Nancy Cove is a calm, shallow site that works well for beginner divers and snorkellers. Depths run from 2 to 8 metres with no current to deal with, and visibility regularly reaches 15 to 30 metres, so you can see clearly across the reef and into the cave. The cave feature is worth exploring slowly as wobbegong sharks rest on the bottom and octopus tuck themselves into crevices. Out on the reef, keep an eye out for cuttlefish, snapper, buffalo bream, and western rock lobster. Surge can push you around near the cave entrance, so move steadily and stay aware of your position.

Rottnest Island offers a genuinely varied underwater landscape, with walls, caves, drop-offs, and at least one wreck all accessible by boat. Depths run from 2 to 26 metres, and visibility swings considerably depending on conditions, anywhere from 3 to 30 metres, so timing your dive matters. A moderate current runs through most sites and can strengthen without much warning, so stay aware of your position throughout the dive. Keep an eye on surge near the walls and caves. Reef fish and nudibranchs reward patient divers who slow down and look carefully, while lobsters tend to tuck into crevices and overhangs. Boat traffic is a real consideration on ascent.

Salmon Bay is a gentle shore dive tucked into Rottnest Island's sheltered coastline, making it a natural starting point for new divers. The shallow, calm waters and mild current keep conditions manageable, though visibility can vary depending on the day. Beneath the surface, reef and seagrass habitats sit side by side, attracting a mixed crowd of marine life. Keep an eye out for western rock lobsters tucked into crevices, stingrays resting on sandy patches, green turtles grazing on seagrass, and dusky morwong moving through the corals. Rainbow wrasse, black bream, western buffalo bream, and tropical fish round out what you are likely to see on a single dive.

The City of York is a historic wreck sitting in easy shallow waters off Western Australia, making it an accessible first wreck dive for beginners. Depths range from 4 to 9 metres, and visibility can reach up to 20 metres on a good day, though 3 metres is possible on less favourable ones. A mild current keeps conditions generally manageable. The wreck and surrounding reef host crayfish, Western Blue Devil, Western Dhufish, Western King Wrasse, Australian Giant Cuttlefish, Harlequin Fish, and various sponges. Watch for sharp coral when exploring the structure, and stay aware of any loose lines or debris that could cause entanglement.

Parker Point is a gentle shore dive sitting in just 1 to 5 metres of water, making it a comfortable choice for beginners getting to grips with buoyancy and underwater observation. The site blends coral reef, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows in a shallow, calm environment with mild current. Visibility here is variable, so conditions can shift between visits. Schools of fish move through the kelp and seagrass, and crabs are worth looking out for among the reef structure. Take your time and move slowly, as disturbing marine life in shallow areas is easy to do without realising.

Porpoise Bay combines a sheltered reef with a cave system, making it a rewarding boat dive for beginners comfortable with enclosed spaces. Depths run from 8 to 20 metres, and visibility regularly reaches 15 to 30 metres, so you get a clear view of everything around you. Currents are generally mild, though they can strengthen, so stay close to your guide. The cave is an overhead environment, meaning you cannot surface directly above you inside it, so only enter with a qualified guide. The reef holds a genuinely varied crowd: leafy sea dragons, western blue devils, harlequin fish, wobbegongs, blue groper, sea turtles, crayfish, dhufish, and samson fish. Lionfish are present, so keep your hands well clear of any ledges.

Mickey Mouse and Maze is a shore dive that earns its name from the navigational puzzle it presents underwater. Depths run from 8 to 18 metres, making it accessible for intermediate divers comfortable with some spatial awareness. Visibility regularly reaches 15 to 30 metres, so you can appreciate the layout and plan your route as you go. Mild current keeps conditions manageable, though the overhead environment and entanglement risks mean you should stay alert and avoid pushing into tight passages without the right training. Various reef species inhabit the structure, rewarding patient explorers who take time to look closely. September through November offers the most favourable conditions.

Little Armstrong Bay is a sheltered shore entry reef dive sitting in easy shallow waters of 6 to 7 metres, making it a comfortable choice for beginners getting comfortable in the ocean. Visibility regularly reaches 15 to 20 metres, so you can take your time exploring the coral and watching the fish life without straining to see. You can expect to encounter King George whiting, bream, buff bream, herring, garfish, cod, salmon, and flathead moving around the reef. Current is mild, so navigation is relaxed. Come prepared for cold water, as a wetsuit is essential year-round here.