Steep Point marks the westernmost tip of mainland Australia, where the dramatic 170m-high Zuytdorp Cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of Shark Bay. The nutrient-rich currents flowing through South Passage have carved a network of underwater walls, swim-throughs, caves, and coral gardens beneath these ancient cliffs. Dive sites like Purple Rain boast massive swim-throughs draped in soft corals, Amphitheatre features an enormous cave packed with life, and The Dutchman offers dramatic walls and bommies right below the continent's westernmost point — with prime opportunities for megafauna encounters.
Steep Point Dive Sites
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 8.2 sWind Speed 5.1 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© JarrahTreeDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Steep Point Dive Sites has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Remote location danger
The nearest medical facilities are a 90-minute boat journey away in Denham. Emergency response times are very limited.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Remote location
The nearest medical facilities are a 90-minute boat journey away in Denham. Emergency response times are very limited.
Moderate risk: Swell and surge exposure
Dive sites are highly swell-dependent and conditions can change rapidly along the exposed western coastline of Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island.
Moderate risk: Strong currents in South Passage
Nutrient-rich tidal flows through the passage between Steep Point and Dirk Hartog Island can produce strong, unpredictable currents.
Low risk: 4WD access required
Approx 140km of unsealed road with the last 30km being single-lane soft sand track - unsuitable for standard vehicles.
Low risk: Fishermen activity at The Oven
The Oven dive site is located below a popular fishing campsite and can have active fishing lines in the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
The dive sites are accessible via guided boat tours from Denham, approximately 90 minutes by boat to Steep Point. Alternatively, experienced 4WDers can reach the Steep Point camping area via 140km of unsealed road from the North West Coastal Highway, but snorkeling at the actual dive sites requires a boat. Local operators like Shark Bay Eco Tours run full-day snorkeling and diving trips from Denham.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Denham boat harbour for tour passengers. No parking at the actual dive sites — accessible only by boat.
toilets
Guided snorkel/dive tours ~$299 per person (full gear hire ~$329). If driving in: $12 per vehicle entry fee to Steep Point area, plus camping fees of $11/adult/night if staying.
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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