Fingal Sponge Gardens, located off Fingal Island near Nelson Bay in Port Stephens, is a vibrant underwater garden of colourful sponge colonies, rocky pinnacles, and granite boulder formations. The site features depths from 5m to 25m with dramatic drop-offs and broken reef terrain, making it a magnet for macro life and curious snorkelers. Accessed by boat from Nelson Bay Marina (about 15 minutes), this temperate site offers clear waters and a kaleidoscope of soft corals and sponge gardens that give the spot its name.
Fingal Sponge Gardens
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 7.8 sWind Speed 12 knPrecipitation 0.3 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Variable currents
Tidal currents can run around the island's pinnacles and drop-offs; best snorkeled on slack tide.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is by boat only; watch for vessel traffic approaching the site near Fingal Island.
Low risk: Depth changes
Depths range from 5m to 25m with sudden drop-offs — snorkelers should stay aware of depth boundaries.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Located off Fingal Island, approximately 15 minutes by boat from Nelson Bay Marina, Port Stephens. Book a tour with local operators such as Aquamarine Adventure or charter from Nelson Bay.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Nelson Bay Marina and public car parks near d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay.
parking
Boat charter or snorkel tour fees apply; self-boating requires vessel access.
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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.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports