The coastal city of Adelaide boasts much to see and do, but the delights go far beyond its idyllic shores. The azure waters of the region are home to an abundance of marine life, some of which you can glimpse by hopping on a boat tour. But it’s below the surface that real discoveries are made.
Journey deeper and you’ll come face to face with bull rays, glide over vibrant coral reefs and even uncover a shipwreck or two. Queensland may have the Great Barrier Reef, but there is no shortage of world-class dive spots in Australia’s southern capital. Here are just five of our favourites.
Credit: Getty images
Credit: Getty Images
Just 28km southwest of Adelaide, this protected marine reserve is one of South Australia’s most popular dive sites which is well-suited to beginners. The reef is accessed via a long jetty; the furthest entry point from the shore will lead you straight to the best diving spot. From there, both scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the reserve’s 800m underwater trail. Simply follow the 12 concrete plinths fitted into the seabed and read up on facts about the local flora and fauna as you go.
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Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images
Located 100km from Adelaide, Rapid Bay Jetty offers easy access to a host of fascinating sea life at a depth suitable for divers of all levels. At just 10m deep, visibility is excellent, giving you ample opportunity to view the wonderfully weird leafy seadragons that live under the jetty, as well as some brightly coloured sponges, pufferfish and the occasional inquisitive bull ray.
Credit: Getty images
Credit: Getty images
Credit: Getty images
Wreck divers will find much to admire at the Glenelg Dredge , a ship that was scuttled in the 1980s to create an artificial reef. Used during the 20th century to dredge Adelaide’s Port River, the Glenelg Dredge now serves as a home for a variety of marine life, from reef fish to octopuses. Its depth of 15 to 20m means you'll need to take a boat to access this dive site; amateur or ill-equipped divers are also advised against entering the ship itself due to rust, tight spaces and poor visibility. You’ll find plenty to explore around the site, though, and once you’re done, you can check out the neighbouring Glenelg Barge wreck.
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Credit: Getty Images
The HMAS Hobart was a 134m naval destroyer that was sunk in 2002 to serve as an artificial reef some 4km off Rapid Bay. It now lies 30m underwater and is so large that you will need several dives to fully explore its wonders. Perfect for intermediate and experienced divers, this incredible site is widely considered one of the best dives in Adelaide, if not Australia. While you will need to apply for a permit to access the wreck, obtaining one is fairly straightforward and well worth the effort.
Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images
A two-hour drive out of Adelaide, the sleepy town of Edithburgh is home to one of the most fascinating dive sites in the state. Currents from the Great Southern Reef fill these waters with nutrients, while limited sunlight keeps kelp forests at bay. The result is an ecosystem bursting with life: an array of sponges, corals, barnacles and filter feeders cling to the concrete pillars of the jetty. Among them, you’ll also find pyjama squid, leafy seadragons and other extraordinary marine life – all a mere stone’s throw from shore.
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