Victoria, Australia
    Port Phillip Heads

    The Grotto

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Protected Area

    Port Phillip Heads

    Why dive here

    With 129+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - The Grotto offers some of Victoria's richest reef diving. Water ranges 13-20°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Great White Sharks · 129+ species recorded
    Water13-20°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Navy Pier isn't just a dive site, it's a spectacle, and frankly, one of our favourite dives in Australia, full stop. Dropping down beneath the pier, the sheer density of fish life is almost overwhelming. We’re talking schools of blacktip soldierfish so thick they dim the light, clouds of bream swirling around the pylons, and those magnificent giant groupers, often just hanging out under the shadows. It’s a sensory overload, in the best possible way. You’ll want to take your time here, peering into every crevice for a bluespotted shrimpgoby or a camouflaged frogfish. Our pick for an insider tip? Go at high tide for the best visibility, and keep an eye out for wobbegongs tucked into the sand flats beneath the structure. Night dives here are something else entirely, with lionfish on the prowl and cuttlefish flashing their colours. This dive is perfect for macro fanatics and wide-angle enthusiasts alike, truly a standout for any diver visiting Ningaloo.

    Safety Notes

    Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today05:4318:3512h 52m daylightGolden hour 18:00

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Grotto

    The Grotto Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for The Grotto, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-38.3, 144.7) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    15°C

    58°F · Range: 13.4–16.3°C

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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