News
Shore diving in South Australia: Part 1 – Edithburgh Jetty
The first in a three part series from Scubaverse regular bloggers CJ and Mike as they dive South Australia…
Mike and I got the travel bug again back in February and went off on another adventure! This time we planned to leave the grey skies of Manchester behind and fly to the warmth of Australia, for a week’s diving in Adelaide to try and spot some Leafy Sea Dragons. So it was off to Australia! Singapore Airlines was lovely, staff provided lots of water, the food was tasty and the seats were comfortable, but no seat will stop a very numb bum after 21hrs of flying. Arriving in Brisbane we found it really quite warm after the UK winter, (in Australia they have sunshine and blue skies, don’t you know!).
Since our destination was Adelaide, we boarded another flight having let our backsides recover somewhat and picked up out trusty rental car. We headed to chat with the friendly and helpful staff at Diving Adelaide, who we had been in email correspondence with prior to our trip. On arrival we were told weather was looking bad for two days and Rapid Bay Jetty, (our main aim) was going to be blown out that day, but Edithburgh Jetty might prove to be more diveable the next day, as it’s protected from south westerlies. Given the forecast we took a rest day (jet lag was making itself known at the point) and planned to go and check out Edithburgh the next day. You just can’t beat local knowledge!
One of the things we were most excited about on this trip was that it was that the dive sites are all shore dives. As great as boat diving is, I do love being able to show up somewhere with my buddy and just jump in. Particularly, when you can jump into waters so rich in marine life in just a few metres.
Dive 1: Edithburgh Jetty
After a much needed rest, the following day the weather was nice and cool (thank goodness, as we were in drysuits) and it seemed like it’d be worth risking the 3 hour drive and hoping the conditions are ok. Since we’d been up since 3:30am (Yay, jet-lag!) we made an early start and headed out about 6am for Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula, very much hoping to get a nice first dive of the trip in.
The drive went well and we saw lots of interesting local birds and lots of Aussie roadworks before arriving in Edithburgh. Turning left at the stop sign in town we came to the jetty and see divers in the car park kitting up. Result: It’s good to dive! Kitting up took a while as it was our first dive of the trip, but the time was well spent and we enjoyed a fabulous 70 min dive under Edithburgh Jetty, at a max depth of 5.3m. We saw a HUGE numbers of fish and invertebrate species we had never seen before and had a great, relaxed dive exploring, with Mike snapping away happily.
Edithburg Jetty dive details:
- Dive level: Easy
- Depth: 8m
- Type: Shore dive – Jetty, Photography, Night.
- Vis: 10m+
- Marine Life: Invertebrates, macro, squid, leafy seadragons.
- Entry: Steps
- Water temp: 18-21 degrees C (65-70F)
- Facilities: Yes, toilets, fresh water, car park, nearby food & drink, air fills at gas station.
Edithburgh Jetty is an easy dive, with good entry, shallow depth and is protected from the prevailing weather most of the year, making it very popular. It boasts a large amount of marine life including the striped pyjama squid, often seen on night dives and is highly rated for underwater photography.
The jetty begins at the end of Edith street and points east. It is 170m long and 11m at its widest point. The seabed is white sand littered with discarded structure which are covered with sponges and other invertebrate life, venturing out from under the jetty you will find seagrass and other marine plants in the surrounding area. The piles support a huge array of colourful marine life, it is very important to watch your buoyancy and fins so you do not damage the marine life on the seafloor and on the pilings.
The entry point is the steps 30m from the start of the pier, at about 2m at high tide, there is a handrail and the steps are close together making exiting the water comfortable. The maximum depth is 8m on the north side of the jetty where boats used to moor, but most of the dive is around 5m, so a good long dive exploring the whole structure is possible. Slow is best on this dive, air allowing, as it is shallow and you will likely see more critters if you take your time.
Visibility is often good (10m+) allowing you to see the jetty structure on both sides and navigate easily, however the vis can drop below 5m when easterly winds blow through. Possible dive plans include a simple out and back swim of about 350m, a swim to the end of the jetty and exploration of the deeper dredged area (8m), which is popular for squid spotting on night dives or a swim of around 550m, from the jetty to the tidal pool and back along the coast. When diving the jetty be aware of fishermen, it is best to stay fairly close to or underneath the pier. The tidal flow crosses the jetty and so be aware of the direction of water flow as it may cause more collisions with the pier structure.
The facilities here are good. There is car parking beside the jetty and car parks on either side of Edith street overlooking the jetty. There is also a small toilet block with a fresh water tap and nearby changing facilities at Edithburgh Tidal Pool. Food and drinks are available at the stores on Edith street and neighbouring streets and the BP petrol station offers air fills for AUD$10 per tank.
Next up… Rapid Bay Jetty.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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