Diving in Western Australia - South
Why dive here
Western Australia - South offers 134 dive sites in Australia.
We often talk about WA’s north, but the south coast is a completely different beast, and honestly, we love it for its wild, rugged charm. This isn’t your typical tropical reef diving, and that’s precisely its appeal. Think cooler waters, dramatic granite formations, and a rawness that feels truly Australian. Our favourite spots are dotted along the coast. Albany’s HMAS Perth wreck is a proper adventure, a large, intact vessel that feels like a ghost ship as you swim through its corridors. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light shafts piercing through are incredible, and the deck guns are always a photo op. Further east, Bremer Bay is where the true magic happens, specifically for orcas. If you hit it right, usually between January and April, you’ll be out on the water, watching these majestic predators hunt. We’ve seen full breaching and tail slapping; it’s genuinely humbling. You might even find some mako sharks cruising the deeper waters. Esperance offers something a bit gentler, with stunningly clear water over granite reefs, perfect for a relaxed dive. We’d suggest keeping an eye out for the endemic species like the Blue Rock Whiting here; they’re quite pretty against the pink granite. While not traditionally known for its "colourful" reefs, the sheer scale of the granite formations and the unique temperate species make this region a standout for those looking beyond the usual.
Western Australia - South Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Western Australia - South
Western Australia - South Dive Sites
134 dive sites in Western Australia - South
Alkimos Reef
Alkimos Reef, off the coast of Western Australia, offers a surprising amount of coral growth for this region. We've found the visibility can be a bit hit or miss, but on a good day, the reef structure is quite interesting, attracting schools of baitfish and often a few larger pelagics cruising by. It’s a good spot for a straightforward boat dive when you're in the area, particularly if you appreciate coral formations over specific macro life.
Alkimos Wreck
The Alkimos Wreck, off Western Australia’s south coast, isn’t your typical upright, intact steel hull. It’s a huge, broken mess, scattered across the seafloor, which for us, makes it far more interesting. We love how the story of its failed towing and eventual demise plays out in the debris field below. You’ll find sections of plating, bulkheads, and machinery strewn about, creating a fascinating landscape for exploration. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the gaps in the collapsed structure. Look closely among the bent metal; we’ve often spotted schooling yellowtail scad darting through the openings and hefty Western blue groper nosing around the larger sections. We’d suggest a slow, methodical dive here, giving yourself time to really appreciate the scale of the destruction and the resilience of the marine life that's made it home. This one suits divers who enjoy a bit of history and don't mind a wreck that requires some imagination to piece together.
Ammo Jetty
The Ammo Jetty is one of those sites we always recommend, especially for a relaxed afternoon. It’s a shore entry, easy as, just walk in and follow the pylons out. Max depth is only 9m, so you get heaps of bottom time, which is good because you'll want it. The real magic here is in the details, all those little critters hiding on the pylons and in the sand. We've found so many ornate, tiny nudibranchs, and the pygmy squid are usually out if you look closely. It's also an incredible spot for octopus – we often see half a dozen on a single dive, sometimes even mating. Finding a seahorse here feels like winning the lottery, but they are around, tucked into the seagrass. Our top tip? Go slow. Really slow. Bring a good macro lens if you're into photography, because the visibility can be a bit variable, sometimes 4m, sometimes pushing 8m on a good day, but it’s always worth it for the critters. Keep an eye out for fishing lines, it is a popular spot with anglers. This is a perfect dive for anyone who loves finding the small stuff, or just wants a cruisy dive without much fuss.
Ammunition Jetty
We’ve spent some serious time under Ammunition Jetty, and let us tell you, it’s one of those sites that just keeps giving. The pylons are absolutely caked in growth, a thick, living carpet of sponges and soft corals that glow in your torch beam. Look closely, because that’s where the real magic happens. Nudibranchs in every colour imaginable crawl across the sponges, and we’ve often spotted seahorses clinging to the pylons, swaying gently with the surge. Our favourite time to dive here is definitely at night. The place just erupts. Octopus hunt across the seabed, and we’ve seen so many different crabs scuttling about – it’s a totally different world. Daytime is great too, especially for the light show as sunbeams pierce through the gaps in the jetty, illuminating schools of baitfish that swirl around the structure. The water can get a bit chilly, even in summer, so a good 5mm suit is a smart move. It’s perfect for macro lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a calm, shallow dive with an incredible amount of life packed into a small area.
Apex club
Apex Club in Western Australia is a straightforward shore dive, often used for training or a relaxed day out. You'll likely find cuttlefish, octopus, and the occasional stingray cruising the sandy bottom and scattered reef patches. Visibility can vary, but it’s a good spot for newer divers looking to get wet without much fuss or those just wanting an easy local dip. We'd suggest checking local conditions before you head out.
