The Saddle is the low gap or spillway between the two islets of Lawrence Rocks, and the dive site lies in the sheltered gully below it on the lee side, in a cleft between the north and south rock formations. Rock platforms and boulders descend from the shallows to silty sand at about 10 m, and the interest is the water itself: every swell that arrives on the exposed side of the rocks washes through the saddle and, in the Scuba Doctor's words, creates some great visual effects – surges of white water and bubbles, shafts of light through moving water – and draws fish to the movement and the food it carries. Schools of sweep and butterfly perch hang in the wash, wrasse and magpie perch work the platforms, and the varied sponges that the site is noted for coat the boulders and the walls of the cleft where the current keeps them fed. Crayfish sit in the crevices, and seals from the haul-out on the rocks treat the gully as a playground.

In very calm weather the saddle can be passed through to the exposed side, cutting through the centre of Lawrence Rocks between the two islets, which is one of the more memorable short swims on the Victorian coast; in any swell the gap is a washing machine and must be left alone. The gully dive itself is Open Water depth and straightforward, and together with North Point 226 m away it forms the sheltered pair that Portland divers use when the outer walls are out. Tidal current through the gap is the main practical consideration and the passage is best attempted near slack. Access is by private boat or arrangement with a fishing charter from Portland Harbour, twenty minutes away; Portland SCUBA in town has air and local knowledge. The rocks are a wildlife reserve above water and landing is prohibited.

Boats launch at the Portland Harbour ramps on Lee Breakwater Road (North Ramp and South Ramp), both with trailer parking, inside the harbour breakwaters. Run south past Point Danger about 8 km (20 minutes) to Lawrence Rocks and anchor in the lee below the obvious low saddle between the two rocks. North Point is 226 m to the north-north-west.

The passage through the saddle itself is only entered in very calm weather. Keep clear of seals and gannets on the rocks. Portland SCUBA supplies air; no dive charter operates from Portland.

The gully below the saddle is in the lee of the rocks and is diveable in moderate south-westerly weather, with swell up to about 1.5 m, but the saddle itself is a spillway – swell from the exposed side washes through the gap between the north and south rocks and the Scuba Doctor states it can only be entered in very calm weather. Northerly and easterly winds put sea into the lee. Current runs through the gap on the tide and can be strong on springs; dive it near slack if going through.

Cold, green upwelling water is possible in summer; autumn is clearest.

Anchor on the silty sand at 10 m in the gully, descend and work up the platforms and boulders toward the saddle, watching the wash come through the gap and the fish that gather in it. In very calm conditions pass through the saddle to the exposed side and return; otherwise hold at the lee mouth. Turn at half gas, return to the anchor and ascend slowly.

No dedicated dive charter operates from Portland. Portland SCUBA (PADI centre) runs courses and occasional day trips; local fishing charters take divers by arrangement; Portland dive club members use private boats. Warrnambool Diving visits occasionally.