Busselton: Jetty Scuba Dive Tours with Underwater Sculptures

If you’re looking for a unique underwater experience in Western Australia, the Busselton Jetty Scuba Dive Tour is a fantastic choice. This guided dive takes you to one of WA’s top dive sites, where a blend of natural marine beauty and creative art installations await. While we haven’t personally participated, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this tour offers a memorable, safe, and visually stunning outing.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are three things: the chance to explore over 300 species of marine life, the opportunity to see the newly added underwater sculpture trail, and the convenience of access via the world’s longest timber jetty. It’s a plan that suits certified divers eager for a relaxed yet captivating underwater adventure. One potential consideration? The dive is limited to those with certification, so non-divers will need to look elsewhere.

This experience is especially well-suited for certified divers of all levels who enjoy marine life and art. It’s a fantastic way to combine nature with creativity, all while enjoying excellent guides and a straightforward setup. Overall, a dive with this tour promises both visual delight and a unique story to tell afterward.

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Key Points

Accessible and Convenient: Easy transport from the dive shop to the jetty makes the experience smooth.
Vibrant Marine Environment: Over 300 species of marine life and colorful corals create a lively underwater scene.
Unique Underwater Sculptures: Handmade art by local artists forms an engaging underwater trail—think mermaids, whales, and more.
Expert Guidance: Qualified dive guides ensure safety and help you see all the highlights.
Suitable for All Certified Diver Levels: The maximum depth of 9m makes it accessible for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Great Value: For $131, you get gear, transport, and a guided tour, all in a top-rated site.

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An In-Depth Look at the Busselton Jetty Scuba Tour

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The Setting: Busselton Jetty and Its Marine Life

The Busselton Jetty isn’t just a remarkable structure (the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere); it’s also a thriving marine habitat. Stretching 1.8 km into the ocean, it acts as an artificial reef attracting a stunning variety of marine life. As you approach the water, the jetty’s iconic silhouette is hard to miss, and from the surface, the clear water promises good visibility for the underwater adventure.

Once underwater, the experience becomes even more impressive. The corals and marine life paint a vibrant picture, with over 300 species reported to be calling this area home. The reef and the structures create a natural and artificial ecosystem that appeals to both marine enthusiasts and curious explorers.

The Underwater Sculpture Trail

Adding a creative twist is the Underwater Sculpture Trail, launched in May 2023. Crafted by local artists, these sculptures add an artistic dimension to the dive, transforming the site into an underwater gallery. The sculptures include figures like mermaids and whales, giving the site a whimsical and mysterious vibe. It’s a visual feast that offers excellent photo opportunities, especially as the sculptures settle into their marine environment.

From the reviews, the sculptures are described as “handmade by talented locals,” and they seem to integrate well with the marine ecosystem, gradually becoming part of the underwater landscape. Even for non-artists or those skeptical of “art under the sea,” the sculptures provide a fresh and engaging experience that complements the natural surroundings.

The Dive Experience: What to Expect

Your day begins at the Swan Dive shop on the Busselton Foreshore, where all necessary gear is provided—wetsuits, tanks, masks, fins, and more. The team behind the tour, notably their qualified guides, are praised for their professionalism and safety focus. The small group size, limited to five participants, ensures personalized attention, which is a big plus for comfort and safety.

Transportation to the jetty is included, taking you from the shop to the jetty itself—a 1.8 km journey that allows you to enjoy the scenery and get prepped for the underwater wonderland. Once at the jetty’s end, your guide will give a thorough pre-dive briefing, covering safety protocols, marine life highlights, and how to interact respectfully with the environment.

The dive is guided and relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 9 meters, making it accessible for all certified divers, including those who might prefer a more relaxed underwater experience. Expect to see an array of fish, corals, and the sculptures, all within easy reach and great visibility.

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The Highlights and Unique Features

Marine Biodiversity: With over 300 species, the marine environment is lively. Divers often spot colorful fish, sea stars, and anemones, all thriving around the jetty and sculptures. One reviewer highlighted how the dive was “colourful, very enjoyable and worthwhile,” emphasizing the vibrancy of the marine life.

The Sculpture Trail: This addition is a highlight, offering an artistic narrative beneath the waves. The sculptures are designed to be engaging, and guides typically point out the most interesting pieces, making the experience educational and fun.

Ease of Access: The short boat or walk to the end of the jetty, combined with the shallow depth, means this tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet immersive experience. It’s also suitable for divers of various skill levels, including less experienced ones.

Expert Guidance and Small Group: Having a qualified guide ensures safety, especially given the shallow depth and unique environment. The small group size minimizes environmental impact and maximizes individual attention.

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The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and What’s Included

At $131 per person, this tour offers good value considering it includes all diving gear, transport, and expert guidance. The 2-hour duration is enough for a relaxed yet comprehensive experience, especially when you factor in the transfer, briefing, and dive time.

The tour is typically available in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into your schedule. It’s designed exclusively for certified divers, so you’ll need to have your certification but won’t need additional training or certifications.

What’s included is straightforward: all diving equipment, transport, and a qualified guide. The only thing you need to bring is your certification card. It’s worth noting that touching marine life is not allowed, preserving the environment for future visitors.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This dive is ideal for certified divers seeking a mix of natural beauty and artistic intrigue. It’s perfect for those who enjoy shallow dives, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a touch of creativity with the sculptures. The small group setting ensures personal attention, making it suitable for both newer divers and more experienced underwater explorers.

It’s less suited for non-divers or children under 10, as it requires certification and comfort underwater. Also, non-swimmers should look for alternative activities, as this experience involves actual diving.

Final Thoughts

The Busselton Jetty Scuba Dive Tour with Underwater Sculptures offers an engaging blend of natural marine beauty and artistic expression. The ease of access, guided experience, and vibrant environment make it an attractive option for certified divers eager for a memorable underwater adventure. With a focus on safety, environmental respect, and rich visual appeal, this tour serves as a wonderful introduction to Western Australia’s underwater treasures.

For travelers who enjoy exploring marine life in a relaxed setting, the addition of sculptures makes this an experience that’s both visually stunning and culturally interesting. The reasonable price, small group size, and excellent guides all contribute to a high-value outing perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a safe, well-organized underwater excursion.

FAQ

Do I need to have scuba certification?
Yes, this tour is for certified divers only. Make sure your certification is valid before booking.

What is included in the price?
All diving equipment, transport to and from the jetty, and a qualified dive guide are included.

How deep will I dive?
The maximum depth is 9 meters, making it suitable for divers of all levels with certification.

What should I bring?
Just your diving certification card. No other equipment is necessary as it’s provided.

Can non-divers participate?
No, this tour is specifically for certified divers. Non-divers might enjoy other activities around Busselton but would need a different tour.

Is the dive suitable for children or non-swimmers?
No, children under 10 and non-swimmers are not suitable for this activity.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience, including transport and briefing, lasts about 2 hours.

Is the site safe and well-managed?
Yes, the guides are experienced, and safety is prioritized throughout the tour.

What is the best time to do this dive?
Tours are generally available in the morning and afternoon. Check the schedule when booking for the best conditions.

To sum it up, this Busselton dive tour scores high on accessibility, beauty, and originality. It’s ideal for certified divers wanting a shallow, guided adventure that combines marine wildlife with creative art. Whether you’re an underwater enthusiast or a curious traveler, it’s a chance to see WA’s marine environment from a different perspective—art, nature, and all.