Returning to Port Beach to find Weedy Seadragons

Wednesday 23 March 2023

As the sun set over perfect conditions our divers geared up for the return to Port Beach to find Weedy Seadragons.

After having to relocate our dive here a few weeks ago due to the beach being closed the divers enthusiasm was high.

It was another awesome turn out with 22 divers here to dive. As part of his training and practice in conducting a Club Dive I handed the reins over to Perth Scuba DMT Craig to give the site brief. Thanks to Craig for giving me a hand in keeping the crowd in check……

It was another great night to dive this site. Visibility was good and with the 7 knot wind and low swell it was almost a perfect night to dive.

Divers reported seeing the unicorn of the sea, the Weedy Seadragon, some for the first time. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they come back to shore.

Rays and curious Port Jackson’s were a plenty, along with an assortment of other cool undersea critters.

Thank you again for everyone that came along and I hope to see you at the next club dive.

written by Phil McDonald | PADI Divemaster

Manta Club dive at Jervoise Bay – good visibility, warm water, and many soft corals and schooling fish

Sunday 19 March 2023

This Sunday morning was warm and sunny, and almost perfect. Great water conditions and a lot of marine life were seen at Jervoise Bay, near Woodmans Point, after a night of perfect easterly offshore wind of around 20  knots, which prepared the dive site for us in perfect condition. Underwater, there was near 4-6 meters of visibility. Some seahorses and cuttlefish were spotted by divers from our group, and many nice brain corals were seen. Near the tip of groyne, the same wonderful dendronyphtia soft coral is still flourishing, making a good landmark. 22 dive crew (many permanent, some part time, and some newly “recruited” into Manta Club) enjoyed the warm (23-24C) water while being surrounded by schools of various small fish. A sighting of a large fish, resembling a Samson fish from the description, was also reported. Also, plenty of catfish, morwongs, talmas, and small parrotfish. 

Divers of all different experience levels were present, and everybody enjoyed exploring this dive site. It was especially great to see new Manta Club members joining our Club today. Thanks everyone for coming to this Club dive! See you on next dives soon. 

Written by Mikhail – Perth Scuba PADI Instructor

Kwinana Grain Terminal club night dive

Wednesday 15 March 2023

I know I say it every week but what a great night for a dive down at KGT. The water was flat, the winds were down and it looked awesome out there.

I was not alone in thinking so either. What a great turnout for our Wednesday night free Manta Club dive. 20 divers joined me for a night under the stars. It is great to see so many new and experienced divers coming along each week. These nights are a great way to meet new buddies and enjoy some great social interaction.

The water was around 23 degrees and visibility was great under the waves. Plenty of cool critters to see. The Octopus are back, looking good and getting ‘playful’ again. Crab numbers are easing but if they are replaced with Occy’s then that brings a smile to my face.

Thanks again to everyone that joins us week to week and welcome to our new members. I hope to catch up at a Sunday dive or see you again in the dark on Wednesday.

Written by Divemaster Phil McDonald

Ammunition Jetty Night Dive

Wednesday 8 March 2023

Due to the return of dredging operations at Port Beach on Wednesday Night we had to relocate the dive to Ammo Jetty at Woodman Point. No Weedie Seadragons on the search list but other treasures are found at Ammo Jetty.

What a magnificent night for a dive . Conditions were excellent and as the sun set divers entered the water to great visibility.

I have a love/ hate relationship with Ammo Jetty. There is such a great variety of sea life to be found but visibility can be challenging. Tonight we experienced both along with great conditions to dive.

Port Jackson’s and seahorses were found along with an assortment of Nudibranchs and other swimming critters.

Thanks to all those that came along. Our night dives are great for divers of all experience levels. Even as a Open Water Diver you can join us on a Wednesday night. Club dives are a great way to meet new divers and enjoy the new experience under the watchful eye of our experienced Divemasters and Instructors.

I look forward to meeting new divers at our next dive.

Divemaster Phil McDonald

Manta Club dive at Kwinana Grain Terminal – great visibility and plenty of nudibranchs and octopus

Sunday 5 March 2023

This Sunday morning was excellent for diving. Practically no waves, and very slight wind from the south-east. 28 of the committed dive crew enjoyed the very warm (24C) water in the habitat of nudibranchs and octopus. The visibility was  excellent, at near 8-10 m, and no buddy pairs could be separated due to water conditions. With no ship docked at the end, our exploration of this dive site length was almost unlimited. Multiple octopus were seen, and plenty of blue crabs.

Divers of  various different experience levels were present, and everybody enjoyed the dive. It was a privilege to guide a pair of newest Manta Club divers who attended their first club dive event after their recent open water course. The  visibility should still be good during the next few days, at least.

Thanks everyone for coming to this Manta Club dive! See you on next dives soon.

Written by Mikhail Vasiliev – PADI Instructor