Diving in South Australia

From Halal Explorer

Default Scuba diving banner.JPG SA in Australia map - South Australia - location Dive regions of South Australia - 480px|Map of the South Australian coastline showing subdivision into recreational diving regions Halal Travel Guide is intended to provide the already certified Scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of South Australia, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Diving in South Australia Halal Travel Guide

South Australia is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It is bordered to the West by Western Australia, to the north by the Northern Territory, to the north-east by Queensland, to the east by New South Wales, to the south-east by Victoria, and to the south by the Great Australian Bight and the Indian Ocean. Most of the people live in the state capital, Adelaide, with most of the remainder settled in fertile areas along the south-eastern coast and River Murray.

South Australia has been known as a state of festivals and of fine soft drinks. The state's economy centres on the agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries.

General topography

According to Australian maps, South Australia's south coast is on the Southern Ocean, but official international consensus defines the Southern Ocean as extending north of Antarctica only as far as 60°S or 55°S, at least 17 degrees of latitude short of the southernmost point of South Australia, so the coast is on the Indian Ocean, but most South Australians use the term 'Southern Ocean'.

The coastline includes cliffs along the Great Australian Bight and the western side of Eyre Peninsula, but is less rugged on Spencer Gulf and Gulf Street Vincent, Yorke Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Encounter Bay and The Coorong.

Kangaroo Island which is Australia's third largest island, lies off the centre of the state's coast.

Climate, weather and sea conditions

Marine forecast areas of South Australia - Map showing the marine weather forecast areas of South Australia

The northern part of the state has arid or semi-arid climate.

The southern coastal part of the state, from the Eyre peninsula and Spencer gulf southwards has a Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. South Australia's main temperature range is 29°C in January to 15°C in July. Most of the rain in the southern neighborhoods falls during winter when the sub-tropical high-pressure belt is displaced to the north over the continent.

The Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System is Australia's only deep-reaching coastal upwelling system, bringing nutrient-rich water up from depths exceeding 300 m. It is a seasonal system which extends from Ceduna in the eastern Great Australian Bight, to Portland in Victoria, a distance of about 800 km. The upwelling events usually occur in summer, from December to April, driven by southeasterly coastal winds.

Major upwelling occurs along the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, and less pronounced upwelling off the south-western coast of Kangaroo Island.

There are several coastal marine weather forecast areas in South Australia:

  • Far west coast
  • Upper west coast
  • Lower west coast
  • Central coast
  • Spencer gulf
  • Investigator strait
  • Gulf st Vincent
  • Adelaide metropolitan waters
  • South central coast
  • Upper south east coast
  • Lower south east coast

Marine weather forecasts available from:

  • Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
  • Weatherzone
  • Buoyweather
  • Seabreeze
  • WillyWeather
  • 9news weather

Marine ecology

The coastal waters are classified as temperate, and have a corresponding ecology, which includes a significant number of endemic species of interest to the recreational diver.

The nutrient-rich water from the upwelling has an important role in the life cycle of juvenile southern bluefin tuna which aggregate and feed on pilchards in the eastern Bight during the upwelling season. Colonies of sea lions, little penguins and seals, and the locally high abundance of blue whales and sharks are supported by the upwelling system.

The Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System and its ecosystem can be regarded as one of Australia's natural wonders.


Dive sites

Gulf Street Vincent east coast (including Adelaide)

Dive sites of the Gulf Street Vincent east coast - Map showing the positions of dive sites on the east coast of the Gulf Street Vincent

Top of Gulf Street Vincent (S-34°133',E138°086') to North of Sellicks Beach (S35°20').

