Just a short trip north of Port Stephens by boat is the most popular dive site in the region, with superb marine life and many sheltered bays so that a lee is always available. The huge sea caves at the southern end of the island are fascinating even if not diving. Camping is permitted at the southern (beach) end of Esmeralda Bay. There are more than a dozen documented dive sites around the main island and it’s smaller islets and reef, all with prolific marine life and the usual range of temperate water reef and pelagic species. On a good day with top visibility, Broughton Island is hard to match on the east coast.
Important. A carefully planned boating excursion is required to dive Broughton as the open sea conditions can change and perhaps strand a boat on the island - or worse. The entrance to Port Stephens in bad weather is also extremely dangerous, so pick a good day, obtain a reliable weather report and keep in radio contact with a shore base.
