Meet the site
The reef in front of the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club has long been a popular Perth shore dive, and in 2022 DBCA and partners opened the MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail here: a 400 m route marked by about 20 underwater plinths with interpretive information and artwork, in 2–6 m. The trail sits within Marmion Marine Park and is designed for all levels.
The reef is limestone with nooks, crannies, small inlets and ledges, some nearly drying at low water. Marine life hides in every gap. Weedy seadragons are the best-known residents, and divers also see bream, red-lipped morwong, trevally, scalyfin, banded sweep, stripeys, tarwhine, goatfish, western blue devils, zebrafish and schools of pomfret, with Port Jackson sharks, eagle rays and stingrays on the sand and octopus in the crevices. Staircase sponges and other sponges grow on the reef.
The wheelchair-accessible ramp makes this one of the most accessible reef dives in Perth. The main issue is surge: the reef lies close to the surface, and waves breaking on it can push divers around even on calm days. It needs low swell and light easterly winds, and summer afternoons are best avoided.
The trail suits families, snorkellers, beginner divers and photographers. With a second, deeper reef 80 m south, experienced divers can extend the dive. Boats and kayaks use the club ramp, so tow a flag.
Water temperatures on this coast range from about 17 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer, when the warm Leeuwin Current is strongest, so a 5 mm wetsuit suits summer and a 7 mm suit with a hood is more comfortable from June to October.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Perth. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Weedy seadragons, bream, red-lipped morwong, trevally, scalyfin, banded sweep, stripeys, tarwhine, goatfish, western blue devils, zebrafish, pomfret schools, Port Jackson sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, octopus, staircase sponges
Location
A 400 m underwater trail of about 20 interpretive plinths on the shallow reef in front of the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club on West Coast Drive, Marmion, opened in 2022.
Facilities nearby
Club car park and roadside parking; wheelchair-accessible ramp; toilets and the club's facilities (hours vary). Air fills at Hillarys and Osborne Park dive shops.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
howiesscuba.comhowiesscuba.commarinelife.org.auoddiseas.comdestinationperth.com.auperthisok.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
