Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Portland
Ready to check out the best sites in Portland for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 3 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Portland to suit your needs.
#1 - Lawrence Rock
Australia, VIC, Portland
Not always available to dive due to swell/surge. Good dive for crays and Abalone.
Must have current Vic fishing licence to take crays and/or Abalone.
This side also often has a few seals hanging around which are always happy for a photo shoot.
Access from Portland Harbour via 30 minute boat trip. Difficult to arrange charters and therefor small groups would require private boat to access.
#2 - Lawrence Rocks Bay
Australia, VIC, Portland
As mentioned this is a very weather dependant site. Although current is not a problem, surge can be. This bay area is definately the best dive at Lawrence Rocks. Due to normally being pounded by the southern ocean there is far less kelp and a very rugged terrain. The best spot to find crays and abalone (In season, with a fishing licence and obey all size and catch limits). If you follow the wall south there is an awesome wall covered in brilliant sponges and jewel anenomies. Viz is very variable but usually if the weather is calm enough to dive this side it can be quite good and at +20m.
Access to Lawrence Rocks is via boat from Portland. Charters can be arranged but small groups would really need their own boat. Lawrence Rocks is very weather dependant especially on the west side as the swell usually comes from the SW. When the conditions are right you can anchor in the small bay area on the SW corner.
#3 - Emily S Wreck
Australia, VIC, Portland
About 350 metres east of Lawrence rock on the sheltered side lies the Emily S. A purpose sunk wreck she lays beautifully upright on her keel in 24 metres between two rocky reefs. She was scuttled on the 1st September 1991 by the PDS dive club. The Emily S is an old fishing trawler 30 metres in length. Although 20 years old she is still in great intact condition and is a great dive for beginers to experience some easy penetration dives on. Often has a family of Weedy Seadragons near the prop.
Access to the site can only be done via 30min boat trip from Portland Harbour. The GPS mark should be right on but use your sounder in general area to locate wreck as will show easily. Finding a dive charter can be difficult and is mainly dived from private vessels. Site is on the lee side of Lawrence Rocks but is still very weather dependant.