Discover the Best Diving in Perth: A Year-Round Guide
June 19, 2025
Perth, Western Australia, is a paradise for scuba divers. With stunning reefs, historic shipwrecks, and abundant marine life, diving in Perth offers something for everyone—from beginners to experienced divers. Whether you are looking to explore vibrant coral gardens, dive with sea lions, or discover shipwrecks steeped in history, Perth provides year-round diving opportunities with incredible underwater experiences in every season.
So, what makes diving in Perth so special? Let us dive in and explore the best dive sites, seasonal highlights, and what to expect underwater.
Why Dive in Perth?
Perth is home to a diverse range of dive sites that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you are an Open Water Diver looking for calm, shallow waters or an advanced diver eager to explore deep wrecks, there is a dive site for you. Perth’s Mediterranean climate means you can dive all year, with water temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer.
The waters off Perth are rich in marine biodiversity. Expect to encounter wobbegong sharks, blue gropers, weedy sea dragons, western rock lobsters, and giant cuttlefish, along with vibrant coral reefs and sunlit kelp forests. Seasonal visitors such as humpback whales, whale sharks, and reef manta rays add even more excitement, making Perth a truly dynamic dive destination.
Top Dive Sites in Perth
1. Rottnest Island
Located just 19 km off the coast, Rottnest Island is Perth’s most famous dive site, offering numerous unique dive spots. Divers can explore everything from shallow coral gardens to deep caves and swim-throughs, making it an excellent choice for all experience levels.
The marine life here is abundant, with wobbegong sharks, western rock lobsters, and giant cuttlefish frequently spotted among the colorful coral formations. Some of the best dive sites around Rottnest include Crystal Palace, Shark Cave, and Roe Reef, each offering spectacular underwater landscapes and diverse marine species.
Diving in Perth’s Rottnest Island is best during summer (December–April) when warm waters and exceptional visibility create the perfect conditions.
2. The HMAS Swan Wreck
Sitting off the coast of Dunsborough, the HMAS Swan is one of Australia’s most impressive artificial reefs and a must for wreck divers. This fully penetrable naval destroyer, intentionally scuttled in 1997, rests at a maximum depth of around 32 meters (105 feet), making it an excellent site for advanced divers.
Over the years, marine life has transformed the wreck into a thriving underwater habitat, with kingfish, batfish, octopuses, and nudibranchs taking up residence. The vast structure provides exciting swim-throughs and multiple entry points for divers looking to explore its bridge, hull, and corridors.
3. The Coogee Maritime Trail
For divers looking for an easy yet fascinating wreck dive, the Coogee Maritime Trail just south of Fremantle is a fantastic option. Sitting in shallow waters (2–8 meters), this site is perfect for beginners and snorkelers alike.
The highlight is the Omeo wreck, a scuttled ship that has now evolved into a thriving artificial reef. Schools of bream, seahorses, and pufferfish have made the wreck their home, creating a lively underwater environment. Thanks to its shallow depth, this site offers long bottom times and fantastic photography opportunities, especially on clear days.
4. Marmion Marine Park
Just 10 minutes north of Perth, Marmion Marine Park is an accessible and rewarding dive destination, offering stunning reef formations and excellent visibility, particularly in summer.
The area is home to several top dive sites, including Boyinaboat Reef, North Lump, and Cow Rock, each providing divers with a unique underwater landscape to explore. Expect to encounter blue gropers, crayfish, and Port Jackson sharks, along with intricate coral formations teeming with marine life. With its easy shore access and diverse marine ecosystem, Marmion Marine Park is a favorite among local divers.
5. Little Island
Located near Hillarys within Marmion Marine Park, Little Island is a fantastic dive spot offering excellent conditions for both divers and snorkelers. The surrounding waters are a protected marine sanctuary, home to humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Australian sea lions at different times of the year.
The island features a snorkel trail and diverse reef structures, making it a great site for spotting tropical fish, crayfish, and large stingrays. Access is typically by boat or kayak, and visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile ecosystem by minimizing disturbances.
6. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is one of the best places near Perth to dive with Australian sea lions. These playful and inquisitive creatures often approach divers, making for an exciting and interactive dive experience.
The park’s most popular dive sites, Seal Island and Penguin Island, feature shallow, crystal-clear waters, ideal for underwater photography and freediving. With its rich marine biodiversity and unique opportunities for close encounters with sea lions, Shoalwater Islands is a must-visit for anyone diving in Perth.
7. Kwinana Grain Terminal
Located near Rockingham, the Kwinana Grain Terminal (KGT) is a well-loved shore dive, popular among macro photographers and marine life fans. Sitting at a maximum depth of 9 meters, this site features a jetty structure teeming with nudibranchs, lionfish, and various crustaceans.
The sandy bottom, scattered debris, and encrusted pylons create excellent photography opportunities. While facilities are limited, the rich biodiversity and shallow depth make it a must-visit dive site for shore diving in Perth.
Diving in Perth by Season: What to Expect
Summer (December–February) – Warm Waters & Best Visibility
- Water Temperature: 22–24°C (72–75°F)
- Best for: Rottnest Island, wreck diving, and deep reef dives
- Visibility: Up to 25 meters
- Marine Life: Mating season for cuttlefish and an abundance of tropical fish
Autumn (March–May) – Mellow Conditions & Great Marine Life
- Water Temperature: 20–22°C (68–72°F)
- Best for: Wreck dives like HMAS Swan and Coogee Maritime Trail
- Marine Life: Ideal time for interacting with sea lions at Shoalwater Islands
Winter (June–August) – Best Time for Macro Diving
- Water Temperature: 19–21°C (66–70°F)
- Best for: Macro photography and unique nudibranch spotting
- Visibility: Reduced due to winter storms, but some sheltered dive sites remain clear
- Marine Life: Whale migration season—spot humpbacks from the surface
Spring (September–November) – Whale Sharks & Warmer Waters
- Water Temperature: 20–22°C (68–72°F)
- Best for: Wreck dives and reef exploration before peak summer crowds
- Marine Life: Chance to see whale sharks and migrating manta rays
What Gear Do You Need for Diving in Perth?
Due to Perth’s seasonal water temperature changes, divers should be prepared with the right gear:
Why Diving in Perth Should Be on Your Bucket List
Perth is one of Australia’s most underrated dive destinations. It offers everything from easy shore dives to deep wrecks, vibrant reefs, and thrilling marine encounters. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, diving in Perth provides unforgettable underwater adventures year-round.
Want to experience the best of Perth’s underwater world? Find an SSI dive center in Perth and start planning your next adventure with expert local dive guides. There is no better way to explore the region’s reefs, wrecks, and marine life!