Arican Reef
Arican Reef offers a solid shore dive experience for those exploring Western Australia’s southern coast. Entry can be a bit tricky, often requiring careful timing with the waves, but it’s manageable for confident divers. Once below, you’ll find a series of rocky reef formations with patches of coral supporting a good variety of temperate fish. It’s a great spot for an afternoon dive if you’re in the area and looking for something beyond the usual boat trips.
Bell park
Bell Park offers a straightforward shore dive, popular with local training groups. Entry is easy from a sandy beach, leading to a gentle slope. You'll typically find schooling juvenile fish amongst scattered seagrass beds. It's a decent spot for skill practice and a relaxed Sunday afternoon dip, but don’t expect dramatic corals or big pelagics.
Bennetts Reef
Bennetts Reef is a good option for divers looking for a straightforward reef dive off Western Australia's south coast. It's a healthy coral reef, mostly hard corals, with decent numbers of smaller reef fish. We've often found schooling snapper here, along with the occasional wobbegong tucked under ledges. It’s a solid pick for a relaxed afternoon dive.
Bicton Baths - Swan River
We’ve spent many hours kicking around Bicton Baths, and honestly, it’s far more interesting than a river dive has any right to be. Forget coral and big fish, this is about the tiny, the camouflaged, and the wonderfully weird. The silt bottom means you’ll want to have your buoyancy dialled in – kick up the mud and you’ll spend the rest of your dive in a self-made brown cloud. We love a night dive here; the place really comes alive after dark. Our favourite trick is to slowly work the shark net, tracing the lines for seahorses, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with Threadfin Reefgobies tucked into every crevice. Keep an eye out for Germain’s Blennies peeking from the mud and the odd Southern Bluespotted Flathead perfectly blending in. Sure, the vis usually hovers around 3m, but that just makes every discovery feel more intimate. It’s a site for patient macro lovers and photographers, definitely not for those chasing pelagics. And yes, Bull Sharks are a known resident, particularly during warmer months – they tend to cruise the deeper channels, but it’s worth being aware of.
Big Bomba Break
Big Bomba Break offers a decent dive for those exploring the South Western Australian coast. We found a healthy coral reef system, typical of the region, with a range of smaller reef fish flitting between the bommies. It's a comfortable spot for a relaxed dive, particularly good for newer divers looking to build confidence in a less challenging environment. Expect a straightforward dive with pleasant but not spectacular scenery.
Big Break
Big Break offers a straightforward reef dive, good for shaking out the cobwebs. We’ve found plenty of reef fish poking around the corals and it’s generally a pretty relaxed spot. It’s a decent option for a casual afternoon dive, especially if you’re looking for something accessible and not too demanding. Good for those newer to diving or anyone wanting an easy day.
Big Horseshoe Reef
Big Horseshoe Reef in Western Australia offers a solid coral reef dive. You’ll find a mix of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for a range of smaller reef fish. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, suitable for those looking for a gentle introduction to the region's underwater scenery or a straightforward afternoon dip.
Western Australia - South Dive Centres
10 dive shops and operators in Western Australia - South
ADRENO PERTH
Blue Destiny Boat Charters
Bucket List Diver
Bunbury Dive
Coastal Water Dive
Dive Locker Fremantle
Dive Super
Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience
Western Australia - South Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Western Australia - South, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
06:46
Sunset
17:58
Daylight
11h 12m
Golden Hour
17:25
First light (dawn) at 06:21 · Last light (dusk) at 18:22
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 05:29 | 19:27 | 13h 59m |
| Feb | 05:57 | 19:10 | 13h 12m |
| Mar | 06:19 | 18:38 | 12h 19m |
| Apr | 06:39 | 17:59 | 11h 20m |
| May | 06:59 | 17:32 | 10h 32m |
| JunShortest | 07:16 | 17:23 | 10h 6m |
| Jul | 07:17 | 17:33 | 10h 16m |
| AugNow | 06:55 | 17:52 | 10h 57m |
| Sep | 06:19 | 18:11 | 11h 52m |
| Oct | 05:40 | 18:29 | 12h 49m |
| Nov | 05:13 | 18:55 | 13h 42m |
| DecLongest | 05:09 | 19:20 | 14h 11m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Western Australia - South.
Where to Stay near Western Australia - South
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Marine Protected Areas near Western Australia - South
37 protected areas near Western Australia - South - please respect local regulations when diving
Perth Canyon
Peel-Yalgorup System
Shoalwater Islands
Rottnest Island
Jurien Bay
Jurien
Swan River
Two Rocks
Austin Bay
Swan Estuary - Alfred Cove
Swan Estuary - Milyu
Boullanger, Whitlock, Favourite, Tern And Osprey Islands
Showing 12 largest of 37
Getting to Western Australia - South
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