Western Australia has over 12,000km of coastline and offshore islands to explore. Experience the full range from coral reefs and atolls in the tropics to rocky reefs with cool and clear temperate waters in the south.
Many of the best and most accessible places to see both coral and rocky reefs, fish, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can be found in marine parks. The Rowley Shoals, Ningaloo, Jurien Bay and Ngari Capes marine parks, Houtman Abrolhos Islands and Rottnest Island are outstanding places to dive. Stay close to Perth and dive the Marmion and Shoalwater Islands marine parks.
Dive tours, equipment hire and training courses are available in Perth and some of the more popular dive locations. Make sure that you contact dive operators and make bookings well in advance.
If you are not a certified diver but would like to experience some of the Western Australia’s marine life, you can snorkel at all of these marine parks. In fact, whale sharks and humpback whales can only be observed close-up from the deck of a tour boat or in-water in a guided snorkelling group.
Dive trails offer interesting experiences that highlight the local marine life and habitats. They are usually marked with concrete plinths so you can follow the trail and learn as you go. Find information about dive trails at Trails WA.
Divers who are equipped to dive independently need to follow the regulations and safety guidelines of the Department of Transport. They must also know which activities are permitted in the different marine park zones. On commercial tours, divers receive full briefings before entering the water.
To dive safely you will need to be medically fit, always dive with a buddy and dive within the limits of your training. For more information on diving safety see the advice at Safety and Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving.
