Learn to dive and get up to $100 Discount when you sign up as a group!
Learn to dive and get up to $100 Discount when you sign up as a group!
South Australia has so much to offer, that it’s almost impossible to create a comprehensive bucket list, but we’ve given it a go anyway!
This list is meant to give new or visiting divers an idea of how diverse (and amazing) the underwater life that can be found in South Australia is. We truly are the hidden gem in Australia’s crown of amazing diving destinations and more and more people are discovering our stunning coastline and everything it has to offer!
The bucket list has been divided in 2 sections, a top 10 of must sees if you have limited time in South Australia and a top 25 for those who have a bit longer to explore our waters!
This rare fish and South Australia’s marine emblem can only be found in the southern waters of Australia. South Australia is the only state where it is consistently spotted throughout the year. Top spots: Rapid Bay Jetty, The Bluff, Second Valley, Edithburgh Jetty and Wool Bay.
This cute sepioid is wearing black and white stripes and is one of the main attractions in South Australia. It usually sleeps during the day and buries itself in the sand, so they’re easiest to spot on night dives when they come out to hunt. Top spot: Edithburgh Jetty.
Be careful with these guys, they may be small but they’re one of the state’s most venomous animals! They’re well-camouflaged (brown, yellow or white) until provoked, when they start flashing their blue rings as a warning. Top spots: Edithburgh Jetty, Rapid Bay Jetty and Port Noarlunga Jetty.
The giant cuttlefish can be found under our jetties and on our reefs year round, but congregates in exceptional numbers near Whyalla in our Winter months. The best viewing time for this spectacle is June/July. Top spots: Point Lowly Whyalla (June/July) and Rapid Bay.
The cutest shark in our waters (with small flat teeth) hide between the rocks at Port Noarlunga Reef year round. Their mating season is in November when they congregate just off the reef at Christies Beach in large numbers and can easily be spotted in the shallow waters (on snorkel or scuba). In Summer the babies can be spotted around the Port Noarlunga Jetty. Top spots: Christies Beach (November) and Port Noarlunga Jetty & Reef.
The southern blue devil is cave dwelling fish! Always with a grumpy look on its face, these fish have beautiful bright spots on a dark blue body. They prefer rocky reefs with ledges and small caves and can be found all over the state. Best spots: Second Valley and Rapid Bay Jetty.
The southern bobtail squid (or dumpling squid) only lives for about 5 to 8 months and only grows up to approximately 7cm long, so they’re not the easiest to spot. They are nocturnal, so they’re easiest to spot at night. They have a beautiful colour and are always a delight to spot. Best spot: Port Noarlunga Reef.
The Australian southern eagle ray can have a total length of 3 metres and can weigh up to 50kg, so if you spot one, you will know about it. They congregate in large numbers in the shallows near Brighton Beach, where the fishermen used to clean their catch. Best spots: Brighton Beach (snorkel or scuba), Second Valley and Rapid Bay shallows.
You have to be a bit lucky in our waters to spot these guys, but these beauties have been regularly sighted at Noarlunga Reef, especially closer to the gap area of the area. They have beautiful patterns and are a carpet shark, so they can usually be found laying on the bottom in a small hole in the reef. Best spot: Port Noarlunga Reef.
The puppies of the sea can be seen all year round in South Australia. If you’re not expecting them, they can scare the living daylights out of you if they come up from behind and suddenly look you in the eye. They are very inquisitive and usually love to mimic the diver’s movements underwater. Best spots: The Bluff, Edithburgh Jetty, Port Giles Jetty and Baird Bay.
Monday: | CLOSED |
Tuesday: | 9:00am-6:00pm |
Wednesday: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Thursday: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Friday: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Saturday: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
Sunday: | CLOSED |
Holidays: | CLOSED |
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