The Boulders (South West Rocks)

Moderate risk: Surf break and rips

Main Beach is an ocean beach subject to waves and rip currents, especially on larger swell days. Snorkel only in calm conditions and between the flagged patrolled area.

Moderate risk: Swell Exposure

Green Island is exposed to wind and swell from multiple directions, more so than nearby Fish Rock. Big seas can significantly reduce visibility and make entry/exit challenging.

Moderate risk: Ocean Currents

The East Australian Current can produce moderate to strong currents around the island, particularly on the eastern side. Drift diving techniques are recommended.

Moderate risk: Steep shore access

The island has no easy shore entry; access is via boat or steep terrain only.

Moderate risk: Swell exposure

The shallow reef system is only accessible in suitable calm conditions; swells can create dangerous surf over the reef top.

Moderate risk: Strong currents

Ocean currents can pick up around the reef, particularly on an outgoing tide, affecting swimmers and snorkellers.

Low risk: Strong outgoing tide (Korogoro Creek)

At the northern end where Korogoro Creek enters the ocean, the outgoing tide can create a strong current that may sweep swimmers and snorkellers offshore.

Low risk: Marine stingers

Bluebottles (Portuguese man o' war) can drift onto the beach, particularly during northerly winds and warmer months, causing painful stings.

Low risk: Surge in Shallow Reef

The shallow northern reef area (10-15 m) can experience surge in choppy conditions, pushing divers toward rocks.

Low risk: Grey Nurse Shark Aggregation

Green Island is a key aggregation site for grey nurse sharks (critically endangered). While generally docile, divers should maintain respectful distance and avoid cornering them against the reef.

Low risk: Low tide shallow rocks

The boulder formations can be very shallow at low tide, with sharp edges that may cause cuts and scrapes.

Low risk: Slippery algae-covered rocks

Granite boulders near the waterline develop slippery algae, making footing treacherous when walking in or out of the water.

Low risk: Bluebottle jellyfish

Bluebottles (Physalia physalis) can drift into the bay during northeasterly winds, typically in summer months (December to March).

Low risk: Strong ocean currents

Drift diving is common here; currents can run around the island, especially on the northern and eastern sides.

Low risk: Boat traffic

The channel between Green Island and the mainland is used by dive boats transiting to/from Fish Rock.

Low risk: Variable visibility

Visibility averages 15 m but can drop significantly after big seas due to the shallow reef depth.

Low risk: Ocean currents

Mild currents can flow around the reef, particularly on the western side.

Low risk: Sharp reef structure

Rocky reef bottom with potential sharp coral and rock ledges — protective footwear and buoyancy control advised.

Low risk: Surf conditions at Main Beach entry

Entry requires calm surf. If waves are too large on Main Beach, the dive is not advisable.

Low risk: Navigation — locating the reef

Ladies Reef is a small, low-profile reef that rises only 2m from the sand. Snorkelers must navigate accurately from Stingray Rock (approx 100m north) and may miss it without careful orientation.

Low risk: Depth range

Depth reaches up to 11m around the reef, which may be challenging for weaker or less confident snorkelers.

Low risk: Currents

Occasional currents can sweep around the headland at Horseshoe Bay, particularly during tidal changes.