Explore Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is found on Boston Bay in South Australia. 646km by road from Adelaide, this maritime town is famous for its population of great white sharks and the popular attraction of cage diving with them.
With most dive centres catering to the needs of the adrenaline junkie, you will be hard pressed to find a dive centre which will offer dive courses. Dive resorts and liveaboards can’t be found here either. It can also be debated that the shark cage diving is not actually scuba diving at all.
Highlights of Port Lincoln diving are the opportunities to get up close and personal with great whites as well as their prey, the puppies of the sea, Australian sea lions.
Top Port Lincoln Dive Sites
1. Neptune Islands
Located within a protected marine park, the Neptune Islands are Australia’s only site for cage diving with great white sharks. The sharks are attracted by a large population of over 45,000 fur seals. This is a technical, surface-supplied cage dive (not scuba). Conditions can be rough and are best suited for thrill-seekers.
2. Hopkins Island
Ideal for both scuba and freediving, Hopkins Island offers a magical experience with playful Australian sea lions. The dive is shallow (up to 12m), making it easy and perfect for all levels. Explore coral-covered swim-throughs and caves while being entertained by these curious marine mammals.
3. Cape Wiles
This sheltered dive site offers calm conditions and is great for intermediate divers. Caves and ledges hide macro life such as nudibranchs, while lobsters, cuttlefish, blue grouper, and small reef sharks add to the diversity. Scuba only.
4. Grindal Island
Another excellent sea lion site, Grindal Island offers easy diving and snorkelling in 2–10m depths. Freediving is popular here. You’ll find plenty of interactive sea lions, kelp beds, and colorful invertebrates. A great wildlife experience in calm conditions.
5. Donington Reef
For more experienced divers, Donington Reef features deeper dives (up to 25m) with strong currents at times. Expect kelp forests, large schools of fish, stingrays, and occasional encounters with bronze whalers. This site is within Lincoln National Park’s marine area.