Go diving and snorkeling in South Australia which has some of the most pristine and diverse diving experiences in the world. Learn more here.
Magical underwater worlds
Just 45 minutes drive from Adelaide is the amazing Port Noarlunga Reef which both snorkelers and scuba divers love. Follow the self-guided diving trail and see more than 200 marine plant species and 60 fish species. The reef itself is just 400 metres off shore and spans 1.6 kilometres.
See schools of fish and the elusive and beautiful leafy sea dragons at Rapid Bay jetty or snorkel the reef at Second Valley. All three sites are part of the wider Encounter Marine Park.
Wreck dives
Dive down to a shipwreck. The ex-HMAS Hobart is one of Australia’s best as most of the ship is intact and divers can explore engine rooms, mess decks and gun turrets. It’s only a 10 minute boat ride from Marina St Vincent on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Off the coast of Port Willunga is the Star of Greece wreck, which is more than 125 years old. The Star of Greece restaurant is named after the ship with gorgeous views looking out over the ocean.
Experienced divers can explore Troubridge Shoals off Yorke Peninsula. It's home to several ships that were wrecked in the 19th century. It’s crawling with spider crabs and other marine life making the shoals a delight for divers and underwater photographers.
There are two underwater Maritime Heritage Trails to also off the Yorke Peninsula - the Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail and the Investigator Strait Shipwreck Trail which highlights 10 vessels wrecked in the region.
The region's pristine waters offers some of the state’s best snorkeling spots. Find fish, seahorses and coral around Edithburgh jetty. See Port Jackson sharks and eagle rays around Point Gilbert at Port Moorowie or snorkel at the Parsons Beach reef.
Swim with amazing sea creatures
Snorkel with giant cuttlefish near Whyalla - the cuttlefish capital of the world. Watch as they change colour and texture to blend in with their environment during annual spawning season which is from May to August.
Australian sea lions are a rare species so take the opportunity to swim with them at Baird Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. These animals are naturally curious and often swim right up to divers. Can’t somersault? Learn from the pros.
The more adventurous among us can cage dive with great white sharks near Port Lincoln. These sharks grow up to six metres long and can weigh as much as 3,000 kilograms. Get up close and feel the thrill when one swims past.