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Gulf Street Vincent
  • Adelaide metropolitan waters
Dive sites include
  • John Robb: South 34°49.434', E 138°20.190'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 20m. Remains of a ship that sunk in 1910.
  • Norma: South 34°49.397', E 138°25.044'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 14m. Remains of a 4-masted iron barque which sank whilst at anchor after being rammed by another vessel in 1907.
  • Grange Tyre Reef: South 34°54'54.87", E 138°24'4.93"
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 18m.Artificial reef created in the early 1980s from tetrahedronal modules made of used vehicle tyres and ballasted with concrete.
  • Broken Bottom: South 34°57.773', E 138°28.822'.
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 10m. Remains of an old shore line which consists of a series of naturally formed rock piles spread over a large area.
  • Leather Jacket Alley: South 34°58.163', E 138°28.832'
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 10m. Remains of an old shore line which consists of a series of naturally formed rock piles spread over a large area. The dive site consists of a series of naturally formed gutters in the seabed.
  • Glenelg Blocks:
Reef dive. Boat access or swim from shore. Maximum depth 6 meters. The site consists of a row of concrete boxes (or blocks) running parallel to the coastline. These are the remains of a mooring system and can be seen at low tide.
  • Glenelg Dredge: South 34°58'43.11", E 138°26'26.41"
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 20m. Former SA government suction dredge, South Australian, sunk in 1985 as an artificial for recreational diving and fishing.
  • Glenelg Barge: South 34°58'43.83" E 138°26' 27.85"
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 20m. Former SA government sand hopper barge sunk in 1984 as an artificial for recreational diving and fishing.
  • Glenelg Tyre Reef: South 34°58'54.63", E 138°26'40.81"
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 18m.Artificial reef made of tyre modules.
  • Claris: South 35°00.250', E 138°21.089'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 28m. 12m long wreck
  • Mac’s Ground: South 34°58.550', E 138°27.084'
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 17m. Reef which is part of an old shore line rising a 1 m above the seabed and 150 m long running in an east west direction.
  • Milkies Reef: South 34°59.189', E 138°27.241'.
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 17m. Named after the occupation of the diver who discovered the site.
  • Somerton Reef: South 34°59'184", E 138°29'266"
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 6m.
  • Seacliffe Reef: South 35°02.264', E 138°29.440'.
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 15m. The site which is part of an old shore line consists of a reef running in north south direction and that stands about 1m above a sandy seabed.
  • Hallett Cove:
Reef dive.Access from shore or by boat. Maximum depth 8m. The site is a reefy area immediately adjoining the north point of the cove.
  • Port Stanvac Barges:
Saurian South 35°06.982', E 138°24.544'
Stanvac Barge 1: South 35°06.945', E 138°34.637'
Stanvac Barge 2: South 35°06.979', E 138°24.597'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 28m. The site consists of 3 barges sunk in 1954 to form an artificial reef on a sandy bottom.
  • Stanvac Dump: South 35°06.210', E 138°28.117'
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 13m. A large artificial reef created on a rocky seabed.
  • Horseshoe Reef:
Reef dive. Boat access. Maximum depth 6m Rocky reef surrounded by sand This site is located with the boundaries of the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve.
  • Port Noarlunga Reef: South 35.149298°, E 138.464297°.
Reef dive. Shore and boat access. Maximum depth 20m. Large site consisting of a 1.6 kilometers long reef which is exposed at low tide and connected by a jetty to the shore 200m away. This site is located with the boundaries of the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve. Parking in the street near the jetty. Public toilet and changing rooms in building to the south of the jetty, which also contains a restaurant. Fresh water shower near the shore end of the jetty.
The inshore side of the reef is well sheltered from swell, and the outside is much more exposed. Shore access is usually by the jetty, which has a staircase leading to the water just inshore of the reef. Access to the offshore side of the reef involves climbing over the reef or swimming around the ends. It is also feasible to enter or exit from the beach.
Topography: Long straight fairly flat topped reef, much like a collapsed wharf with the blocks pushed into the sea on each side, leaving a fairly flat topped reef which dries by about half a metre. At least 100m long in each direction from the end of the jetty, and with another section in line beyond a gap to the south. Inshore very protected against swell, but gets a bit of current, particularly from waves coming over the reef at high tide. Offshore side of the reef near the jetty is a jumble of big blocky boulders like a breakwater. Sand bottom at about 9m. Lots of gaps and overhangs, crevices etc. of 1 to 2m depth and length.
Ecology: Sparse kelp and other weeds, crustose corallines and sponges, fair variety of invertebrates.
  • H.A. Lumb: South 35°08.059', E 138°26.439'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 20m. Steel tug sunk as an artificial reef for recreational diving in 1994 by the Dive Industry Association of SA.
  • Sea Wolf: South 35°08.886', E 138°26.533'
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 20m. Fishing trawler sunk as an artificial reef for recreational diving in 2002 by the Seawolves Dive Club.
  • Port Noarlunga Tyre Reef: South 35°08'48.64", E 138°26'35.06"
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 18m.Artificial reef made of tyre modules.
  • Seaford Reef:
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 18m.
  • Gull Rock:
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 8m.
  • Star of Greece: South 35°15'8.6" E 138°27'33.7"
Wreck dive.Access from shore or from boat. Maximum depth 6m. Remains of a 3 masted iron ship which run aground during a storm in 1888.
  • Aldinga Aquatic Reserve:
Reef dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 18m Site consists of a sub-littoral reef with a 10m wall that drops to 18m (known as the ‘drop off’).

Fleurieu Peninsula

Dive sites of the Fleurieu Peninsula - Map showing locations of recreational dive sites of the Fleurieu Peninsula Dive sites of Rapid Bay - Map of the recreational dive sites at Rapid Bay, South Australia Diver with leafy sea dragon P2023159 - Diver with leafy sea dragon at Rapid Bay jetty Dive sites of Victor Harbour - Map showing the dive sites of Victor Harbor in South Australia

South of Sellicks Beach (S 35°20'), west of Murray River mouth (E 138°53' )

