Fingal Island sits at the southern end of Port Stephens off Fingal Bay, connected to the mainland by the striking Fingal Spit — a natural sand tombolo walkable at low tide that has claimed more than one vehicle attempting the crossing at the wrong time, and which gives the island a distinctive, much-photographed profile from the surrounding beaches. Underwater, the island's pinnacles and drop-offs run from a shallow five metres down to thirty-five, their faces carrying some of the most colourful sponge gardens in the Port Stephens islands group, a habitat that in turn supports an excellent range of nudibranch species for macro-focused divers working the shallower sections. Resident grouper use the pinnacle's ledges and overhangs, and turtles are a regular sighting cruising the structure or resting in its lee.

In the warmer months the site becomes a genuine pelagic draw as well, with yellowtail kingfish and cobia both moving through in numbers that make Fingal Island a popular choice for anglers-turned-divers and anyone hoping to combine reef scenery with a chance at bigger, faster-moving fish. The depth range across a single dive — from the shallow pinnacle top to the deeper base — demands a properly planned multi-level profile, and the moderate current typical of this more exposed southern part of Port Stephens means the site suits confident, experienced divers rather than a first open-water outing. Combined with its striking above-water landmark status, Fingal Island offers one of the more complete Port Stephens island experiences, mixing scenic macro-rich sponge gardens with a real chance at seasonal pelagic action.

Fingal Island sits off Fingal Bay at the southern end of Port Stephens, connected to the mainland at low tide by the Fingal Spit sand tombolo (a walkable but tide-dependent sand bar, not used for dive access). Dive boats depart Nelson Bay and run south around Tomaree Head to Fingal Bay, a trip of roughly 25-35 minutes depending on the exact mooring used on the pinnacles.

The Port Stephens islands sit on the open coast just outside the harbour and are exposed to ocean swell, though generally less so than Broughton Island given their closer, more sheltered position relative to Tomaree Head and the harbour entrance. Operators choose the specific island and side to dive based on the day's wind and swell direction. Visibility is typically 8-20 m and best in settled autumn/winter weather; it drops after rain and in a strong onshore blow.

Descend onto the shallowest part of the pinnacle formation at around 5 m and work down the drop-off to 35 m as training and gas allow, exploring the colourful sponge gardens for nudibranchs and resident grouper, and watching the blue water off the pinnacle for turtles and, in season, yellowtail kingfish and cobia.

Let's Go Adventures (Nelson Bay) and Feet First Dive (Nelson Bay) both run regular boat trips to the Port Stephens islands group, weather permitting.