Perth & western Australia in October

[artemis]

I am planning a visit to my sister, who lives in Perth, in October and natually we plan to take our diving gear. I've never been to Western Australia and although I have been reading up on the internet would be grateful for some pearls of wisdom.

I'm thinking of flying up to Exmouth, Coral Bay or Broom for a week to do a bit of diving as well as diving in the Perth area. Is there anywhere that anyone would particually recommend at that time of year, including live aboards? I am particularly keen on Manta spotting.

Although I have my advanced open water diver training, I wouldn't consider myself a very experienced diver.

Thanks

 

[lisahowarth]

Hi

I've been in WA since last Novemebr, so have some recommendations...

HMAS Swan at Dunsborough and Bussleton Jetty are good dives. The swan is a wreck in about 40m that you can penetrate - Cape Dive are the company to speak to, think you will have to do a wreck specialty? Bussleton Jetty had fantastic colours and marine life.

Exmouth is a must for diving, and would suggest you fly in from Perth, and hire a car, then you can spend a couple of days in Coral Bay, which is only 1.5hours drive. There's fantastic snorkelling at Torquise Bay, Lakeside and Oyster Stacks in the Cape range National Park. Temperatures will be in the high 30's by October, and water temp should be around 22/23 degrees. For a good selection of diving I would recommend a combination of the following

The Navy Pier, Muiron Islands(Turtle mating season starts Oct), Lighthouse Bay. There are two Dive Operators in town I would recommend - Exmouth Dive and Village Dive, I've done my DM and Instrcutor training with Exmouth Dive, so they come highly recommended! Their web site is http://www.exmouthdive.com/ Coral Bay has a resident manta population so you can swim with them all year round, although you will have to do a tour. Exmouth Dive have a sister shop in Coral Bay. I'm working with the dive shop at the moment, so PM me if you want more info or to make a booking.

Hope this helps

Lisa

 

[artemis]

Thanks for your message Lisa,

That really helps...now I just have to get it organised!

 

[audiodive]

I was in Perth January 2003. We dove with Perth Diving Academy, http://www.perthdiving.com.au/ and I would highly recommend them. They are probably the best dive shop I've dove with. They have great divemasters and incredible dive boats. Their rental gear is also top notch. If we were to go back, I would leave my gear at home and rent from them.

I hope you have a great trip, I'm jealous!!!