Western Australia
Diving in Pilbara & Dampier
The Dampier Archipelago and the Montebello Islands have coral reefs, WWII and pearling wrecks and turtles in warm, tidal, often turbid water. Onslow is the launch point for the Mackerel Islands and the Montebellos, where the 1950s British nuclear test sites are now a marine park with excellent, remote diving.
THE LOCAL PLANNING BRIEF
Understand the options around Pilbara & Dampier
What this regional directory records Counts describe published records, not bookable trips or confirmed open sites.
There are 31 published site records in Pilbara & Dampier. The recorded categories include island (9), reef (8), wreck (6), pinnacle/bommie (3). These categories reflect the database; they are not a ranking, a conditions report or an assessment of your suitability.
Use the Pilbara & Dampier site cards to compare recorded access and depth, then open the individual pages for the map accuracy and source notes. Sites grouped in a region are not necessarily close enough to combine in one day.
Research operators in Western Australia →Ask before booking
- Which town is the practical base for this departure?
- What transport and baggage limits apply?
- What is the plan if the departure is delayed?
Save the answers with the contact name and date. Separate confirmed arrangements from items still waiting for a reply.
Record your trip questions →Questions, answered
How do I choose a dive in Pilbara & Dampier?
Begin with the individual site and its source notes, then discuss the proposed trip with a local provider. The 31 published records are research options, not a list of trips available today. Match the plan to your training, recent experience and the operator’s current requirements.
When should I visit Pilbara & Dampier for diving?
Choose dates with a provider who runs the activity you want, then discuss seasonal patterns, recent conditions and alternative itineraries. A generic best-month claim cannot establish the conditions at your exact site or guarantee a wildlife encounter.
Can I use these maps to enter or navigate a dive site?
No. Recorded and approximate map positions support orientation only. Confirm the exact access, permissions, meeting point and route with the responsible local provider or manager.
Regional planning context: Tourism Western Australia — maritime heritage and shipwrecks ↗. Directory counts come from published YouDive records. Individual site claims remain subject to their source and review notes.
Dive sites in this region
WreckPilbara & Dampier
Crown of England
A cyclone-wrecked sailing ship with anchor, masts and bow above water.
WreckPilbara & Dampier
Eddystone
A triple-expansion engine and bent propeller shaft swept by giant trevally.
WreckPilbara & Dampier
No. 20 McDermott Barge
A giant cyclone-wrecked derrick barge in shallow water.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Barrow Island Marine Park (Biggada Reef & Turtle Bay)
A fully no-take marine park with a green turtle breeding aggregation.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Bessieres Island
Friendly potato cod and turtles on coral ridges.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Black Flag
The Mackerel Islands' best dive: caves, ledges and canyons full of fish.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Brewis Reef
Shallow arches and ledges with schooling snapper.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Delambre Island
Branching coral gardens on a remote turtle island.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Direction Island
Easy shallow snorkelling around a tiny island.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Enderby Island
Coral-dominated fringing reefs with gorgonians on the deeper edge.
Pinnacle/BommiePilbara & Dampier
Great Australian Bight (Thevenard)
Nudibranch-rich bommies close to Thevenard.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Greg's Grotto
Colourful caves and ledges with sharks.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Kendrew Island
Gutters and pinnacles on an exposed outer island.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Legendre Island
The archipelago's best drop-off, with gorgonians and pelagics to 30 m+.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Montebello Islands Lagoons
Remote, rarely dived lagoons and reefs in a large sanctuary-zone marine park.
WallPilbara & Dampier
Montebello Islands – North West Island Drop-off
A 30 m gorgonian-covered drop-off with groper and sharks on the remote Montebellos.
Shore/Rock PlatformPilbara & Dampier
Pebbles Beach (King Bay)
Epaulette sharks among shallow rocks on the Burrup.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Rankin Road
A deeper ridge named for its Rankin cod.
Pinnacle/BommiePilbara & Dampier
Rob's Bommie
Resting nurse sharks and wobbegongs on a shallow bommie.
IslandPilbara & Dampier
Rosemary Island
Sheltered bays and varied reefs on a large outer island.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Sultan's Reef
Coral shallows and a pelagic-patrolled wall.
Jetty/PierPilbara & Dampier
Thevenard Island Pier
An easy macro dive on coral-covered pylons.
ReefPilbara & Dampier
Trap Reef
Crevices and small caves with sharks and rays.
WreckPilbara & Dampier
Tryall Wreck (Tryal Rocks)
Australia's oldest known shipwreck (1622), with cannons and anchors in 6 m.