Hyams Beach is famous for having some of the whitest sand in the world, and it draws crowds of beachgoers every summer. For divers the interest lies not on the beach itself but on the reef off its southern end. The Marine Life Network describes Hyams as the better shore dive in this part of the bay: entry is via the Cyrus Street boat ramp, followed by a swim of about 100 m east to a series of parallel ledges at 8–10 m.

The ledges are low but continuous, undercut in places and running parallel to the shore, so navigation is simple – follow one out and another back. Wobbegongs rest under the overhangs, and reef fish such as blue groper, luderick, leatherjackets and wrasse are common, with cuttlefish and rays over the sand. The brilliant white sand reflects light and makes the water look exceptionally clear on a calm day, and seagrass patches near the shore hold small creatures worth a look on the way out. The point at Little Hyams to the north has its own snorkelling reef.

Conditions are the main limitation. The beach faces east across the bay and is poor in easterly swell or strong north-easterly winds, which are common on summer afternoons, so early mornings and westerly days are best. The boat ramp is busy, and swimmers crowd the beach in summer, so divers must tow a float. Parking is scarce and restricted during peak season. For divers based in Vincentia or Huskisson, Hyams is an easy, rewarding shallow dive and an excellent snorkel.

Jervis Bay is about 2.5–3 hours south of Sydney via the M1 and Princes Highway, turning onto Jervis Bay Road at Falls Creek. From Vincentia follow Naval College Road and Hyams Beach Road to the village. Parking is very limited and fills early in summer (paid/permit parking applies in peak periods).

Carry gear to the Cyrus Street boat ramp at the southern end of the beach, enter there, and swim about 100 m east to the parallel ledges. Keep clear of boats using the ramp.

Inside Jervis Bay the water is sheltered from ocean swell, but the bay is big enough for wind chop: strong north-easterlies (summer afternoons) make the western and southern shores choppy, and southerly or westerly winds affect the northern shore less. Diving is possible on most days of the year at one shore or another. Visibility is usually 8–15 m, better in winter, and drops after heavy rain when Currambene Creek and Moona Moona Creek flush tannin water into the bay.

Tides are small but high tide gives better visibility at the beach entries. Hyams Beach faces east across the bay and is poor in easterly swell or strong north-easterly winds; westerly winds give flat water.

From the ramp, swim east about 100 m to the first ledge, descend and follow the parallel ledges at 8–10 m, checking the undercuts for wobbegongs. Return along an inner ledge and over the sand to the ramp.

No scheduled guided shore dives; Dive Jervis Bay and other Huskisson operators hire gear and give site advice, and occasionally run training or snorkel sessions.