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
IslandPilbara & Dampier
West Lewis Island
Shallow, easy coral gardens close to Dampier.
Shore/Rock PlatformPilbara & Dampier
Withnell Bay
An easy shore dive on the Burrup with turtles and rays.
Pinnacle/BommiePilbara & Dampier
Bare Rock (Dampier)
Coral outcrops and ledges on a 15–20 m drop-off.
Details need confirmationWreckPilbara & Dampier
HMAS Plym (Montebello Islands)
Site of Britain's first atomic test, 1952.
Details need confirmationReefPilbara & Dampier
Hamersley Shoal
An offshore fishing shoal with exploratory diving potential.
Details need confirmationDriftPilbara & Dampier
Mermaid Passage (Dampier)
A macro drift over a sponge and sea-whip seabed.
Details need confirmationWreckPilbara & Dampier
Samson Wrecks
Trawler and barge wrecks turned into fish-rich artificial reefs.
Details need confirmation