Shelly Beach Showing Off

Every now and then, we’re blessed with a magical day under the water, either because we see something unique, or because conditions are just that perfect. Sunday was one such day at Shelly Beach.

I arrived at Shelly Beach bright an early to take a couple out on guided shore dive. Watching the sun rise over the ocean from the Shelly Head lookout, I could already tell we were in for a cracker of a day. There were the faintest wisps of cloud in the bright blue sky, and the surface of the ocean was completely glassed out and looking relatively blue and clear.

I met the couple on the grassy area behind the beach and, after sorting out a few gear issues and doing the dive briefing, we made our way across the sand and into the water. It was a balmy 25 degrees (possibly warmer since my Garmin seems to always read 1-2 degrees lower), and crystal clear.

We made our way out along the right-hand side in what was basically an aquarium. We saw all the usual critters including wrasse, octopus, blue groper, pike, wobbegongs, and hulafish. But the highlights of the day were without a doubt the giant cuttlefish hiding under a rock ledge, and the absolutely massive souther eagle ray.

When your day starts like that, what could be better!