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Explore Victoria

Diving in Victoria, the smallest state in Australia, offers an enchanting underwater adventure for both novice and experienced divers. Nestled where the Pacific Ocean, Tasman Sea, and Indian Ocean converge, Victoria is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with marine life. From the striking rocky outcrops of Phillip Island to the mysterious shipwrecks along the Shipwreck Coast, the variety of dive environments is impressive. Whether exploring vibrant reefs, drifting through kelp forests, or charting a course over historic wrecks, each dive promises new wonders.

Victoria's temperate waters provide a playground for marine enthusiasts, with typical sightings including playful dolphins, curious fur seals, and the iconic weedy sea dragons. The region’s liveaboard options and local dive centers, particularly around Melbourne, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula, ensure easy access to these aquatic wonders. Seasonal highlights like the winter migration of humpback whales add to the allure, making Victoria a compelling destination for divers seeking both adventure and serenity beneath the waves.

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Advanced Adverturer course

Advanced Adverturer course

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Adventurer program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Adventurer Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor.With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Adventurer training towards them.Specialty options:Deep DivingWreck DivingNavigationPerfect BuoyancyBoat DivingNight/Limited VisNitroxPhoto & VideoDPV DivingSearch & RecoveryWaves, Tides & CurrentsTake advantage of our 50% discount on a full Enriched Air Nitrox course upgrade exclusive to this package.Your adventure awaits at Scubabo Dive Victoria, Queenscliff.PREREQUISITESAt least 10 years of ageOpen Water Diver certification or higherEQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTSAll scuba diving hardware is supplied EXCEPT Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Gloves, Boots, SMB & Reel, Compass & TorchThe Melbourne based store, Scuba Culture (Burwood) has a wide range of discounted equipment both instore and online at www.scubadiveshop.com.auMake time to get fitted at our shop after you complete your booking!Scuba diving relies heavily on being comfortable in the water with the gear you are using so more people diving regularly take the opportunity to purchase some of the personal items that will enhance the course and overall experience for future dives.

SCUBA CULTURE, Xavier Le Vagueresse, 2/121 Highbury Road, 3125, Burwood, VIC, AUS
October 23, 2026 +17 More
On Request
Open Water Diver course

Open Water Diver course

This globally recognised certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalised training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification after completing this course.EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTSAt our dive centre, we offer rental equipment on SCUBA hardware only. This does not include mask, snorkel, fins, boots and gloves – you must own these for your course.The Melbourne based store, Scuba Culture (Burwood) has a wide range of discounted equipment both instore and online at www.scubadiveshop.com.auMake time to get fitted at our shop after you complete your booking!Scuba diving relies heavily on being comfortable in the water with the gear you are using so most people becoming divers take the opportunity to purchase some of the personal items that will enhance the course and can be used well after the course for your diving and snorkelling adventures. Some popular items students buy, along with the basic starting equipment are: Wetsuits, Boots, Hoods, SMB & Reel, Computer, Torch and CompassPREREQUISITESThe minimum age to participate is 12 years old (a parent's or guardian's consent is required for participants under 18 years old.)All participants must complete a Medical Questionnaire. If any of the questions are flagged as "Yes" you may need to gain medical clearance from a doctor prior to participating. Pleaseensure you complete this Medical Questionnaire before the start of your course to avoid delays or disappointmentYou must be able to swim 200 metres without stopping. There is no time limit for this and you may use any swimming stroke(s) you want.You must be able to float or tread water for 10 minutes, again using any method(s) you want.DIVE MEDICALA dive medical may be required if you fall into one or more of the following categories:Those with an at risk medical condition; or are over 45 years of age; or have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 AND a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and88cm for females.If you fall into one or more of these categories you may need to consult your GP for further clearances. We will send you a confirmation email with a Medical waiver attached - be sure to read through this prior to your course and follow the guidelines for medical reviews by a professional.If you are unsure please refer to our SSI Medical Waiver prior to booking.INCLUSIONSCost includes BC, regs, tanks, weights, wetsuit, air fillsSSI training materials and fees, certificationPool, 2 shore dives & 2 boat divesCOURSE SCHEDULEOur course requires 3 days to complete. If you would prefer to complete this course over two weekend's please see our Open Water Diver Course Two Weekend Option for dates and times.

SCUBA CULTURE, Xavier Le Vagueresse, 2/121 Highbury Road, 3125, Burwood, VIC, AUS
October 16, 2026 +66 More
On Request
SSI Open Water Diver Course

