Our coastal environments are vital ecosystems that are home to unique plants and animals and provide critical support for all life on our planet. Waverley’s beaches, bays and rocky reefs sit at the heart of the community – they provide spaces to connect with nature and each other and inspire us to embrace a healthy outdoor lifestyle. With more than 40,000 people a day estimated to visit our beaches during summer, it’s important we are all aware of the detrimental impacts of land-based pollution on our marine environment.
Group of divers and the debris they recovered (Credit: The Dive Centre Bondi)
The Dive Centre Bondi truly embody Waverley’s coastal connection. Their dive programs enable people to experience the underwater world from a different perspective, educating the community about marine life and why protecting our coastal environments is so vital. The Dive Centre recently received one of Council's Small Environment Grant to support their “Dive Against Debris” initiative, where dives are planned to specifically clean up marine debris. Waverley residents can join this activity and sign up free of charge, or at a discounted rate if they need to rent gear.
Tell us about yourself and the Dive Centre Bondi
Hi there! I’m Alex, a marine biologist and dive instructor at Dive Centre Bondi. Located on Bondi Road, we’ve been a part of the Waverley community for nearly a decade. Dive Centre Bondi is more than just a dive shop – it’s a space where ocean enthusiasts can connect, learn and dive. We offer dive certifications from beginner to professional and host a huge range of dive trips and conservation events.
What’s it like diving in Waverley?
Waverley is home to some of Sydney’s great dive spots, which offer different experiences. For example, North Bondi has incredible underwater structures and the exciting chance to see wobbegong sharks, rays, dolphins and even whales! ! Further along at Bronte Beach, although not always the best conditions for scuba divers, it offers some unique underwater topography, that can only be seen on the calmest of days on the east coast. The steep cliffs along the coast make accessing any more of Waverly by shore quite challenging, however by boat, we can access some amazing underwater scenery further off the shore, at dives sites such as Colours Reef, located off Rodney reserve – named for the vibrant and colourful soft corals and sponges covering the underwater plateaued reef rising from the sea floor. Truly one of the best dive sites in Sydney. Every single dive is different and exploring our local waters is always a unique experience, with generally good visibility and an abundance of marine species, depending on conditions.
Divers amongst the rocks at North Bondi (Credit: Aquatic Imaging Australia)
Have you seen any changes in the marine environment?
We have definitely noticed changes over the years. While some shifts are seasonal, others feel more permanent and concerning. For instance, certain fish species are now less frequently seen, and we're still finding plastic debris disrupting these delicate habitats. Warming sea temperatures have also impacted local marine vegetation, which influences the whole ecosystem. These stark changes highlight the urgent need for conservation and inspire us to continue to educate the community about the need to protect our precious local marine environments.
Grey Nurse Shark in South Bondi (Credit: Aquatic Imaging Australia)
Tell us about your “Dive against Debris” program and other conservation efforts.
At Dive Centre Bondi, ocean conservation is central to our mission. We have partnered with PADI AWARE, a global charity whose mission is to rid the ocean of marine debris and protect marine environments through local action and implementing protection zones. With the help of a recently received Council environmental grant, we are organising several “Dive Against Debris” events in Waverley to support this cause, where divers and snorkelers can help remove litter from the water. These clean-ups don’t just keep our waters safer for marine life – they also raise awareness about pollution’s impact.
We are also a Green Fins dive centre that utilises reusable items and promotes safe, environmentally friendly diving practices. We offer workshops throughout the year on climate change’s effects on coral reefs, have citizen science programs, and even help run an international shark conservation initiative in Egypt.
Another successful 'Dive Against Debris' event! (Credit: The Dive Centre Bondi)
How can our community get involved in Marine Protection?
Whether you’re a diver or not, there are many ways you can help protect our marine environment:
- Dive Against Debris – Sign up for one of our underwater clean up events, which are free for Waverley residents ($50 charge if you need to rent gear.)
- Beach Clean-ups – Simply picking up litter when you’re at the beach can prevent trash from entering the ocean. Alternatively, you could organise or join a clean-up near you
- Reduce Plastic Use – Small swaps, like choosing reusable bags or bottles, go a long way in reducing plastic waste.
- Join Our Events – Dive Centre Bondi hosts community events that are open to everyone, making it easy to learn more about local marine life and conservation.
- Spread Awareness – Talking with friends and family about ocean conservation issues helps create a ripple effect that can benefit the whole community.
Dive Centre Bondi is here for anyone who wants to explore and help protect Waverley’s incredible marine environments. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just curious, come check us out and join us in making a positive impact. Together, we can ensure Waverley’s underwater world remains vibrant and healthy for generations to come.
If you don't feel comfortable diving, there are other activities that Council offers to get you involved in marine protection.
- Join Council’s Summerama activities, which support our commitment to help the community better understand, protect, and celebrate our coastal and marine environments, Such as the upcoming Rockpool Tours or workshops. Keep up to date with what’s on here.
- Our Love the Coast photography competition is live! We invite you to head outdoors or even underwater and snap a picture that highlights your love of the coast.
- Be part of the first Waverley Marine BioBlitz in March 2025! Join scientists, nature lovers, school children and community members and get down to the coast to help discover the diverse plants and animals that make their homes on our beaches, rockpools and in intertidal protected areas. All the data collected will enable us to evaluate the health of our coastal and marine biodiversity and inform Council management actions and programs.