Diving with Weedy Seadragons

Unique Cousins of the Seahorse

Also called the common seadragon, the weedy seadragon is one of the most unique looking in the seahorse family. With a very long thin snout and a slender trunk covered in bony, brightly colored rings, common seadragons differ from seahorses in that their thin tails cannot be used for gripping. Therefore, they are oftentimes found happily drifting along with the current like a piece of seaweed. Weedy seadragons are usually reddish brown in color with yellow spots. Their most unique feature is the small leaf-like appendages growing out from their body that resemble seaweed and help them to camouflage well.

Unlike its cousin the seahorse, which is fairly widely distributed, it is endemic to Australia and is only found along the southern shores of Australia where the Eastern Indian, Southern, and Southwestern Pacific Oceans meet. If you want to scuba dive with weedy seadragons, plan your dive trip to Australia by checking out the most popular dive sites where these interesting animals are found on the map below.

Dive sites with this animal Show more on map

DIVE NEAR ME PTY LTD, 2500 Wollongong

★★★★☆ 3rd Gutter

A great dive site for all levels of experience. With a depth between 18 and 22 meters and a lot of area covered with vegetation, you can always find some interesting animals.

Norbert S. (#2056803)

★★★★☆ Marsa Nakari House Reef South

Very nice calm bay that is suitable for entry level and experienced divers. The bay guarantees a protected dive from the rough sea. Starting with a sloping sandy bottom, a dive to the north and the south sides can be conducted.

DIVE NEAR ME PTY LTD, 2500 Wollongong

★★★★☆ The Gutter

The Gutter is an entry point to one of the best dives at Bass Point. Jumping off the rocks into 4 meters of water and swimming north you hitting a 10 meter rock. From here you can venture out to many spots or just hang out in The Gutter itself.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Far Garden

The Far Garden dive site is a very interesting area. From pinnacles to drop-offs and canyons to caves, you will find everything here. Even with these exciting features, this site is suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers alike.

Mares

★★★★☆ Flinders Pier

Flinders Pier is the perfect alternative when Port Phillip is blown out due to northerly winds. This site is protected from these winds and is best dived during high tide. There is very little depth at low tide.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Portsea Pier

Accessible, full of life, and consistently rewarding, Portsea Pier captures the very best of Mornington Peninsula diving. It’s the perfect site for relaxed dives, photography, and unforgettable encounters with Victoria’s famous Weedy Seadragons, amongst numerous other marine species.