Sandy Cape is a shallow shore dive in calm, protected waters, making it a comfortable choice for beginners building confidence underwater. The site combines reef and seagrass habitats across just 1 to 5 metres of depth, so you can take your time exploring without worrying about depth management. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change from visit to visit. You can expect to see wrasse, butterflyfish, buffalo bream, and western rock lobsters among the reef and seagrass. Australian sea lions and dolphins also visit the area. Keep an eye out for lionfish, which are present here and should not be touched. Mild current and some surge are the main conditions to be aware of.

Seaward Ledge offers beginner divers a varied underwater landscape combining reef, wall, and cave features accessible from a boat entry. Depths run from a comfortable 8 metres down to 28 metres in deeper sections, with visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres depending on conditions. The site hosts an impressive mix of marine life including dhufish, western blue devil, and Australian giant cuttlefish, along with nurse sharks resting in quieter spots and the occasional Australian sea lion passing through. Look closely for nudibranchs, crayfish tucked into ledges, sponges, and the striking soft gingerbread hem star. Currents are variable, and surge can be present, so stay aware of your surroundings and keep close to your guide.

Jurien Bay Marine Park offers easy shallow diving and snorkelling across reef and seagrass habitats, with depths staying between 1 and 6 metres throughout. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change, but the shallows make it manageable for beginners. The seagrass beds attract dugongs and turtles, while the reef holds western rock lobsters, octopus, cuttlefish, and lionfish. Australian sea lions occasionally pass through, and dolphins are spotted in the area. Between September and November and again in autumn, humpback whales move through the broader bay. Currents vary, so check conditions before entering, and watch for jellyfish and boat traffic near access points.

Jurien offers an ideal introduction to Western Australia's marine world, with shallow reefs and seagrass beds stretching along this protected coastline. You can enter directly from shore or join a boat charter to explore slightly further offshore, with most dives happening in depths between 1 to 8 metres. The real draw here is the wildlife. Australian sea lions are regular visitors, often curious enough to investigate divers, while dolphins occasionally cruise through. Keep your eyes on the reef structure for western rock lobsters tucked into crevices, along with octopus, cuttlefish, and the occasional lionfish. The seagrass meadows harbour butterflyfish and colourful sponges attached to any hard surface. Between June and December, you might spot humpback whales passing through on their annual migration, and if you're particularly fortunate, the rarer pygmy blue whales. Visibility varies considerably depending on conditions, and currents can shift throughout the day. Small caves add interest to the reef topography without requiring any overhead environment training. Local dive shops offer guided tours if you'd prefer someone who knows the sites well, which is worth considering given the variable conditions and boat traffic in the area. Watch for jellyfish during warmer months and respect the sea lions by maintaining a safe distance.

Osprey is a demanding wall and drop-off site in Western Australia where strong currents run along a reef face that plunges into deeper water. Visibility regularly reaches 30 to 60 metres, making the full scale of the wall immediately apparent on descent. Caves punctuate the structure and reward exploration with crayfish tucked into crevices and nudibranchs on the sponge-covered rock. Dhufish and Western Blue Groper patrol the reef in open water, and Australian Sea Lions occasionally pass through. The soft gingerbread hem stars are a distinctive find on this coast. Shark encounters are possible, and the current demands solid buoyancy control and dive planning.

Boullanger Island offers easy, shallow diving across seagrass beds and reef in just 1 to 6 metres of water, making it a genuinely accessible site for beginner divers. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change, but the mild current keeps things manageable. The real draw here is the marine life: Australian sea lions and dolphins occasionally pass through, while the reef holds western rock lobsters, octopus, cuttlefish, sponges, sea fans, anemones, sea squirts, and tropical corals. Keep an eye out for lionfish among the reef structure, and give them a wide berth. Access is by boat charter only.

Boomers is a beginner-friendly boat dive in Western Australia featuring a cave system that shelters some genuinely interesting marine life. Depths run from the surface down to 18 metres, so new divers can explore at a comfortable level while more curious snorkellers stay shallow. Visibility is variable, so conditions change day to day. The mild current keeps things manageable, but be aware of surge near the cave entrance and watch for boat traffic on the surface. Look for wobbegong sharks resting on the bottom, Port Jackson sharks tucked into crevices, and western blue devil fish among the rocks. Australian sea lions occasionally visit, and western rock lobster are common around the cave.

Essex Rocks is a shallow reef dive where Australian sea lions are the main attraction. At 2 to 4 metres deep with mild current, the conditions are manageable for beginners, though visibility can vary considerably, so be prepared for anything from clear water to murky conditions on any given day. The sea lions here are naturally curious and may approach you during your dive, which is exciting but means you should keep a respectful distance and avoid reaching out to touch them. Boat traffic is also worth being aware of when surfacing, so always check above you before ascending.