The Tunnel is an extraordinary offshore reef dive and snorkel site near Black Rock, south of Batemans Bay. Named for a dramatic 15–20 metre long rock cutting that resembles a train tunnel through the reef, this site features a slatey/pebble tunnel floor leading to a vertical hole that ascends to the reef top at 12 metres. The reef walls are almost vertical and covered in brilliant purple algae, colourful gorgonians, sea squirts, and sponges. The terrain transitions from a wall dropping to 21 metres on a sandy bottom up to shallow reef flats at 9 metres — a truly unique snorkelling experience accessible only by boat.
The Tunnel (Batemans Bay)
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Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 7.0 sWind Speed 0.7 knPrecipitation 2.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
The Tunnel (Batemans Bay) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth and decompression risk danger
Site drops to 21 metres — well beyond snorkel depth. Snorkellers must stay on the reef top (9–12 m) and be strong freedivers with excellent breath-hold.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Depth and decompression risk
Site drops to 21 metres — well beyond snorkel depth. Snorkellers must stay on the reef top (9–12 m) and be strong freedivers with excellent breath-hold.
Moderate risk: Strong currents and ocean swells
The cutting and tunnel can funnel currents. Exposed to ocean swells; only calm conditions suitable.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Only accessible by boat from Batemans Bay. Snorkellers must be visible to boats and dive from a moored/anchor position.
Moderate risk: Sudden depth drop-off
Depth drops sharply from 9 m to 21 m at the reef wall. Snorkelers should stay in shallower areas and be mindful of depth changes.
Low risk: Sharp reef and rock edges
Vertical rock walls, boulders, and slatey pebble bottom on the tunnel floor present cutting hazards.
Low risk: Tidal currents
The site can experience significant tidal movement, especially through The Tunnel and around the reef walls. Snorkelers should be aware of changing conditions.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
This offshore reef site lies near Black Rock, south of Batemans Bay. Accessible only by boat. GPS coordinates: 35° 46.7725' S, 150° 14.9047' E (WGS84). Line up the right side of the glass fence to the left of the boat ramp with the right side of the northernmost rocks at the entrance to the bay. Run in or out until the left side of Black Rock aligns with the western end of the headland behind. Anchor when the depth comes up from 20+ metres to about 9 metres.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Batemans Bay boat ramp area. Vehicle parking available near the ramp.
parkingboat_ramp
No direct fee for the site. Boat launching fees or charter costs may apply. Check local boat ramp fees.
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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