Aztec Reef sits on the northern side of Bowen Island's north-western corner, a stone's throw from The Nursery. It takes its name from strange drawing-like designs on the rocks that resemble Aztec or Egyptian writing; in fact they are patterns formed by algal growth, remarkably consistent from rock to rock.

The reef ranges from 7 m to over 20 m. A shallow zone at about 7 m drops to 15 m on its western side over a small wall, and a wall system runs north and east from the south-east, with boulders, small overhangs and cracks throughout. McFadyen suggests keeping to about 18 m for the best of it. Like its neighbour, the site has exceptional fish life – yellowtail, striped seapike, luderick, one-spot pullers and bream in large numbers – and it is known for weedy sea dragons, including juveniles, cuttlefish sheltering in the overhangs and a large resident ray.

Aztec Reef is typically dived when conditions are rough because of the protection Bowen Island provides from southerly swell, but it has two caveats. An outgoing tide can create a strong current around the point, and in large seas waves break off and around the point, so the boat position needs thought. For Open Water divers in reasonable conditions it is an easy, rewarding site that complements The Nursery with a little more depth and structure, and both lie within the Booderee sanctuary zone around Bowen Island. Landing on the island is prohibited, as it hosts a little penguin colony, and divers should use the moorings where provided rather than anchoring on the reef.

Charters depart Huskisson (Dive Jervis Bay; boats in Currambene Creek), about 15–20 minutes across the bay to Bowen Island. Private boats can launch at the Murrays Beach ramp in Booderee National Park (park entry fee; ramp faces Bowen Island, 5 minutes away) or at Huskisson/Callala. Go to the northern side of Bowen Island's north-western corner (35° 06.719' S 150° 46.047' E) and anchor or moor as close to the point as conditions allow – on the northern side in calm seas, inside the point or to the south-west if waves are breaking around it.

Bowen Island shelters the southern side of the Jervis Bay entrance. The inside and north-western corner (Nursery, Aztec, North Bowen) are protected from southerly swell and are often the only diveable sites when big southerlies close the outer coast, although waves can break on the points in large seas. The eastern and southern faces are exposed to south-easterly and southerly swell and want under about 1.5 m.

An outgoing tide can produce strong current around the island's points. Visibility typically 10–20 m. At Aztec Reef an outgoing tide can produce a strong current.

Descend to 7 m or drop over the small wall to 15 m on the western side. Explore the walls, boulders and deeper rocky areas (keep to about 18 m), then rise onto the reef top for a long fish-watching finish, checking overhangs for cuttlefish and the resident ray.

Dive Jervis Bay (Huskisson; boats Avalon and Genesis) runs double boat dives most days, and Deep 6 Diving Jervis Bay / other Huskisson operators also visit; site chosen on the day according to swell and wind.