells degrade visibility and create surge around the cave entrance, making conditions unsafe for snorkelers.
Low risk: Rock platform entry/exit
Entry and exit are over uneven rock platforms which can be slippery, especially at low tide when more rocks are exposed.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Dense kelp growth on the rocky bottom can reduce visibility and cause entanglement for less experienced snorkellers.
Low risk: Tidal movement
Tidal currents can shift through The Gutter channel, particularly around the mouth where the depth drops off.
Low risk: Sharp rocks and reef
Entry and exit are over slippery, uneven rocks and reef platforms that can cause cuts and falls.
Low risk: Confined cave environment
The swim-through cave has limited light and overhead rock — disorientation risk for inexperienced snorkellers.
Low risk: Surge inside cave
Water movement can push swimmers against rocks inside the cave, especially during rising swell.
Low risk: Marine stings
Bluebottles and other stingers may be present, particularly during warmer months.
Low risk: Afternoon Sea Breeze
Strong afternoon northeasterly winds build quickly on the south coast, churning the surface and reducing visibility for the return swim.
Low risk: 150m Open-Water Swim
A moderate-to-long surface swim from The Gutter entry point to the cave over rocky reef; requires good fitness and confidence in open water.
Low risk: Sharp Reef & Rock Entry
Entry and exit over slippery, uneven rocks at The Gutter; cut feet and falls are common without reef booties.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The area around Bass Point sees boat traffic, particularly near the boat ramp east of the loader. Snorkelers should use a float and SMB.
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Getting in
From Shellharbour, follow Addison Street south to Bass Point Reserve. Park at the Boneyard carpark near the end of Cliff Drive (Kiama Downs side) or at the main Bass Point carpark. The entry point is known as The Gutter — a rocky channel on the northern side of the point. From there, swim roughly 150 m northeast along the reef line to reach the cave at ~20 m depth.
Bass Point Reserve has several carparks including the Boneyard carpark off Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs, and the main reserve carpark near the entrance. Free parking available.
No fees for shore entry. Guided snorkel/dive tours available through Shellharbour Scuba (fees apply).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.