The northern end of Pig Island is a very good all-round dive and the usual choice at Bass Islet when a southerly swell is running. The main reef runs east–west as a slope of the white-and-pink rock characteristic of the Illawarra, dotted with larger rocks and boulders. The top of the slope is about 15 m and it deepens gradually to 24–26 m further out, where the bottom becomes rock covered mostly in kelp.

The standard route takes you north off the slope across the kelp to a series of isolated rocks that are plastered with sponges and sea tulips – mini-bommies that concentrate fish and invertebrates. Heading east you reach about 24 m before turning back to the main reef and following it home at 12–15 m. Along the way expect cuttlefish, moray eels, clouds of one-spot pullers, striped seapike and large rays, with eagle rays passing over the sand. The rocks reward a slow look for nudibranchs.

In late summer and autumn the East Australian Current can carry tropical vagrants this far south: McFadyen recorded eight long-finned bannerfish and a Moorish idol here in February 2006. The kelp beds look like classic weedy sea dragon habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed. The site is less dramatic than the south-eastern wall but more varied, with a mix of kelp, sponge and sand habitats, and it can be dived at a range of depths to suit a mixed group. It pairs naturally with Pig Island South East or with the Toothbrush Island sites on a two-dive trip out of Port Kembla.

Launch from the Port Kembla boat ramp in the Outer Harbour (behind the steelworks; large car and trailer park, toilets). Wollongong Harbour's ramp (Belmore Basin) is closer to the northern islands but suits only small boats in calm seas. From Port Kembla steer out through the harbour entrance, keeping clear of the shipping channel, and head for the island; the run is 10–15 minutes in a small boat.

Head for Pig Island, the island furthest from Port Kembla (about 4.3 km from the Port Kembla ramp or 6.9 km from Wollongong Harbour), and go to its northern end. Anchor at 34° 27.782' S 150° 56.747' E near the top of the slope at 15 m; in northerly or north-easterly winds anchor in deeper water than usual.

The Five Islands sit in open water off Port Kembla and are exposed to all swell, but the islands themselves give lee on one side or the other: dive the northern ends in southerly swell and the southern ends in north-easterly conditions. Boats generally want less than about 1.5–2 m of swell and winds under 15 knots for the short run out of Port Kembla Outer Harbour; Wollongong Harbour's ramp is suitable only for small boats in calm seas. Visibility is often better than the inshore beaches, but drops after heavy rain when Lake Illawarra, Allans Creek and the harbour flush brown water out.

Best visibility is usually late autumn to early winter; winter westerlies produce flat seas. The northern end is the best Pig Island option in a southerly swell; strong north-easterlies make it uncomfortable.

From the anchor swim north across the kelp to the isolated sponge-covered rocks, then work gradually east to about 24 m. Turn south to meet the main reef and return west along it at 12–15 m to the anchor.

United Divers (Fairy Meadow, Wollongong) runs boat dives to the Five Islands from Wollongong Harbour/Port Kembla when numbers and weather allow; Expedition Dive (Sydney) runs seasonal seal trips (June–Oct/Nov); otherwise private boats and clubs.