Marine Life at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads

Jack Evans Boat Harbour is home to a wide variety of marine life, making it a great spot for both beginner and experienced divers. Along the rock walls and under the jetties, you’ll often see colourful fish, nudibranchs, shrimp, moray eels, and even the occasional crayfish hiding in the crevices.

Filefish are commonly spotted here, along with schools of small baitfish moving through the harbour. The area’s mix of rocks, sand, and man-made structures creates plenty of hiding places for smaller sea creatures, making it an excellent site for macro photography and close-up observation.

Sea turtles are sometimes seen feeding on the seagrass beds within the harbour, which is always a special sight. The walls are covered with sponges, algae, and other marine growth that attract a range of tiny invertebrates and reef fish.

Because the harbour is protected from strong surf, the marine life here tends to thrive in calmer conditions. However, tides and river flow can affect visibility, so diving around high tide is best for clearer water and more active marine life.

Dive Conditions and Sites

1. Location & Access

• The harbour is at the mouth of the Tweed River, at Tweed Heads, NSW. 

• Popular dive entry is via the “steps” at Coral Street, or a beach/rock-entry near the Marine Rescue building

• The area is fairly protected because it’s a tidal inlet with rock walls and gently sloping shores.

2. Depths, Visibility & Typical Conditions

• Maximum depth for many dives here is modest — depths of about 7–8 m.

• Surface temperature: around 24 °C, bottom around 23 °C in Summer

• Surface temperature: around 20 °C, bottom around 18 °C in Winter

• Visibility: around 6-15 m

• Be aware: the tide and currents can affect conditions. One notes:

  “The tide can change quickly and can swirl around the harbour, dropping visibility.” 

• Substrate: rock walls, concrete pylons under piers, rock shelves; also hydroids (stinging plants) in some areas. 

3. Dive Features & Highlights

• Along the rock wall: good macro life and structure (octopus, schools of baitfish, wreckage/objects like old shopping trolley, scale).

• Under piers: concrete piles with marine growth make interesting photo/op sites. 

• A mix of natural and artificial features make for interesting dive profiles even in shallow water.

4. Hazards & Considerations

• Entry steps can be slippery — take care. 

• Tidal movement and current: best to dive around slack water or when tides are favourable.

• Visibility can drop when sand/debris are stirred. 

• Stinging hydroids: touch them and you may have an itchy patch. 

• Fishing line/hooks maybe present since the harbour is used for fishing and boating. This aligns with your cleanup dive initiative.

5. Recommended Dive Sites/Routes

• Entry via the steps at Coral St → head towards the rock wall on the north side inside the harbour.

• Dive along the wall then back — manageable in terms of depth and navigation.

• Choose a slack tide, and plan for your buddy/team dive.

• Carry a dive knife/cutter and collection bag (as your cleanup dive plan outlines) — this site suits that purpose.

6. Best Timing & Conditions for You

• Meet 2 hours prior to high tide (as you already plan) is wise — entry becomes easier, currents slacker.

• Dive just at or after high tide when water is fuller and likely less disturbed.

• Avoid strong tidal flows or big boat traffic times.

• Choose calm weather and minimal run-off (after heavy rain visibility can suffer).

Kirra Dive Terms and Conditions

Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the tour date will incur a 100% cancellation fee and are not eligible for a refund. Bookings cancelled more than 48 hours in advance will receive a full refund or credit. If you expect to arrive late, please let us know as soon as possible. No refunds or compensation will be provided for unused equipment or missed dives, including prepaid courses or guide services.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving. We strongly recommend reviewing the PADI Medical Questionnaire available on the PADI website. If you answer “Yes” to any questions on the form, you will need clearance from a qualified dive doctor. Failure to provide a valid medical certificate when required will result in you being unable to dive and will incur a 100% cancellation fee. All medical requirements should be addressed well in advance of your trip. Upon arrival, you will be required to complete our liability forms, and all information must be accurate. If any false or incomplete information is discovered, we reserve the right to prevent participation in diving or snorkelling activities. This decision is at the sole discretion of the dive supervisor on board.

Scuba Diving Requirements

All certified divers must present a valid certification card. If you are unable to produce proof of certification, you will not be allowed to dive and may be offered snorkelling instead, depending on availability. This will not be eligible for a refund.

If you have not dived in the last six months, please notify us prior to your booking. For your safety and confidence, we highly recommend completing a PADI ReActivate refresher course before your tour. Our tours take place in an open water environment and are subject to weather and ocean conditions. We reserve the right to restrict participation at our discretion for the safety of all guests and crew.

There is no refund or compensation if you are unable to complete all dives due to personal limitations, lack of readiness, or failure to meet requirements. We also recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours after diving before flying.

Participation in scuba diving or snorkelling under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be denied access to the water. This decision is final and will be made by the dive supervisor.

If any of our equipment is lost or damaged due to negligence, the customer responsible will be required to cover the replacement or repair costs.

Liability Forms and Equipment

All participants must complete the appropriate liability forms for the activity they are undertaking.

Rental dive equipment includes a BCD, regulator with first stage and two second stages (primary and alternate), pressure and depth gauges with dive computer, and emergency signalling devices such as a safety sausage, whistle, and/or other visible and audible alert systems. If your personal equipment does not meet these standards, please contact us before boarding.

Divers are responsible for checking the condition of both rental and personal equipment before use. If you require rental gear, please confirm your sizes at least one day before your trip.

Under 18 Policy

Any participant under the age of 18 must have all required liability forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Minimum Numbers

All trips and courses are subject to minimum booking numbers. Kirra Dive will make every effort to reach the required minimum (4). If the minimum is not met, you will be offered either a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule to an alternative date.