Dive-Condition Ratings: NSW Central Coast (Conclusive Atlas)

Below is a practical, colour-coded atlas applying a consistent rating system across the Central Coast’s most popular dive sites. Use it for planning, briefings, and diver advice.

Rating key (at a glance)

• 🟢 Green (★☆☆☆☆) – Beginner-friendly: ≤15 m, minimal surge/current.

• 🔵 Blue (★★–★★★) – Intermediate: ~15–25 m, some surge/current; boat entries common.

• ⚫ Black (★★★★☆) – Advanced: ~25–40 m, exposure/depth/navigation demands.

• 🔴 Red (★★★★★) – Technical: ≥40 m and/or deco/overheads; redundant gas & training required.

Site-by-site atlas

Terrigal Haven — Shore
Rating: 🟢 Green (★☆☆☆☆) · Depth: to ~15 m · Notes: Calm bay; nursery life; ideal for training and snorkelling.

Skillion Cave — Shore/Rock entry
Rating: 🔵 Blue (★★★☆☆) · Depth: ~18–22 m · Notes: Spectacular cavern; watch surge and entry/exit timing.

Two Poles — Reef
Rating: 🔵 Blue (★★★☆☆) · Depth: ~14–18 m drop-off · Notes: Gorgonian fans; avoid during swell (surgey).

Greenery Reef — Reef
Rating: 🔵 Blue (★★★☆☆) · Depth: typical mid-20s (varies by ledge) · Notes: Wall/ledges near The Pinnacle area. 

The Pinnacle — Reef
Rating: ⚫ Black (★★★★☆) · Depth: base ~24 m (exposed) · Notes: Open-ocean site; currents/swell dictate access.

Boat Trailer Reef — Reef/Wreckage
Rating: 🔵 Blue (★★★☆☆) · Depth: ~24 m · Notes: Short run from The Haven; nearby SS Yambacoomba. 

Fifeshire Reef — Reef
Rating: 🔵 Blue (★★★☆☆) · Depth: ~18 m · Notes: Teeming macro life; good for photography in settled seas.

Foggy Cave — Reef/Cave
Rating: ⚫ Black (★★★★☆) · Depth: ~35–36 m · Notes: Seasonal grey nurse aggregation (Mar–Jun); depth & gas planning essential.

SS Kiama — Deep wreck
Rating: 🔴 Red (★★★★★) · Depth: ~45–46 m · Notes: Technical profile for most divers; iconic local wreck. 

SS Galava — Deep wreck
Rating: 🔴 Red (★★★★★) · Depth: ~51 m · Notes: Technical dive; exposure and current possible. 

How to use the ratings (and brief safely)

Match skills to site & day:

• 🟢 Training/refreshers; 🔵 specialties/AA courses; ⚫ deep/NX/complex navigation; 🔴 tech only.

• Prefer slack high tide for clarity at The Haven; avoid swell-exposed ledges in big seas.

• After heavy rain, near-shore vis drops; deeper reefs can remain workable.

• Cross-check community reports before you go 

Minimum kit by band:

• 🟢 SMB, basic torch; seasonal exposure protection.

• 🔵 DSMB, audible/visual signalling; nitrox useful 18–25 m.

• ⚫ Two cutting devices, DSMB + reel, redundant lights; plan gas & turnaround.

• 🔴 Redundant gas (twinset/CCR/pony as appropriate), staged deco kit, line skills where relevant.