reef

Log This Dive

Shaws Cove

Shaws Cove is a spot we keep coming back to, especially when we’re looking for a relaxed shore dive. You walk straight in from the beach, which is a big plus for ease, and the conditions often feel a bit more protected than some of the more exposed sites along the coast. It's not a deep dive, usually topping out around 10-12 meters, making it ideal for longer bottom times and really searching around. What we love about Shaws is the sheer variety of smaller stuff. You'll find yourself slowly exploring through the kelp, spotting vibrant nudibranchs and grumpy cabezon tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for the Plainfin Midshipman, they’re often camouflaged so well you practically have to bump into them. The reef here is a mix of rocky outcrops and kelp forests, creating plenty of nooks for octopuses and moray eels. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with juvenile horn sharks resting on the sand, too. Our favourite time to dive here is on a calm weekday morning; the visibility tends to be better before any afternoon surge picks up, and you often have the place mostly to yourself. It’s perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys a slow, methodical search for macro life rather than big pelagics. It’s also a solid choice for newer cold-water divers to get comfortable.