Ex‑HMAS Swan Wreck: Double Boat Dives Off Dunsborough
Board a fast charter from the Cape Naturaliste coast and drop onto the Ex‑HMAS Swan, a 113m naval wreck sitting from about 5–32m deep. This two‑dive outing delivers dramatic interior swims, abundant reef fish, and a compact boat schedule—ideal for certified divers who want a structured yet unguided wreck experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Verify your certification
Bring your Open Water certification card and a dive computer—operators require proof of certification and a functioning depth/air monitor.
Plan for depths to 32m
If you intend to explore deeper sections, make sure your training covers 30m+ dives and manage no‑decompression limits carefully.
Surface interval and hydration
Use the scheduled surface interval to rehydrate and eat a light snack to avoid fatigue before the second dive.
Check sea conditions
Wind and swell can affect boat transfers and entries—confirm the operator’s weather policy and arrive with warm layers for post‑dive chill.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Inspect the ship’s stern rooms for resident blue devil fish and small grottoes that attract cleaner fish.
- •Look for sandy patches near the wreck for King George whiting and juvenile fish species—these areas often host daytime feeding activity.
Wildlife
- •blue devil fish
- •King George whiting
Conservation Note
Divers are encouraged to avoid contact with the wreck and marine life; the site benefits from low‑impact visitation and local rules that discourage taking artifacts or damaging growths.
The destroyer HMAS Swan was decommissioned and scuttled in 1997 to create an artificial reef and recreational wreck site; it has since become a focal point for regional diving tourism.
What to Bring
Boots and finsEssential
Sturdy fins and booties improve control during descent and while swimming around the hull.
Dive computerEssential
Tracks depth and no‑decompression limits for multiple dives on one outing.
3–5mm wetsuit (or thicker in winter)Essential
Thermal protection varies by season—spring often needs 3–5mm to stay comfortable.
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Useful for marking your ascent on a busy dive site and alerting the boat to your position.
Common Questions
Do I need certifications to join this tour?
Yes—participants must present at least Open Water certification; the operator specifies certified divers only.
Is this an unguided dive or are guides provided?
The standard outing is unguided; you can contact the operator ahead of time to arrange a guided dive for an additional fee.
What depths will we reach on the wreck?
The wreck ranges from roughly 5m to around 32m; plan dives according to your depth training and no‑decompression limits.
Is gear rental available?
Full gear rental is included for the duration of the tour; double‑check sizes and any specialty items you may need before departure.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Dunsborough, Western Australia
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate; you should be comfortable with boat entries, repeated air consumption, and handling currents during descent/ascent.
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