Busselton: Jetty Scuba Dive Tours with Underwater Sculptures

Busselton: Jetty Scuba Dive Tours with Underwater Sculptures — A Complete Review

Imagine slipping beneath the waves at Western Australia’s iconic Busselton Jetty, with the chance to explore not only the vibrant marine life but also a remarkable underwater sculpture trail. For just $131 per person, this 2-hour guided scuba experience combines the thrill of diving with the wonder of discovering local artistry beneath the surface. Led by knowledgeable guides, you get easy access to one of the region’s best dive sites, and all equipment is provided — no fuss, just underwater adventure.

Two things we especially like about this experience: First, the opportunity to see over 300 species of marine life and bright corals that have begun calling the new sculpture trail home since May 2023. Second, the convenient access via the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, which makes this an accessible, user-friendly experience even if you’re not a seasoned diver.

A minor consideration? The maximum depth of 9 meters makes it suitable for all certified divers, but non-divers or those with limited certification might need to find other options. Still, if you’re comfortable with your diving certification, this tour is a fantastic choice for a brief yet immersive underwater outing.

This tour is ideal for travelers who cherish marine encounters, artistic wonders, and unique coastal scenery. It’s perfect for those wanting an introduction to WA’s underwater world or seasoned divers eager to see something different.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Easy Access: The tour starts at the Busselton Foreshore and involves transportation directly to the jetty, making logistics simple.
• Unique Underwater Art: Explore the underwater sculpture trail featuring handmade sculptures by local artists, creating a mix of natural and artistic beauty.
• Vibrant Marine Life: Over 300 species of marine life and colorful corals make each dive visually stunning.
• Suitable for Certified Divers: With a maximum depth of 9 meters, it’s perfect for all levels of certified divers.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, safety-conscious guides ensure a smooth and informative experience.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 5 participants) mean more personalized attention and fewer crowds.

An In-Depth Look at the Busselton Underwater Sculpture Dive Experience

The Setting: Busselton Jetty and Its Marine Environment

Busselton’s Jetty is a marvel — the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 1.8 kilometers into the Indian Ocean. As you arrive at the Swan Dive shop on the Busselton Foreshore, you’re greeted by friendly, professional staff ready to equip you with all necessary gear. This setup ensures that even if you’re new to scuba gear or a bit rusty, you’re well taken care of.

What makes this site extra special is the new underwater sculpture trail launched in May 2023. Crafted by local artists, these sculptures add an artistic layer to the natural beauty of the marine environment. As the sculptures settle into their new home beneath the jetty, marine life is beginning to attach to them, creating a fascinating blend of art and nature.

The Journey to the Dive Site

The tour’s transport is straightforward: after gear-up, you’ll board the boat and be comfortably transported along the jetty’s length—1.8 kilometers — to the best starting point for your dive. It’s a scenic ride, with views of the jetty overhead and the ocean’s surface shimmering beside you. This short journey is a highlight, setting a relaxed, anticipation-building tone.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Dive Briefing and Guidance

Before slipping into the water, your guide will give a thorough pre-dive briefing. They’ll cover safety tips, the layout of the underwater sculptures, and what marine animals you might encounter. The guides are clearly experienced, making sure everyone feels confident and prepared.

Once in the water, the guided aspect ensures you don’t miss the must-see features, like the mermaids, whales, and other sculptures that bring a sense of fantasy to the underwater landscape. With a maximum depth of 9 meters, the dive remains accessible and safe for all certified divers, whether you’re a beginner or more seasoned.

What You’ll See Beneath the Surface

The sculptures are a major draw — handmade by local artists, they are becoming an integral part of the reef’s ecosystem. You’ll meet life-sized mermaids, whales, and other fantastical figures, all surrounded by brightly colored corals and a busy community of marine creatures. The presence of over 300 species makes each immersion lively and vibrant.

The marine environment itself is equally impressive. We loved the way the colorful corals and marine fauna create a lively, textured backdrop for the sculptures. As one reviewer put it, “The dive was colorful, very enjoyable and worthwhile,” highlighting how visually stimulating this site is.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

• Ease of Access & Comfort: Starting at a local shop and being transported to the jetty simplifies logistics and reduces fatigue.
• Combination of Art & Nature: The underwater sculptures add an extra layer of interest, making this more than just a marine encounter.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to five participants, ensuring everyone receives personal attention and safety.
• Guided Dive: Your guide ensures you see all the highlights, providing context and safety tips.

The Value of the Experience

For $131, this tour offers a lot. You get all equipment, transportation, and a guided experience, which is a good deal considering the quality of the environment and the small group size. We found that the underwater sculptures and colorful marine life really make this a memorable outing, especially for those interested in marine art or seeking a visual feast.

Who Will Love It?

This experience suits certified divers who enjoy a relaxed, guided immersion with accessible depth. It’s ideal for those who appreciate artistic elements in their natural explorations and want to discover a diverse underwater ecosystem. Non-divers or travelers with limited certification might need to look for other options, but for certified divers, this tour offers a unique, visually captivating experience.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Bring your diving certification — required for participation.
• No touching marine life, respect for the environment is emphasized.
• The tour lasts about 2 hours, usually in the morning or afternoon, so plan accordingly.
• Check-in is at the Swan Dive shop on the Busselton Foreshore, which is central and easy to find.
• Group size is small, so booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot.
• The maximum depth is 9 meters, making it suitable for most certified divers, but not ideal for non-swimmers or children under 10.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a combination of artistic intrigue and marine biodiversity, this Busselton underwater sculpture tour stands out. The guided approach, small group size, and stunning visuals make it a worthwhile choice, especially for those who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and creative expression.

While it’s best suited for certified divers comfortable at moderate depths, the experience’s overall value — including gear, transport, and expert guidance — is excellent. The underwater sculptures introduce an imaginative element that transforms a typical diving spot into something truly special.

Whether you’re an art lover, a marine enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable adventure in WA, this tour offers a thoughtful, well-organized, and visually stunning experience that you’ll remember long after your fins are packed away.

FAQ

Do I need to have diving certification to join this tour?
Yes, this tour is for certified divers only. You need to have valid certification to participate. If you’re not certified, you might want to explore other options.

What is the maximum depth of the dive?
The maximum depth is 9 meters, which makes it suitable for most certified divers and offers a comfortable, easy-going dive experience.

Are all equipment items included?
Yes, all diving gear required for the tour is provided, so you won’t need to bring anything besides your certification.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Check in is at the Swan Dive shop located inside the Busselton Jetty precinct on the Foreshore, a convenient and central meeting point.

Is this experience suitable for kids or non-swimmers?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or non-swimmers. The tour requires familiarity with diving and comfort underwater.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience typically lasts about 2 hours, including gear-up, briefing, transport, and the dive itself.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

If you’re ready for an underwater adventure that combines marine biodiversity with a touch of artistry, this Busselton dive tour offers a memorable, well-organized, and visually stunning experience. It’s perfect for certified divers who want a safe, guided, and small-group exploration of one of WA’s premier dive sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: