Western Australia Diving

[agd]

We are planning a trip to Western Australia this winter and would like to do some diving, but I see on the internet dive operators charge about $130 for a 2 tank dive. More than a few dives at those prices would bust the budget, so can any one tell me about other options.

I understand the Ningaloo reef comes right up to the shore in spots; is it possible to do decent shore dives anywhere along it? Can one dive from the Busselton Jetty by taking the train to the end, instead of an expensive boat charter? Will dive shops hire out full cylinders?

Any other suggestions for economical diving in WA would be appreciated.

AGD

 

[blacklatexozdiver]

Mindarie Diving (www.mindive.com) do dives off the northern 'burbs of Perth (Marmion Marine Park) for about AU$60. (2 dives, free 2nd cylinder) They're nice folks and the diving is pretty good. I use them because they're close to my Mum's place and for the previous 2 reasons. Also check out www.diveoz.com for other info.

 

[agd]

Thanks for the info and link to Dive Oz.

Any other suggestions further north?

Thanks

 

[underwater]

further North you can't go past diving Exmouth and Coral Bay - ie the Ningaloo Reef. If you're lucky enough you get to swim with whale sharks or massive manta rays. Even just snorkelling off the beach is great in many spots within that region.

Looking forward to see you there !

Tim :10:

 

[gazzahawkes]

Hello

was diving exmouth and coral bay in June.
Yup its at least 130 oz dollars (2tanks)
One dive on navy pier was 95 dollars Worth every cent however shore dive but due to land rights (usa navy) they claim only one school can offer dive there.

Make sure you check out Exmouth dive ctr owner operated experienced and professional and went out of there way to deliver the goods.Work in dive industry thought these guys where way above average.

The other schools i dived with left a lot to be desired.The staff in all where cool but equipment shocking and general organisation non existent.

Murion islands 1hr buy boat from exmouth is good diving
navy pier (exmouth dive ctr cant do) well worth a look
Outer reef ningaloo ask for the site that day all seem ok.

Snorkelling in the cape range national park is awesome...Saw dolphins, huge rays guitar sharks, reef sharks, box fish,countless turtles.

Water is chilly Was winter when i was there 16 degrees Summer apparently 22-24

You will need a car this area is huge Wa is insanely huge.

Have a good un
gary

 

[gazzahawkes]

Hi again
in coral bay we hired a yellow tinny boat 90dollars between four then paid 15 dollars for tank and weights great funand economical if you can get four together.
cheers gary

 

[alcina]

One dive on navy pier was 95 dollars Worth every cent however shore dive but due to land rights (usa navy) they claim only one school can offer dive there.

navy pier (exmouth dive ctr cant do) well worth a look

Update as of November 2004 - Exmouth Diving Centre is now again the only dive centre authorized to dive the Pier; the other operator closed doors and left town in September. Pier is $99 all equip; $85 tank/weight. You need to show your logbook as well as a card for this dive, which is different than for other dives. There are also other conditions so if you plan to do it, double check before you arrive. HTH

 

[justleesa]

What is the current US$ to OZ$ rate?

 

[diversteve]

What is the current US$ to OZ$ rate?

1 USD is 1.27980 AUD

Universal Currency Converter:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

 

[agd]

Thanks for all the replies, and for a couple of others that seemed to have disappeared when the board was having its' technical difficulties.

I like the idea of finding a group and hiring a boat and tanks and weights. That gives a lot of freedom and flexibility to go along with the economy. Thanks, Gazzahawkes, for that suggestion.

Does anyone know if there is access in and out of the water at the end of the Busselton Jetty?

Thanks


AGD