Ex- HMAS Swan Wreck Double Boat Dive

Exploring the HMAS Swan Wreck in Busselton: An Underwater Journey for All Levels

Imagine gliding over one of the largest accessible wrecks in the southern hemisphere—the HMAS Swan—off the coast of Busselton, Australia. For about $169, you’ll spend roughly 5 hours enjoying two leisurely dives, all from the comfort of a fast, well-equipped boat. Led by experienced guides, this experience offers a chance to explore a decommissioned naval destroyer resting in 32 meters of water, with parts coming up just 5 meters from the surface. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying wreck exploration for the first time, this trip is tailored to deliver a memorable underwater journey.

What we love most about this tour are the friendly professionalism of the crew, ensuring both safety and fun, and the sheer scale of the wreck, which makes for spectacular viewing and photography. Plus, the marine life—schools of bull’s eye fish, king George whiting, brim, and more—will keep your eyes on the lookout as you explore.

A consideration to keep in mind: since this is an unguided dive, certified divers need to be comfortable navigating the wreck independently. If you’re looking for a guided experience, you’ll want to check on additional rates. Still, the overall value for the price, including full gear rental and snacks, makes it a compelling choice.

This tour suits certified divers who want to see a major shipwreck without fuss, but it also appeals to those with a genuine interest in marine life and wrecks, especially given the positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable staff and well-organized logistics.

Key Points

• Accessible for All Levels: Suitable for divers with open water certification, with depths ranging from 5 to 32 meters.
• All Equipment Included: You won’t need to worry about bringing gear; it’s provided for the entire trip.
• Marine Life & Wrecks: Expect to see schools of fish, king George whiting, brim, and other marine creatures.
• Comfort & Convenience: Fast boats, snacks, coffee, and a friendly, professional crew make the trip enjoyable.
• Unguided Dive: This is a self-guided exploration—ideal for experienced divers comfortable with navigation.
• Value for Money: Full gear rental costs extra (~$89), but the total package offers great value considering the duration and experience.

A Deep Dive into the HMAS Swan Experience

Venturing into this tour, we found the details make all the difference. The boat departs from Quindalup at 8:00 am, and from there, it’s a short, smooth ride out to the site. The vessel itself is described as fast and comfortable, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the water and less time battling seasickness or discomfort. The crew, especially Pacey and Dean, get consistent praise for their friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious approach.

Once at the wreck, which was scuttled in 1997, you’ll see a massive 113-meter-long vessel resting in a gentle tilt. The depth varies from a shallow 5 meters at the top to 32 meters at the deepest point, providing enough space for both shallow and deeper dives. This range makes it accessible for divers of varying experience levels, but you should be comfortable with navigation and buoyancy control.

The wreck is a fascinating structure—partly intact, partly broken, but always teeming with marine life. Reviewers mention schools of bull’s eye fish that swim through the ship’s rooms, which creates an almost surreal scene. The hull is home to King George whiting and brim, adding a natural element to the artificial reef. Larger fish like samson fish, blue devil, and sweep are also commonly seen, further enriching the underwater landscape.

The self-guided nature of the dive means you’ll get a briefing on the wreck’s layout from the crew but will explore at your own pace. For many, this is a key feature—allowing experienced divers to set their own routes while enjoying a sense of discovery. It’s worth noting that all equipment is included but must be rented separately for $89 if needed.

Snacks, tea, coffee, and light refreshments are provided after the dives, giving you a chance to relax and swap stories with fellow explorers. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and customer-focused the entire trip feels, with comments like “The boat was comfortable, and the staff were helpful and friendly” and “Snacks and drinks provided at surface interval.”

For those with family or friends who aren’t divers, or those concerned about gear, the tour’s full gear rental adds convenience, although it does come at an extra cost. Still, the value shines through when you consider the duration, the marine diversity, and the ease of access.

Who Should Consider This Wreck Dive?

If you’re a certified diver looking for an accessible yet awe-inspiring wreck, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially appealing if you want a stress-free, well-organized experience and appreciate the chance to explore a massive shipwreck teeming with marine life. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers will all find plenty to enjoy here, thanks to the friendly crew and the variety of marine creatures seen along the way.

However, those who prefer guided dives or want more personalized route guidance should inquire about guided rates, as this is primarily an unguided exploration. Beginners seeking a guided, instructional experience might prefer other options. Still, for confident open water divers, this trip offers outstanding value and memorable sights.

The Sum Up

The Ex-HMAS Swan Wreck Double Boat Dive offers a genuinely rewarding experience that balances adventure, comfort, and education. With friendly staff, a massive, accessible wreck, and abundant marine life, it’s ideal for divers who want an exciting, hassle-free day on the water. The inclusion of snacks and full gear rental makes it a convenient choice—though the extra cost for equipment should be considered.

This trip shines brightest for those eager to see a historic shipwreck in a setting where they can move freely and explore at their own pace. It’s particularly suited to experienced divers or those with open water certification who enjoy self-guided adventures and want to discover one of the best wreck sites in the southern hemisphere.

In sum, if you’re seeking a well-organized, high-value underwater experience with friendly guides and spectacular marine views, this tour is likely to meet—and perhaps exceed—your expectations.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
All necessary scuba equipment is included, but if you need to rent gear, it costs A$89 per person. Snacks, tea, coffee, and light refreshments are also provided.

What is the minimum certification required?
You must have an open water certification to participate. The tour is designed for certified divers who are comfortable exploring independently.

How long is the total experience?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from start to finish, with around 2.5 hours of actual diving time divided into two dives.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Quindalup Boat Ramp, located at 371 Geographe Bay Rd, Quindalup WA 6281.

What is the depth range of the wreck?
The wreck sits in 32 meters of water at its deepest point and rises to just 5 meters at the highest point, making it suitable for a variety of experience levels.

Is this a guided or unguided dive?
It is an unguided dive—you receive a briefing on the wreck but explore at your own pace.

Can non-divers join the trip?
While non-divers can enjoy the boat ride and the scenic views, the actual wreck exploration is only for certified divers.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re eager to see one of the most impressive wrecks in the southern hemisphere with a friendly, professional team, this trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re after marine life, history, or just a fantastic day on the water, you’ll find it here.