Taroona sits on the western shore of the Derwent between Sandy Bay and Kingston, and the reef around Crayfish Point is one of the closest ocean-influenced reef dives to central Hobart. Go Dive Tasmania lists the Taroona Marine Reserve at 3-18 m for all certified divers, describing rocky reefs and kelp beds with a good chance of southern rock lobster. The protection here is a fisheries research area rather than a full marine reserve: the Crayfish Point (Taroona) research area extends about 800 m offshore between Nubeena Crescent and the Taroona Beach boat ramp, with a surrounding buffer zone.

Commercial rock lobster harvesting is banned and taking lobster and abalone is restricted, although rod-and-line fishing is permitted. The result is a reef where rock lobsters are relatively abundant – the point is home to the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies' fisheries centre, which uses the area for research. The reef is dolerite and sandstone boulders covered in kelp and brown algae, with sponges, ascidians and invertebrates on the rock faces and sand and silt beyond.

Wrasse, leatherjackets, bastard trumpeter and other reef fish are common, and the Derwent estuary's rarer species – including the spotted handfish – have been recorded in the Taroona area; bottlenose dolphins also visit. Visibility is often low, as this is estuary water influenced by the river, and night dives can reveal bioluminescence. The site's history is rich: the Muwinina people lived here for many thousands of years, and Taroona's name comes from their word for chiton.

Taroona suits all certified divers looking for a quick local dive with good crayfish numbers.

Taroona is 10 km (15 minutes) south of Hobart along the Channel Highway (B68), or 25 minutes by Metro bus. Park at Niree Parade or Taroona Park beside the beach; the park has toilets. Enter from Taroona Beach, keeping clear of the boat ramp, and swim east towards Crayfish Point, where the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies' Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre stands on the point.

The walk from car to water is short.

The Derwent estuary is sheltered from ocean swell, but strong northerly or southerly winds blow along its length and raise a short, steep chop; the Marine Life Network notes the region can become very rough in gales, even in the river. Visibility is the limiting factor: it is usually low (1-5 m) and worst after rain, when the Derwent's tannin-stained, silty floodwater spreads through the estuary. Dive after a dry spell, on a high or flood tide that brings in clearer marine water.

There is a noticeable but generally mild tidal flow. Diving is possible year-round; winter water is cold (9-11 °C). Taroona Beach faces south, so strong southerlies put small waves (typically around 0.5 m) on the beach.

Enter from the eastern end of Taroona Beach, swim out along the rocky reef towards Crayfish Point, descend over the kelp beds and follow the reef edge to 10-15 m. Turn at half air and return along the reef.

Go Dive Tasmania – Taroona Marine Reserve listed as a shore site (3-18 m, all certified divers); Hobart clubs and independent divers.