With the exit of the warmer weather comes the entry of a whole new world of marine life. The ocean transforms during cooler scuba diving season, and with proper exposure protection wear you’ll be snug as a Morton Bay Bug in a rug. Cooler diving months mean there are less plankton in the water, increasing the visibility when the sun is shining. With some superb Perth dive spots located off the coast of Rottnest Island, you might find winter diving becomes your favourite time to dive during the year.
The marine life around the waters of Rottnest is abundant during the warmer weather, and this is no exception during the cooler dive season. Creatures on your radar should include the occasional lionfish, sea turtle and grey nurse shark. And don’t forget about the famous Rottnest caves! During the cooler scuba diving season, there is greater visibility in the water and the light rays that penetrate the water are just spectacular. The additional visibility may even help you make out the wobbegongs laying camouflaged against the seabed! Here are some of the wonderful dive locations you can explore around Rottnest Island.
Thompson Bay Wrecks
Located virtually atop one another are the Macedon and Denton wrecks found just out from Thompson’s Bay at Kingston Reef. On transit from these sites located inside the sanctuary zone are additional wrecks Janet and Gem just a short 300m. The scuba dive sites are only 3-9m in depth and make for a great shallow dive at Rottnest.
Lady Elizabeth Wreck
This wreck is located on the southern side of Rottnest at Porpoise Bay. Whilst you’re here, stop by the caves in the area as they are brilliant opportunities for photography with the frequency of seas turtle, leafy sea dragon and fire fish sightings.
Crystal Palace
Located on the south-east side of Rottnest is Crystal Palace, here you can explore caves a plenty at this ‘hidden’ dive site. There is a huge variety of fish species which call this local Perth dive site home, from colourful harlequin fish to big Blue gropers. It’s not just about the fish though, there are plenty of caves to explore as the dive site spans near 800m of reef.
Just because it’s no longer beach weather, doesn’t mean the dive season stops. Rain or shine the team at Dolphin Scuba are out in the water, and you can be too if you join them on the team’s weekly shore dive trip. Stop by the shop every Sunday morning at 8am for a shore dive at one of the local dive locations. If you’re short of some dive gear you can hire gear from Dolphin Scuba, or our staff are experienced scuba divers who can talk you through the best scuba exposure wear and wetsuits to suit your individual dive needs.
Open seven days a week, you can enquire about our weekly group dive or holiday packages online or in store on 08 9253 2488.