News
Shore diving in South Australia: Part 3 – Noarlunga Reef
CJ and Mike continue their South Australia shore diving adventures…
Noarlunga Reef
The forecast looked good and after a fair bit of driving the last two days, we decided to visit the very popular Noarlunga Reef, only 25mins down the road from our accommodation. The dive is known for an underwater trail that guides divers from the end of the jetty round the reef, informing them about the life and processes that shaped the reef. It is a protected area and we thought diving a reef would make a change from the jetty dives of the previous days.
The surface conditions looked good, but underwater there was pretty poor visibility and an annoying swell to contend with. We did an 80min dive, with a max depth of 10m and saw a large ray and a big shoal of mackerel, but little else. I can definitely see why this is a very popular training site as the inner reef is protected and shallow and apparently some big stuff can be seen on the outer reef if lucky. For us, it was nice to be diving, but not as exceptional as either Edithburgh or Rapid Bay. This was partly down to the conditions which may be due to the state of the tide. I would be interested in doing this site again on high slack, with good weather.
Noarlunga Reef dive details:
- Dive level: Easy.
- Depth: 20m at ‘The Gap’.
- Type: Shore dive – Reef.
- Vis: 5m+
- Marine Life: 50 species of fish.
- Entry: Steps
- Water temp: 18-21 degrees C (65-70F)
- Facilities: Car park, toilets, shops and water sport centre.
The Reef is part of the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve, South Australia’s most frequented and best known aquatic reserve. It has over 200 species of marine plants and animals, and more than 50 species of fish. There is an easy access point for divers and snorkelers to see a temperate reef system. Over a thousand divers visit the reef each summer, many completing training here, so it can get a little busy!
An underwater trail consisting of 12 underwater markers provides information about the reef and what you can see, 7 markers are placed on the inside of the reef, number 8 is in the “Gap” which leads to the outside of the reef where there are a 4 further markers. The current through the gap can be quite strong and it is quite deep.
The average depth of the dive site is about 5 – 7 metres. The best access to the reef is via the last set of steps on the jetty, which is 300m long, so a trolley can be used to carry your equipment. The reef is the best part of this dive (although the jetty can be a very good night dive).
The reef is right next to the end of the jetty, you can go south (left) to follow the underwater trail that is set up here. You can also head north (right) and follow the reef that way. It’s easy to navigate, keep the rocks to one side on the way out and on the other side on the way back in until you reach the jetty again. On high tide you can climb over the reef and jump in on the other side and you’re good on your air you can then dive back to the jetty. There are always fishermen on the jetty so keep an eye out for fishing lines and stay under the jetty if in shallower water. The watersports centre next to the jetty has toilets, a cafe and is 100m from the car park.
We had planned to do another leafy seadragon dive at Rapid Bay, but despite an alright forecast when we got there it was too rough to dive, so we went for an explore of the Fleurieu Peninsula, round to Victor Harbour, where in the evenings you can do Little Penguin tours on Granite Island. We enjoyed pottering round a bit before heading back to Adelaide to drop our tanks and weights back to the friendly folks at Diving Adelaide, and heading back to wash our kit and dry it before packing for the flight to Brisbane.
Our trip here has been great, enough good weather to get the dives we wanted done and we loved seeing the leafy seadragons! There is also great white shark diving further along the coast for those with a bit more time and a love for sharky action. If you are headed to Australia, Adelaide may not be the first place you think about diving, but do! There is some fantastic and varied diving in South Australi – it’s definitely worth a visit!
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced