Celebrate, protect and connect with our marine environment
Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay is inviting the community to celebrate World Oceans Day 2026 with a special event in Mona Vale on Sunday 7 June.
The World Ocean’s Day Dive event is for every ocean admirer and user, from swimmers, snorkellers, fishers to artists and ocean advocates – to connect with and protect our magnificent blue backyard.
This is third year for the popular and significant community event; last year a special swimming event was a big success and well attended.
Festivities this year will kick off at 8am at the north end of Mona Vale Beach, next to Bongin Bongin Bay, and run through until 1pm, with a great variety of activities for the family to enjoy.
The morning will begin with a Welcoming of the Whales, grounding the morning of celebrations in a deep respect for sea country, and a First Nations Smoking Ceremony – this is always well received and enjoyed by the community of all ages.
This year, instead of a swim, a special dive will take place. Come along to the beach and witness a major milestone in local marine conservation with the Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay inaugural data collection scuba dive. This citizen-science dive marks the official launch of long-term tracking in the bay, capturing vital ecological data.
“The core of the diving group are professionals,” says Greg Pride, president of Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay. “It is more a joint collaboration and any accredited divers are welcome to join in. Any active participants will receive a free mug of soup – and retain the Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay mug!”
Bongin Bongin Bay divers will be available afterwards to talk about what they’ve seen – bringing the bay to life and highlighting the importance of protecting the area.
On the land, creativity comes alive with a specially curated Ocean Art Exhibition. Talented local painters and sculptors will showcase breathtaking works inspired by the love for the ocean, offering a stunning visual tribute.
A community tent will be on hand with information about marine sanctuaries and the ocean conservation work being done in the area and will also have details of the successful Custodians of the Ocean school and youth education program.
Families will find endless entertainment throughout the morning and ocean-themed face painting will be available, along with kids’ colouring. Live music will keep the beach buzzing and have everyone grooving throughout the morning.
Last year’s World Oceans Day event was incredibly successful with more than 400 people attending, and this year the team is anticipating an even bigger crowd.
WORLD OCEAN DAY DIVE
Mona Vale Beach (north end)
Sunday 7 June I 8am to 1pm I Free
See Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay Facebook