SSI Open Water Diver Course

Become a certified Open Water Diver with SSI at The Scuba Dive ShopThis globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.Your Adventure starts hereHere are the benefits you can expect from attending this training program:Discover a completely new world hidden just below the surfaceLearn about new environments and exotic new speciesExperience the nearly weightless sensation of flightFacts and Training StandardsMinimum Age - 10Amount of Academic Sessions - 6Amount of Pool/Confined Water Sessions - 6Amount of Open Water Sessions - 4Maximum Training Depth - 18 m / 60 ftSuggested duration (h) - 16-32Certification Prerequisites - Fit to swim (200m swim and 10 minute float), No certification prerequisitesMore InformationTraining PrerequisitesSSI Entry-Level Programs – Open Water Diver, Freediver, or Mermaid require students to complete a water fitness evaluation prior to open water training. The goal of this evaluation is to determine a comfort level baseline consisting of:Swim AssessmentSurvival FloatTechnical RequirementsTo start training, students must create a MySSI profile. This can either be done via the SSI website at www.divessi.com/register or by installing the MySSI App.Simply download the app for either iOS or Android, set up the user profile, and access the world of diving in minutes! The MySSI App safely stores everything in one place, online or offline – training materials, logbook, and certification cards. This includes Recreational Scuba, Extended Range, Freediving and Mermaid.Medical & Administrative RequirementsEach student or candidate must complete the required SSI Training Record Forms prior to participating in any SSI training program. The forms for minors must be reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian.Responsible Diver CodeSSI Responsible Diver Code - Scuba DivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - FreedivingSSI Responsible Diver Code - Extended Range DivingDiver Medical Statement & Questionnaire or Physician’s Approval to Dive (where required)Training Assumption of Risk, Liability Release, & Liability Release, & Hold Harmless Agreement (where required / not applicable within the European Union)Program-specific Completion Record (done by the Instructor prior to certification)

The Scuba Dive Shop aka The Scuba Doctor Dive Shop, 2447 Point Nepean Road, 3941, RYE, VIC, AUS
October 17, 2026 +9 More
$554.86
A$795.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Victoria

Victoria, Australia, offers a plethora of exciting dive sites attracting enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most notable wreck dives is the "HMAS Canberra," a purpose-sunk ex-naval ship that provides an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Divers can explore its intricate structures and discover vibrant fish species and fascinating invertebrates. For those preferring shore dives, the "Portsea Pier" is popular, featuring easy accessibility and a chance to spot weedy sea dragons and nudibranchs.

Night dives in Victoria provide unique underwater experiences, especially at "Blairgowrie Pier," where nocturnal marine life becomes active, offering divers a different perspective. Additionally, the balance between shore dives and liveaboard diving options caters to all preferences, with the latter offering extended trips to remote sites like the "Ex-HMAS Canberra." Whether diving from shore or a boat, Victoria promises memorable encounters and diverse underwater adventures.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Victoria

Victoria offers diverse diving conditions throughout the year, benefiting from its temperate maritime climate. Divers can enjoy water temperatures ranging from 10°C–16°C/50°F–61°F. During the summer, waters are warmer, inviting more divers, while the cooler winter months might require additional thermal protection. Visibility in Victoria typically ranges from 5 to 15 meters/16 to 49 feet, depending on the season and location. Weather factors like wind and currents significantly impact diving conditions, with summer and fall generally providing calmer seas. Diving is feasible year-round, though spring can bring unpredictable weather patterns, making it a less favorable period for diving expeditions.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Victoria

Victoria, situated in southeastern Australia, boasts a diverse marine ecosystem, especially vibrant around its coastal regions and islands. Common reef inhabitants include the colorful wrasse and the elusive seahorse, both of which can be frequently spotted by divers exploring local reefs. The Port Phillip Bay is particularly known for its vibrant sponge gardens, attracting a variety of marine species. During certain times of the year, divers may witness larger marine life. For example, the warmer months often bring sightings of the majestic eagle rays gliding effortlessly through the water. Additionally, sea turtles, albeit less common, can occasionally be seen navigating Victoria's waters, particularly around the Great Ocean Road. Shark sightings are rare but can occur, adding to the thrill and allure of diving in Victoria's marine environments.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

377 Sightings
J
38
F
52
M
56
A
47
M
34
J
12
J
11
A
16
S
22
O
28
N
23
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

118 Sightings
J
13
F
18
M
43
A
14
M
7
J
5
J
3
A
2
S
9
O
2
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

1.5k Sightings
J
244
F
237
M
253
A
144
M
80
J
48
J
39
A
43
S
60
O
88
N
112
D
119

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

695 Sightings
J
112
F
113
M
154
A
90
M
22
J
15
J
11
A
14
S
54
O
31
N
37
D
42
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

592 Sightings
J
83
F
96
M
119
A
89
M
35
J
29
J
23
A
25
S
24
O
27
N
18
D
24
Weedy Seadragon

Weedy Seadragon

498 Sightings
J
79
F
50
M
58
A
37
M
29
J
14
J
19
A
24
S
18
O
36
N
56
D
78

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

356 Sightings
J
50
F
46
M
60
A
57
M
37
J
26
J
11
A
13
S
24
O
15
N
13
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

289 Sightings
J
43
F
39
M
42
A
19
M
18
J
13
J
9
A
18
S
22
O
31
N
30
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 9

Fur Seal

Fur Seal

102 Sightings
J
20
F
15
M
37
A
0
M
4
J
0
J
3
A
0
S
13
O
0
N
0
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

86 Sightings
J
0
F
32
M
19
A
7
M
7
J
6
J
3
A
7
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

85 Sightings
J
9
F
21
M
24
A
2
M
2
J
3
J
1
A
3
S
3
O
3
N
6
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

81 Sightings
J
21
F
2
M
13
A
10
M
5
J
7
J
3
A
9
S
6
O
1
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

56 Sightings
J
14
F
4
M
11
A
9
M
3
J
3
J
0
A
2
S
1
O
6
N
3
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

52 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
29
A
0
M
9
J
3
J
3
A
0
S
8
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

42 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
4
A
4
M
9
J
2
J
1
A
9
S
3
O
3
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

41 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
3
A
11
M
9
J
3
J
4
A
4
S
0
O
3
N
1
D
0

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner