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Shore diving in South Australia: Part 3 – Noarlunga Reef
CJ and Mike continue their South Australia shore diving adventures…
Noarlunga Reef
The forecast looked good and after a fair bit of driving the last two days, we decided to visit the very popular Noarlunga Reef, only 25mins down the road from our accommodation. The dive is known for an underwater trail that guides divers from the end of the jetty round the reef, informing them about the life and processes that shaped the reef. It is a protected area and we thought diving a reef would make a change from the jetty dives of the previous days.
The surface conditions looked good, but underwater there was pretty poor visibility and an annoying swell to contend with. We did an 80min dive, with a max depth of 10m and saw a large ray and a big shoal of mackerel, but little else. I can definitely see why this is a very popular training site as the inner reef is protected and shallow and apparently some big stuff can be seen on the outer reef if lucky. For us, it was nice to be diving, but not as exceptional as either Edithburgh or Rapid Bay. This was partly down to the conditions which may be due to the state of the tide. I would be interested in doing this site again on high slack, with good weather.
Noarlunga Reef dive details:
- Dive level: Easy.
- Depth: 20m at ‘The Gap’.
- Type: Shore dive – Reef.
- Vis: 5m+
- Marine Life: 50 species of fish.
- Entry: Steps
- Water temp: 18-21 degrees C (65-70F)
- Facilities: Car park, toilets, shops and water sport centre.
The Reef is part of the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve, South Australia’s most frequented and best known aquatic reserve. It has over 200 species of marine plants and animals, and more than 50 species of fish. There is an easy access point for divers and snorkelers to see a temperate reef system. Over a thousand divers visit the reef each summer, many completing training here, so it can get a little busy!
An underwater trail consisting of 12 underwater markers provides information about the reef and what you can see, 7 markers are placed on the inside of the reef, number 8 is in the “Gap” which leads to the outside of the reef where there are a 4 further markers. The current through the gap can be quite strong and it is quite deep.
The average depth of the dive site is about 5 – 7 metres. The best access to the reef is via the last set of steps on the jetty, which is 300m long, so a trolley can be used to carry your equipment. The reef is the best part of this dive (although the jetty can be a very good night dive).
The reef is right next to the end of the jetty, you can go south (left) to follow the underwater trail that is set up here. You can also head north (right) and follow the reef that way. It’s easy to navigate, keep the rocks to one side on the way out and on the other side on the way back in until you reach the jetty again. On high tide you can climb over the reef and jump in on the other side and you’re good on your air you can then dive back to the jetty. There are always fishermen on the jetty so keep an eye out for fishing lines and stay under the jetty if in shallower water. The watersports centre next to the jetty has toilets, a cafe and is 100m from the car park.
We had planned to do another leafy seadragon dive at Rapid Bay, but despite an alright forecast when we got there it was too rough to dive, so we went for an explore of the Fleurieu Peninsula, round to Victor Harbour, where in the evenings you can do Little Penguin tours on Granite Island. We enjoyed pottering round a bit before heading back to Adelaide to drop our tanks and weights back to the friendly folks at Diving Adelaide, and heading back to wash our kit and dry it before packing for the flight to Brisbane.
Our trip here has been great, enough good weather to get the dives we wanted done and we loved seeing the leafy seadragons! There is also great white shark diving further along the coast for those with a bit more time and a love for sharky action. If you are headed to Australia, Adelaide may not be the first place you think about diving, but do! There is some fantastic and varied diving in South Australi – it’s definitely worth a visit!
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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