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Investigator strait
  • South Central coast
Dive sites include
  • Myponga Beach: South 35°22.346', E 138°23.066'
  • Carrickalinga Beach: South 35°25.511', E 138°19.233'
  • Second Valley headland: South 35°30.624', E 138°13.000'
Shore entry from rocky headland beyond probable old whaling station site. Iron post at tip of headland. Alternative entry and exit at south side of headland in sheltered cove. Both places require some walking over rocky ridges. Maximum depth about 9m at sand bottom. Parking at the end of the access road, with public toilets and changing room. No potable water.
Topography: Fairly steeply sloping rocky reef at end of small rocky promontory south of the river mouth. Sand bottom at about 9m, shallower on south side of the point. Sedimentary rock, in places heavily folded, looks metamorphosed to some degree – quite hard and resistant to weathering. Probably shale or mudstone originally. Dip fairly steep, about 25 degrees, Strike about north/south by estimate. Total width of reef slope not very large, The sand and the shoreline can be seen from most places on the 5m contour. Widest part of the reef is about 30 or 40m, and narrowest nearer 15 to 20m.
Ecology: Mixed kelp and other seaweeds, moderate density, substrate visible through the weed a fair amount of the time.
  • Lasseter’s Reef: South 35.50838°, E 138.21873°
Reef dive. Shore access from the beach at Second Valley, or by boat. Maximum depth about 8m on sand bottom, top of reef about 3m.
Topography: Low outcrop of limestone on sand bottom surrounded by seagrass beds, Reef roughly circular, about 50m across. The offshore side has higher profile structure and more fish will usually be seen there. The limestone as usual is riddled with small holes and crevices like a sponge.
Ecology: Heavy growth of mixed kelp and other seaweeds. May be slightly silted, so visibility reduces locally when disturbed.
  • Rapid Bay Jetty: Special:Mapsources/35°31.2778'S, 138°11.1208'E|35°31.2778'S,138°11.1208'E
Jetty dive. Shore or boat entry. Maximum depth about 12m at eastern end of tee. Usual entry is by staircase at the end of the new jetty. There is parking at the end of the access road near the new jetty, but the nearest toilet facilities are at the caravan park which is several hundred metres away.
Topography: Disused jetty with combination of wood and steel columns. Rubble and detritus from jetty on bottom between piles, with occasional sand patches. The old jetty is in structural disrepair and has partially collapsed. there is a T jetty with multiple pile dolphins at the end of the main jetty. A row of stakes in the sand bottom between the entry point at the seaward end of the new jetty has been provided to guide divers across the gap. Lots of structural detritus and handrails are strewn around the bottom under the eastern arm of the tee.
Ecology: Columns are heavily covered with sponges ascidians and bryozoans, except where exposed to direct sunlight, where it is covered by seaweeds. Bottom gravel patches with scallops, sand with seagrass and rubble with seaweed and sessile invertebrates. Dense seagrass on sand except under shaded cover of jetty. Moderate fish diversity and numbers. There are usually more fish near the T in the area known as the cathedral than along the main section of the jetty. This site is famous for leafy sea dragons, but they seem to be less common than in the past. Weedy sea dragons are also seen occasionally. Giant cuttlefish and bobtails may also be seen. Large numbers of fish congregate in the cathedral.
  • Rapid Head
  • Fleurieu Artificial Reef (Ex-HMAS Hobart)] South 35°28'09", E 138°09'05"
Wreck dive. Boat access only. Maximum depth 30m. The former HMAS Hobart, a decommissioned Adams class guided missile destroyer, was sunk in late 2002 in Yankalilla Bay (100 kilometers south of Adelaide) to create an artificial reef for recreational diving. It is a requirement that all people obtain a permit before entering the protected area established around the site.
  • AV Ulonga
  • Morgan’s Beach
  • Hopper Barge No. 3 Wreck
  • Fishery Beach
  • Blowhole Beach
  • Deep Creek
  • West Island
  • The Bluff (i.e. Rosetta Head) & Chamber’s Beach
  • Wright Island
  • The Whale Bone
  • Seal Island
  • Granite Island

Limestone Coast

Dive sites of the Limestone coast - Map showing the locations of recreational dive sites of the Limestone coast

From the Murray River mouth (E 138°53') east to Victoria state border (E 141°00')

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Upper south east coast
  • Lower south east coast

While it does have some well-regarded ocean coast sites and the Limestone Coast (formerly the South East) of South Australia is probably best known for its freshwater sinkhole and cave sites.

Ocean sites

Dive sites include
  • Kingston Jetty
  • Margaret Brock Reef
  • Robe
  • Stinky Bay
  • Beachport Jetty
  • Carpenter Rocks
  • Port McDonnell

Freshwater sites

Cave diving at Piccaninnie Ponds - Diving in Piccaninnie Ponds

While cave diving certification is required for most freshwater sites, entry level scuba divers can dive in Ewens Ponds and snorkellers can dive in Piccaninnie Ponds

  • nd_a_Park/Browse_by_region/Limestone_Coast/Ewens_Ponds_Conservation_Park/ Ewens Ponds ]
  • nd_a_Park/Browse_by_region/Limestone_Coast/Piccaninnie_Ponds_Conservation_Park/ Piccaninnie Ponds - Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is a 543-ha protected area in south-eastern South Australia. It adjoins Discovery Bay on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Piccaninnie Ponds contains three main features of interest to divers. The ‘First Pond’ is an open depression about 10 m deep with a silt floor and much aquatic life and the ‘Chasm’ is a sinkhole with a depth of over 100 m, and the ‘Gothic Church’ is an enclosed area with limestone formations and a depth of about 35 meters. Underwater visibility is excellent and may exceed 40 meters.

Cave diving sites

Most cave diving sites require divers to have qualifications issued by the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA)]. The CDAA offers training to 3 levels - Deep Cavern (the entry level grade), Cave & Advanced Cave. The CDAA also will accept overseas cave diving qualifications subject to completion of orientations, knowledge/skill assessments and in some cases, additional training. Divers interested in obtaining CDAA qualifications, should be aware that the following entry requirement exists for the Deep Cavern course - Advanced Open Water qualification, entry level diver qualification held for at least 12 months, minimum experience of 25 dives (post Advanced Open Water) including at least two night dives and five dives deeper than 25 metres (minimum total of 20 hours), be 18 years of age or older and be medically fit to dive.

The sites are located within the following local government areas (listed by minimum cave diving grade). Within the cave diving community and the following areas are just known as the Mount Gambier Region.

The City of Mount Gambier:

  • Cave - Engelbrechts Cave East
  • Advanced Cave - Engelbrechts Cave West.

District Council of Grant:

  • Deep Cavern - Blacks Hole, Ela Elap, Gouldens Hole, Hells Hole, Horse & Cart, Kilsby's Sinkhole, Little Blue Lake, McKay's Shaft, One Tree, Piccaninnie Ponds, Tea Tree, Ten Eighty, The Shaft and The Sisters.
  • Cave - Allendale Sinkhole, Baker's Cave, Dave's Cave and Max's Hole.
  • Advanced Cave - Hann's Cave.

Wattle Range Council:

  • Cave - Fossil Cave, Mud Hole
  • Advanced Cave - Nettlebed, Iddlebiddy, Stinging Nettle Cave, Tank Cave, and Three Sisters Cave.
  • Cave/Advanced Cave - The Pines.

Kangaroo Island

Dive sites of Kangaroo Island - Map of the recreational dive sites at Kangaroo Island

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Central coast
  • Investigator strait
  • South central coast
Dive sites include
  • Penneshaw Jetty
  • Snapper Point
  • Vivonne Bay
  • Portland Maru
  • Western River Cove
  • Stokes Bay
  • Emu Bay

Yorke Peninsula

Dive sites of the Yorke Peninsula - Map showing the location of recreational dive sites on the Yorke Peninsula

South of Port Broughton (S 33°35'), top of Gulf Street Vincent (S-34°133',E138°086').

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Spencer gulf
  • Central coast
  • Investigator strait
  • Gulf Street Vincent
Dive sites include
  • Ardrossan Town Jetty
  • Ardrossan
  • Zanoni
  • Ardrossan barge
  • Stansbury Jetty
  • Klein’s Point Jetty
  • Wool Bay Jetty
  • Port Giles Jetty
  • Edithburgh Jetty: Special:Mapsources/35°5.0865'S, 137°44.918'E|35°5.0865'S,137°44.918'E
  • Troubridge Point
  • Clan Ranald
  • Williyama
  • Stenhouse Bay Jetty
  • Hougomont
  • Chinaman’s Hut Island
  • Haystack Island
  • Seal Island
  • Althorpes Islands
  • Pondalowie Bay
  • Point Turton
  • Port Victoria
  • Wardang Island, commonly called Wauraltee Island, is a low-lying island in the Spencer Gulf close to the Western coast of the Yorke Peninsula. The waters around Wardang are popular with recreational divers because of the opportunities for wreck diving. A dive trail showcases eight of nine shipwrecks around the island, which are associated with the trading port of Port Victoria in the early 1900s. Of the wrecks, five are of schooners and coastal steamers that carried wheat and other local cargo – Monarch, Australian, Investigator, MacIntyre and Moorara, and three were larger vessels that transported grain to Europe – Aagot, Notre Dame D’Arvor and Songvaar.
  • Port Hughes Jetty
  • Moonta Bay Jetty
  • Wallaroo Jetty
  • Port Broughton Jetty

Upper Spencer Gulf

Dive sites of the north Spencer Gulf - Map showing locations of recreational dive sites of the north Spencer Gulf,

North of Port Broughton (S33°35') on the east coast and Victoria Point at Franklin Harbour (S 33°43.576') on the west coast.

Marine weather forecast area
  • Spencer gulf
Dive sites include
  • Port Germein Jetty
  • Whyalla

Every year, between the months of May and August, large groups of Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) gather at sites near the regional city of Whyalla (235 kilometers Northwest of Adelaide) to mate. More info yalla.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=976 here.

  • Point Lowly
  • Stony Point
  • Black Point

Eyre Peninsula

Dive sites of the Eyre Peninsula - Map showing locations of recreational dive sites on the Eyre Peninsula

From the Western Australia border (E 129°00') to Victoria Point at Franklin Harbour in the Spencer Gulf (E 136°59.355').

Marine weather forecast areas
  • Far west coast
  • Upper west coast
  • Lower west coast
  • Central coast
  • Spencer gulf
Dive sites include
  • Joseph Banks Group
  • Tumby Bay Jetty
  • Lady Kinnaird
  • Hopkins Island
  • Diving in South Australia/Shark cage diving at the Neptune Islands|Neptune Islands: Special:Mapsources/35° 13.97' S, 136° 4.27'E|35° 13.97' S,136° 4.27'E

The only destination for shark cage diving in Australia. Boat access only. Depth relatively shallow — the cages are moored at the surface while one tour operator is permitted to lower cages to the seabed. Other fish may be attracted to baits where these are used. Cage dives are only available from three licensed tour operators.

  • Avoid Bay
  • Coffin Bay
  • Baird Bay
  • Elliston
  • Streaky Bay
  • Ceduna

Local Customs in Diving in South Australia

Fishing

Spearfishing is not permitted when using scuba and other breathing apparatus and also is not permitted at particular locations such as within 100 m of jetties.

Restrictions apply to the capture of the following invertebrate species by recreational scuba divers such as size, bag and boat limits, and closed areas: Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii), Abalone (Haliotis spp) and Scallop (Family Pectinidae).

A class of protected areas known as osures/aquatic_reserves Aquatic reserves may have specific limits or restrictions on what a recreational scuba diver can take.

Get help

In case of emergency

Emergency retrieval and treatment services in Australia are not entirely free.All users of a retrieval service (i.e. ambulance) are required to pay if they do not have a subscription while only Australian citizens and some classes of visa holders are entitled to free treatment in a public hospital. Refer Scuba diving in Australia#Emergency treatment for more information.

Triple zero telephone service

The Pages/default.aspx Triple Zero (000) telephone number is the principal means used in Australia of seeking emergency assistance from police, ambulance and fire services. Use Triple Zero only if someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help, if your life or property is being threatened or you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime. Triple Zero calls are free.

DES hotline

The Divers Emergency Service (DES) is a 24 hour emergency service operating in Australia. It can be visited on 1800 088 200 (free call within Australia) or on +61 8 8212 9242. Contact this number if you have any medical concerns after diving including advice for the first aid of an injured diver. Dive physicians are available 24 hours a day. Calls to DES are answered in the South Australian Ambulance Service call centre. If you are phoning from within South Australia, you may be asked if you require an ambulance.

Sea rescue

For divers who either own or travel on boats other than those used for charter services and there are two volunteer services operating in South Australia that may be of use in case of an emergency- these are the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the South Australian Sea Rescue Squadron. In case of an emergency, use one of the following radio bands to make contact with either organisation - VHF channels 16, 67 and 80, 27MHZ channel 88 and MF/HF.

Non-emergency matters

Police.

Use 000 for emergencies (refer above). Use 131 444 to contact the South Australian Police for 'non-urgent' police assistance such as asking a question or seeking advice, reporting a missing person or lost property, making a complaint, making general police related enquiry or reporting a crime which does not require a statement such as a house breaking, illegal use of a vehicle, property damage or theft. Calls to 131 444 are charged at a standard rate.

Recompression chamber

Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, tel +61 8 8222 5116

Find out

  • South Australian Museum North Terrace Adelaide, SA 5000 ☎ +61 8207 7406 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11AM Monday - 4PM, Saturday Sunday public holidays 11AM Monday - 3PM; closed from 25 December to 1 January Identification of marine life.

Get service

Study in Diving in South Australia

See Services directory for contact details.

Dive schools

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Ben's Scuba Diving School
  • DecoStop Diving Services
  • Dive and Sea Adelaide
  • DiveEssentials
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • Elite Diving Academy
  • NB Scuba
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Shopping in Diving in South Australia

See Services directory for contact details.

Dive shops

The retail dealers specialising in diving equipment are listed. Other sporting goods stores may also supply a limited range of diving equipment.

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • veGear.com.au Online Dive Gear
  • Scuba Commercial
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Scuba cylinder fills

The listed dealers will fill cylinders for the general public. Some other service providers will fill for member only or for their own students or charter clients. See directory for more details.

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Allendale East General Store (Allendale East, south of Mount Gambier)
  • All Pressure Testing
  • Divers Delight
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • Edithburgh Motors (Edithburgh)
  • Elite Diving Academy
  • Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventure
  • Scuba Commercial
  • South Coast Abrasive Blasting (Victor Harbor)
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre
  • Whyalla Diving Services

Rent

The listed dealers will rent scuba equipment to qualified divers. Some other service providers rent scuba equipment to qualified divers who are members or for their own students or charter clients. See directory for more details.

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Divers Delight
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • Elite Diving Academy
  • Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventure
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Diving in South Australia

See Services directory for contact details.

Boat dive charters

The retail dealers offering boat dive charters are listed. Other charter operators such as those offering fishing charters may also supply boat dive charters.

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Divers Service
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Guided shore dives

  • Diving Adelaide
  • Elite Diving Academy
Leafy Seadragon Tours
  • Adelaide Scuba
  • DecoStop Diving Services
  • Diving Adelaide
  • Divers Service
  • Downunderpix
  • Elite Diving Academy
  • Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventure
  • NB Scuba
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Shark cage diving

Three operators are licensed by the South Australian Government to conduct shark cage diving at the Diving in South Australia/Shark cage diving at the Neptune Islands|Neptune Islands, about 70 kilometers south of Port Lincoln. The best times for viewing at the Neptune Islands are considered to be May to October followed by the seal breeding season during November to February, although sightings are feasible all year round. At least 2 other businesses - Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Goin’ Off Safaris, resell trips on behalf of the 3 license holders. 2 operators offer day trips while the third offers multiple day trips. All 3 operators offer surface cage dives using surface-supplied air while one also offers cage dives on the seabed using scuba.

  • Calypso Star Charters
  • Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions
  • Shark Cage Diving Pty Ltd (a joint venture between Adventure Bay Charters and McMahon Industries) which trades under Adventure Bay Charters’ name.

Dive clubs

Places where divers gather, have a drink and discuss diving. Some clubs also may offer training and equipment rental and air fills to members. Only dive clubs not exclusively affiliated to a dive school or dive shop are listed here. Some clubs welcome visitors to club dive outings, but non-members will usually have to provide their own equipment.

  • Adelaide Scuba Diving Club
  • Adelaide University Scuba Club
  • British Sub Aqua Club Adelaide Inc
  • Coastal Waters Dive Club
  • Flinders University Underwater Club
  • Marine Life Society of South Australia
  • Mildura Desert Divers Club
  • Noarlunga Aquatic Recreational Club for Divers
  • Sea Wolves Dive Club
  • Southern Ocean Diving Society
  • Underwater Explorers Club of SA

Fix

See Services directory for contact details.

Scuba equipment servicing and repair

  • Adelaide Scuba
  • Divers Delight
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • Scuba Commercial
  • Scuba Clinic
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Scuba cylinder inspection and testing

  • All Pressure Testing
  • Divers Service
  • Diving Adelaide
  • National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services
  • Scuba Commercial
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre

Dry suit servicing and repair

These services are not currently available in South Australia. All of this work is usually carried out by service providers based in Melbourne or elsewhere.

Wet suit repairs and custom fitting

  • Wetsuit Coolers

Service details

  • Adelaide Scuba | Patawalonga Frontage, Glenelg -34.973770, 138.512427 ☎ +61 8 82947744 +61 8 8294 2911 - PADI & GUE courses, diving equipment sales and servicing, Air, Nitrox & Trimix fills.
  • Adelaide University Scuba Club C/- Sports Association, University of Adelaide North Terrace, Adelaide Opening Hours: Clubroooms open from 6PM Thursdays
  • Adventure Bay Charters 2 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln -34.742863, 135.874009 ☎ +61 8 8682 2979, +61 4 8842 8862 - Shark cage diving at surface, 1 day charter, diving equipment included, snorkelling with seals & tuna - Allendale East General Store | 50 Bay Road Allendale East South Australia GPS -38.002701, 140.709277 ☎ +61 8 8738 7274 General store, takeaway food, wetsuit/snorkel hire, air fills
  • All Pressure Testing | Unit 2/17 Meyer Road, Lonsdale -35.100440, 138.492938 ☎ +61 8 8326 7755, +61 431 119 946 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, late night shopping on Thursdays and Saturdays until early afternoon Air fills $15 - Cylinder hydrostatic tests, air fills - Ben's Scuba Diving School | 6 Cairns Ave Warradale, Adelaide ☎ +61 8 82964730, +61 416095621 - PADI courses, equipment sales
  • British Sub Aqua Club Adelaide Inc | Meeting: Morphett Vale RSL Sub Branch Robertson Avenue, Morphett Vale Opening Hours: Meeting: every Monday 7PM Monday - 9:30PM except Christmas & public holidays BSAC training, Air fills, diving every weekend, visitors welcome.
  • Calypso Star Charter | 3/10 South Quay Boulevard, Port Lincoln -34.742408, 135.872644 ☎ +61 8 8682 3939 +61 8 8682 6877 Opening Hours: Office closed Sunday Shark cage diving at surface, 1 day charter, diving equipment included
  • Ceduna Boat Charter| PO Box 9 Ceduna ☎ +61 8 8625 2654, +61 428 643 519 +61 8 8625 2654 price= Evans Island and Flinders Reef $176 per diver per trip for 2 dives; Purdie, Lacey and Franklin Islands $220 per person per day; Isle of Street Francis $252 per diver per trip for 2 dives; Minimum of 5 divers for all trips boat charters for diving, fishing, whale watching and general sightseeing
  • Coastal Waters Dive Club PO Box 453, Woodville Opening Hours: Club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Eagles Grill, 722 Port Road, Beverley from 7:30PM or join the club for a meal before hand from 6:30PM - Dive and Sea Adelaide | 66 Wyatt Street Adelaide -34.926304, 138.603965 ☎ +61 433 807 063 - PADI courses -
  • DiveEssentials| @DiveEssentials.com ☎ - CDAA Deep Cavern, Cave & Deep Cavern courses, TDI technical courses.
  • Divers Delight | Shop 1b, St. Peters Village 103-111 Payneham Road St. Peters -34.910394, 138.626645 ☎ +61 8 8363 7518 +61 8 8363 7519 Opening Hours: Open every day except Wednesday - PADI courses
  • Divers Service 80 Grange Road, Welland 34.904240, 138.558770 ☎ +61 8 8346 3422 Opening Hours: Closed Sundays PADI courses, equipment sales & service, hydrostatic tests, fills - Air & Nitrox
  • Diving Adelaide 644-646 South Road, Glandore -34.95951, 138.57219 near Stop 6 on Glenelg tramway ☎ +61 8 73 250 331 Opening Hours: West Thursday Saturday 9AM Monday - 5PM, Tuesday Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM Learn to Dive courses from $349, $5 air fills, online equipment sales - refer OnlineDiveGear.com.au PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, PADI Courses (all levels), fills, guided dives, equipment sales & service, hydrostatic tests - Open late on Thursday and Friday.
  • Downunderpix - PADI Digital Underwater Photography course, underwater photography workshops, Leafy Seadragon tours, guided interstate holidays, limited range of scuba & photographic equipment
  • Edithburgh Motors | 58 Blanche Street Edithburgh -35.087699, 137.746028 the junction of Blanche and Thomas Streets ☎ +61 8 8852 6067 Air fills, petrol
  • Elite Dive Academy 88a Esplanade, Port Noarlunga -35.147289, 138.467524 ☎ +61 8 8382 7524, +61 413 134 827 - PADI courses, Air fills, equipment hire, Leafy Seadragon Tours, Port Noarlunga Try & Guided Dives and Eco-snorkel
  • Flinders University Underwater Club | PO Box 77 Flinders University Bedford Park
  • Marine Life Society of South Australia Inc. | c/o Conservation Council of SA,111 Franklin Street, Adelaide
  • Mildura Desert Divers Club | 2@ Clubrooms: Mildura Airport - GPS: Opening Hours: Meeting on the fourth Monday of the month starting at 8PM A Victoria-based club who does most of its diving in SA. Air fills.
  • National Hydro Cylinder Testing Services Unit 1, 16 Glasgow Street, Wingfield -34.837209, 138.562855 ☎ +61 8 8445 6300 +61 8 8445 6333 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30AM Monday - 5:30PM, closed public holidays
  • NB Scuba | barrettn80@ 31 Tatachilla Road, Mclaren Vale ☎ +61 8 8323 8275 - PADI courses, Leafy Seadragon guided tours, pick up service.
  • OnlineDiveGear.com.au - Online Dive Gear | 646 South Road -34.95951, 138.57219 ☎ +61 8 73250331 Opening Hours: Tuesday West Saturday 9AM Monday - 5PM, The Friday 9AM Monday - 6PM online equipment sales. For PADI training, guided dives and "bricks-and-mortar" equipment sales, refer Diving Adelaide
  • Port Noarlunga SNUBA | portnoarlungaSNU@ Port Noarlunga Beach during summer season Look for SNUBA marquee on beach ☎ +61 428 236 381 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM on days of operation SNUBA, snorkelling & wetsuit hire, online booking via eHalal Hotels
  • Prescription Dive 26 Heath Street, Lonsdale -35.113719, 138.503657 ☎ +61 8 8186 3698 1800 111 381 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM Monday - 4:30PM prescriptions starting from $225, free shipping within Australia & New Zealand and $30 flat rate world wide shipping Manufacture of prescription lenses for dive masks; also sell dive masks.
  • Reef Watch 111 Franklin Street, Adelaide ☎ +61 8 82235155 +61 8 82324782 - A community-run environmental monitoring program coordinated by the Conservation Council of South Australia involving scuba based surveys at five sites in the Adelaide metropolitan area and the Fleurieu Peninsula. PADI distinctive specialty training available.
  • Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions | 73 Ninth Avenue, Joslin ☎ +61 8 8363 1788 +61 8 8363 1788 - Shark cage diving at surface and seabed, shark viewing from surface (no diving), live-aboard lodging, trip durations - 2 to 8 days
  • The Dive Shop| 2/29 Jubilee Drive, Port Lincoln -34.743839, 135.871886 ☎ +61 8 8682 1656, +61 434 542 476 - PADI courses, diving equipment sales and servicing, Air & Nitrox fills.
  • The Scuba Clinic | Shop 3, 2 Clark Terrace, Seaton -34.890152, 138.514733 ☎ +61 8 7324 5774 +61 8 8346 7897 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 6PM Equipment service
  • Scuba Commercial | Unit 12 36-38 Tikalara Street, Regency Park -34.867006, 138.573155 ☎ +61 8 8346 0911 +61 8 8346 7897 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5:30PM Equipment sales & service
  • Sea Optics 519 Portrush Road, Glenunga ☎ +61 8 8363 3277 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM Underwater imaging sales & service.
  • Sea Wolves Dive Club Clubrooms: Bayford Rise, Morphett Vale ☎ +61 405 343 421 Opening Hours: Tuesday from 7:30PM
  • Snorkel Safari Adelaide (formerly the Dive Shack) 46 Richmond Road, Keswick -34.942064, 138.578335 ☎ +61 8 8371 5822 Opening Hours: 7 days a week - South Coast Abrasive Blasting | 6 Mayfield Terrace, Victor Harbor -35.558900, 138.602840 ☎ +61 421 078 305 Opening Hours: usual business hours $15 (as of February 2023) Scuba cylinder fills
  • Underwater Sports Diving Centre | Shop 9/2 Visor Crt, Holden Hill -34.845592, 138.679447 ☎ +61 8 8263 3337 +61 8 8395 0400 - PADI Learn to dive, Equipment sales/service/hire, Air and Nitrox fills, ex-HMAS Hobart dives, Leafy Seadragon tours, dive travel, social dive club
  • Underwater Explorers Club of SA | PO Box 74 Kent Town
  • Wetsuit Coolers | 15 Conmurra Avenue, Edwardstown ☎ +61 8 8374 4428 - Drinks coolers, wetsuit repairs & sales
  • Whyalla Diving Services | 33 Playford Ave, Whyalla Playford -33.028841, 137.568567 ☎ +61 8 8645 8050 - FAUI courses, diving equipment sales and servicing, Air fills.

