Diving in South Australia

Water Temperature in Adelaide

The water temperatures vary between summer and winter where winter requires a bit more exposure protection!

Summer (December to February):

  • Water temperatures typically range from 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F).
  • The warmer water makes for comfortable diving conditions, requiring only a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit.

Winter (June to August):

  • Water temperatures drop to around 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F).
  • The colder water necessitates the use of thicker 7mm wetsuits with hood and gloves, and in some cases, drysuits, to maintain warmth during dives.
  • Can have better visibility depending on wind conditions.

Meet the Leafy Sea Dragons!

The Leafy Sea Dragon, an extraordinary marine creature, it is a symbol of South Australia’s underwater wonder land and is the clubs official logo! Resembling a piece of drifting seaweed, it boasts an intricate array of leaf-like appendages that provide exceptional camouflage among the kelp beds and seagrass. Found primarily in the southern coastal waters of Australia, Adelaide is one of the few easily accessible places to view this majestic creature.

Encountering a Leafy Sea Dragon while scuba diving in South Australia is a rare and mesmerizing experience and a highlight for any diver, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary biodiversity and beauty of the ocean. Their delicate movements and near-mythical appearance captivate divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Dive Sites around South Australia

With one of the most diverse coastlines, South Australia has something to offer everyone. From wrecks, to jetties & everything in between: diving in SA is underappreciated on a world stage.  Here are a few of our regular boat dives to give you a taste. Click the Dive DB links to link to our dive site database.

Aldinga Pinnacles

Part of the Aldinga reef system closer in shore from the drop off. Spectacular dive with lots of swim throughs, overhangs, fish life and weed growth.

The dive is in starts in only 8m of water so an extended amount of time can be spent exploring the reef system, the overhangs and occasional cave.

Visibility here is generally very good and swimming amongst rock pinnacles extending from the sea floor to just beneath the surface of the sea is very different to other SA dives.

Seacliff Reef

To many a diver, this site is the best local site due to the abundance of fish and its relatively shallow depth.

Seacliff reef is part of the old shore line from about 10,000 years ago. It is a reef approximately 1 metre high off the sand.

It travels in a north south direction and is home to literally thousands of fish, including a number of large blue devils in the metropolitan area.

Glenelg Dredge

A commonly dived site due to its proximity to the club house.

The 133 foot South Australian, commonly known as the the dredge, was built in Holland in 1911 and sailed to Adelaide arriving in 1912.

The vessel was a self propelled cutter suction dredge that was used to dredge the Port river. The South Australian ceased its working life in 1982 and scuttled in January 1985 as a recreational resource for divers and anglers.

The wreck is laying upright in 20m water with the deck area in about 15m. The site has prolific fish life and is arguably the best fish dive off the metropolitan coast.