Wharton Beach is a shore entry reef dive with a real mix of southern Australian marine life that rewards patient, slow exploration. Depths run from the shallows down to 18 metres, making this manageable for beginners comfortable with gentle currents. Visibility varies considerably depending on conditions, so timing your visit matters. The reef shelters some genuinely special encounters, including weedy and leafy seadragons, Australian giant cuttlefish, blue devil fish, and southern eagle rays. Port Jackson sharks are also regularly spotted resting on the bottom. Sponges and assorted wrasse round out what you can expect to find across the reef.

Little Wharton Beach is a shore entry reef and seagrass site in Western Australia that rewards patient, observant beginners. Depths run from the shallows right down to 18 metres, so you can explore at whatever level you feel comfortable. Visibility here is variable, so conditions can shift considerably between visits. The mild current keeps things manageable. The seagrass beds and reef host some genuinely exciting finds, including leafy seadragons, western blue devils, harlequin fish, and various nudibranchs. Seals, crayfish, sponges, and the unusual soft gingerbread hem star round out what you might encounter. Be aware that sharks are present at this site.

Duke of Orleans Bay is a shore-accessible reef site in Western Australia, well-suited to beginner snorkellers and divers comfortable with calm, shallow conditions. The water is generally mild with light currents, though visibility can vary day to day. Underwater, you can expect to encounter small tropical fish, blue groper, herring, skippy, and squid. Between September and May the bay also sits within the migration corridor for whales, making sightings a genuine possibility. Be mindful of rip currents and breaking waves near the entry point, and choose a calm day for the best experience.

The Recherche Archipelago is a sprawling network of islands and reefs off the south coast of Western Australia, offering shallow, calm waters that suit first-time divers and snorkellers well. Visibility varies depending on conditions, so checking forecasts before you go is worth doing. The site combines reef, wreck, and cave diving in one area, giving beginners a range of experiences without needing advanced skills. Keep an eye out for leafy seadragons, harlequin fish, blue devils, and wrasse on the reef, while Australian sea lions and fur seals frequently join divers in the water. The cold water here means a good wetsuit is essential.

Lucky Bay is a shore dive offering reef exploration at moderate depths of 12 to 13 metres. The site is home to nudibranchs and Australian Giant Cuttlefish, making it a rewarding spot for divers who take their time searching the reef. Visibility here is variable, so conditions can change considerably between visits. The current runs strong, and surf at entry is a real consideration, so beginners should only dive this site on calmer days and ideally with an experienced buddy. Good facilities on site include parking, toilets, and showers. May and December tend to offer the most reliable conditions.

Woody Island's marked snorkel trail offers one of Western Australia's most accessible underwater experiences, perfect if you're new to snorkelling. You can enter directly from shore or take a short boat ride to the trail markers, which guide you through shallow, calm waters over reef sections teeming with life. The mild current makes it easy to navigate while you search for the trail's star attraction: the elusive leafy seadragon, a rare find that camouflages perfectly among the soft corals and sponges. You'll also spot playful fur seals and sea lions that often approach snorkellers, while dolphins occasionally cruise past the outer reef. The reef itself supports colourful residents including red starfish clinging to rocks, friendly gropers, red snappers darting between formations, and vibrant harlequin fish. Visibility varies with conditions, so check locally before heading out. The water stays cold year round, so hire a wetsuit from the on-site facilities if you don't have your own. Watch for sharp coral sections along the trail. With toilets, a cafe, and guided tours available, Woody Island provides everything you need for a comfortable first snorkelling adventure, accessible eight months of the year from October through May.

The Recherche Archipelago is a collection of islands and reefs off the south coast of Western Australia, offering beginner-friendly diving from shore or boat. Depths reach 18 metres at most, making it manageable while you get comfortable underwater. Visibility varies depending on conditions and season, so it pays to check locally before you go. The reefs are home to harlequin fish, blue devils, wrasse, and gropers, while sponges and soft corals add colour to the walls and cavern areas. Australian sea lions occasionally appear, and Leafy Sea Dragons can be found with a patient eye. Currents are variable, so pick a calm day.

Shearwater Bay is a gentle shore dive in shallow, calm waters that suits first-time divers and snorkellers well. The mild current keeps conditions manageable, though visibility can vary from day to day, so check local reports before heading in. The reef attracts a good mix of marine life including harlequin fish, blue devils, wrasse, and red snappers, with gropers occasionally patrolling the bottom. Leafy sea dragons reward patient, slow-moving divers who look carefully through the reef. Sea lions and dolphins appear from time to time. Come prepared for cold water and bring a wetsuit regardless of the season.