Top 5 Beginner Friendly Dive Sites in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia, is renowned for its exceptional diving spots, offering a diverse range of experiences for both scuba divers and snorkelers. Here are the top 5 dive sites in Melbourne that every underwater enthusiast should explore:

1. Rye Pier

Rye Pier is one of Melbourne's most-loved shore dive sites, ideal for both day and night diving. The L-shaped pier, approximately 500 meters long, is home to a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see seahorses, octopus, cuttlefish, and giant smoothrays. For those adept in underwater navigation, a swim northward from the pier along underwater sticks leads to the Elsa Reef and the Octopus Trail, offering additional exploration opportunities. During the right season, thousands of Giant Spider Crabs and large schools of salmon and pike make an appearance.

2. Flinders Pier

Known as the Weedy Seadragon capital of the world, Flinders Pier was featured in BBC's Blue Planet II documentary. The site boasts a depth range of 2-6 meters and is best dived on high or slack tide. It's a haven for Weedy Seadragons, with seagrasses providing an ideal habitat. Divers might also encounter large Smooth Rays, Nudibranch, Swell Sharks, and various fish species​.

3. Popes Eye

Part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, Popes Eye is a vibrant dive site on the Great Southern Reef. This man-made structure, initially intended as a defence fort, is now a protected area rich in temperate water fish species, seaweed, and kelp. The best times to dive here are during slack water or outgoing tide. The shallow inner portion is perfect for beginners, while the outer rim offers depths of around 10 meters for more experienced divers​.

4. Mornington Pier

Mornington Pier, renowned as the best shore dive site in Melbourne in terms of biodiversity, offers a depth range of 0-10 meters. Suitable for snorkeling and night dives, the site is best visited during southerly winds, protected from the west. Divers can observe an array of marine life, including Smooth Rays, Seahorses, Nudibranchs, and Anglerfish. The diverse fauna along the pier makes it a fascinating spot for underwater exploration.

5. Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron

Blairgowrie Pier, near the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, is a popular site for scuba diving and snorkeling. The depth at this site starts from 2 to 6 meters, making it suitable for all levels. Approximately 280 meters long, the pier is home to over a hundred species of nudibranch and vibrant sponges. It offers shallow waters suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers. The marine life, including hermit crabs, flathead, rays, and stargazers, make it a must-visit spot​.

These five dive sites in Melbourne offer unique experiences, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of the region. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Melbourne's underwater world is sure to captivate and amaze you. Join our guided dives to explore these amazing site! 

Do not sure whether the sites are suitable for diving? Check out our daily dive site forecast page to determine which site you should go.