Rottnest Island – Perth’s Local Diving Gem!
Written by Urve Patel
5 May 2024
After spending 8 wonderful years living and diving in Malaysia, I embarked on a new adventure by moving to Perth, Australia at the beginning of April 2024. Whilst I felt apprehensive about moving to a new country, a new job, and making new friends, there was one thing I was really looking forward to, and that was the spectacular diving opportunities in Western Australia. Lucky for me, one of my new colleague owns a Grady White, and he took me diving at Rottnest Island on my very first day in Australia.
Figure 1: Rottnest Island, west of Perth, WA, Australia.
Nestled off the coast of Western Australia, Rottnest Island beckons adventurers with its pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and vibrant marine life. While the island is renowned for its charming quokkas and stunning landscapes, it’s beneath the waves where the true magic unfolds. Diving at Rottnest Island offers a rare opportunity to explore some of Western Australia’s most captivating underwater landscapes and encounter an array of marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Figure 2: Rottnest Island boasts an abundance of dive sites for divers of all experience levels.
A Diver’s Paradise
Rottnest Island boasts an abundance of dive sites suitable for divers of all experience levels. From sheltered bays with calm, clear waters to more adventurous sites with dramatic drop-offs and underwater caves, there’s something for everyone beneath the surface.
One of the island’s most popular dive sites is the Fish Hook Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Here, divers can expect to encounter colourful coral gardens, playful sea lions, and schools of tropical fish. The protected nature of the bay makes it an ideal spot for novice divers looking to gain confidence underwater.
For those seeking a more exhilarating dive experience, the West End offers a thrilling opportunity to explore underwater caves and swim-throughs teeming with life. Advanced divers can venture into the depths to discover hidden caverns adorned with intricate coral formations and inhabited by curious reef sharks, such as the Portjackson, and rays.
Figure 3: Heterodontus Portusjacksoni
Encounters with Marine Life
One of the highlights of diving at Rottnest Island is the chance to swim alongside the island’s resident population of playful sea lions. These curious creatures are known for their friendly demeanour and often approach divers with boundless curiosity, creating unforgettable interactions beneath the waves. Another majestic sight is the annual migration of humpback whales cruising past the island. Rottnest Island is home to an incredible array of marine creatures, making each dive a memorable encounter with the underwater world. Whether you’re a novice diver or a seasoned enthusiast, the island’s diverse dive sites, abundant marine life, and pristine underwater environments are sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So don your wetsuit, grab your gear, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure at Rottnest Island.
Interested in more international dive trips? Check out Flow DC’s fun dive trips for 2024! Make sure you book yourself in!