Get Around

SouthAustraliaRoads - South Australian cities, towns, settlements and road network

Stay Safe

What to See

Marine life

  • Leafy seadragon|Leafy seadragons
  • Sepia apama|Giant Cuttlefish
  • Australian sea lion|Australian sea lions and Arctocephalus forsteri|New Zealand fur seals
  • Great white sharks|Great white sharks

Shipwrecks and artificial reefs

  • HMAS Hobart (D 39) | HMAS Hobart (D 39)
  • SS Clan Ranald (1900) | SS Clan Ranald (1900)

Read

General dive guides

  • Christopher, Peter, (1988), Divers Guide to South Australia ({{ISBN|0958804400)
  • Scapens, W., Port Noarlunga; a complete guide to Port Noarlunga, NautiGuides
  • Scapens, W., Whyalla’s Cuttlefish: a guide for all visitors to Whyalla, NautiGuides
  • Scapens, W., Yorke Peninsula, NautiGuides

Shipwrecks guides

Shipwreck and maritime archaeology references

  • Coroneos, Cosmos; (1997), Shipwrecks of Encounter Bay and Backstairs Passage, South Australian Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources & Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology & Australian National Centre of Excellence for Maritime Archaeology, Adelaide, South Australia ({{ISBN|0958849625) ({{ISBN|9780958849623) dcat.org/title/shipwrecks-of-encounter-bay-and-backstairs-passage/oclc/39288190/ OCLC:39288190]
  • Coroneos, Cosmos & McKinnon, Robert; (1997), Shipwrecks of the Investigator Strait and the Lower Yorke Peninsula, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide, South Australia. ({{ISBN|0958849633) dcat.org/title/shipwrecks-of-investigator-strait-and-the-lower-yorke-peninsula/oclc/40044611/ OCLC:40044611].
  • McKinnon, R.; (1993), Shipwreck sites of Kangaroo Island, State Heritage Branch, Department of Environment and Land Management. Adelaide ({{ISBN|0730826929).
  • Moody, Stuart M.; (2023), Port Victoria's ships and shipwrecks, S. M. Moody, Maitland, South Australia, ({{ISBN|9780987322814)(hbk.),({{ISBN|9780987322807) (pbk.) dcat.org/title/port-victorias-ships-and-shipwrecks/oclc/793599689/ OCLC:793599689].

Marine Life & Natural History

  • Edgar, Graham J,(2001), Australian Marine Habitats in Temperate Waters,New Holland (Australia), ISBN 1876334533Lua error: Cannot create process: proc_open(/dev/null): Failed to open stream: Operation not permitted.
  • Edgar, Graham J,(2001), Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters, 2nd edition, New Holland Publishers, Ltd. ({{ISBN|187633438X), ({{ISBN|9781876334383) dcat.org/title/australian-marine-life-the-plants-and-animals-of-temperate-waters/oclc/31847039/ OCLC: 31847039]
  • Gowlett-Holmes, Karen L, (2023), A field guide to the marine invertebrates of South Australia, Notomares, Sandy Bay, Tas ({{ISBN|9780980485400)
  • Harbison, P.; Kirkegaard, I.; Cugley, J. & Gackle, A.; (2023), ntent/uploads/2012/10/GStV-Precious-Asset.pdf Gulf Street Vincent: A precious asset, Friends of Parks Inc / Friends of Gulf Street Vincent ({{ISBN|9780959662788), ({{ISBN|9780646520438)
  • Hitchins, B. & Swainston, R., (2001) Sea Fishes of Southern Australia: Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers, 2nd rev. ed., Gary Allen Pty Ltd. Smithfield, N.S.W. ({{ISBN|1875169784) ({{ISBN|9781875169788) dcat.org/title/sea-fishes-of-southern-australia-complete-field-guide-for-anglers-and-divers/oclc/17150138/ OCLC 223192540]
  • Scott, Trevor D.; Glover, C.J.M. and Southcott, R.V.; (1980) The Marine and Freshwater Fishes of South Australia, 2nd ed., Government Printer, Adelaide ({{ISBN|0724355707) ({{ISBN|9780724355709) dcat.org/title/marine-and-freshwater-fishes-of-south-australia/oclc/220116964/ OCLC:27550181]
  • Shepherd, S.A.; Bryars, S.; Kirkegaard, I.; Harbison, P. and Jennings, J.T.; editors, (2023), Natural history of Gulf Street Vincent, Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide ({{ISBN|9780959662788), ({{ISBN|0959662782),

Cave diving

  • Lewis, Ian and Stace, Peter, (1982), Cave diving in Australia, Revised ed., Ian Lewis & Peter Stace, Adelaide SA ({{ISBN|0959496300) dcat.org/title/cave-diving-in-australia/oclc/44997569&referer=brief_results/ OCLC: 44997569]

Safety guidance

To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.

Retrieved from "https://ehalal.io/wikis/index.php?title=Diving_in_South_Australia&oldid=9817744"