Do I need certification to join?

Yes — PADI Open Water Diver or an equivalent certification is required to participate; dives are self-guided.

Minimum age is determined by certification agencies; check your cert and contact the operator for special cases.

All standard dive equipment is included at no extra cost, though many divers prefer to bring personal masks and computers.

When can I see whales?

Humpback whale migration is most likely from late June to early October; crew will pause for respectful viewing if whales are present.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours may be rescheduled or refunded due to unsafe conditions — the operator will attempt to rebook first, then offer a refund if needed.

Are the dives guided?

No — the dives are self-guided; divers should be competent in navigation, buoyancy and boat diving procedures.

Dampier Archipelago Ultimate Dive Tour — Scuba the Pilbara’s Reefs & Whales

Adventure Brief

Explore the Dampier Archipelago on a small-group, certified-diver boat trip that delivers two hand-picked dives, abundant reef life, and whale encounters in season. Departing from Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club in Dampier, this is a compact way to experience the Pilbara’s underwater variety.

Approx. 6 hours

moderate

From A$416.55

Ultimate Dive Tour: Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia — The Ultimate Dive Tour leaves from the Pilbara coast to explore the Dampier Archipelago, a cluster of 42 islands off Dampier, Western Australia. This six‑hour outing is built for certified divers who want close encounters with reef systems that support more than 650 species of fish, four species of turtle, dolphins, rays and seasonal humpback whales. Boarding at Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club, 17 The Esplanade, Dampier WA, you’ll be part of a tight small-group experience: a maximum of six guests per trip. The boat runs two carefully selected dives each day, chosen on the basis of tides and weather to show off fringing coral reefs, sculpted rocky shelves and reef walls that form the archipelago’s distinctive underwater topography. Recent marine heatwaves have altered some coral patches, but the region still delivers striking swim-throughs, concentrated fish life, and the chance for solitary reef moments. This is a self-guided tour for certified divers. All dive equipment is included at no extra cost, and surface intervals are spent soaking in island vistas while the crew stands by to assist with logistics. Bring a self-catered lunch or pre-order from SOAK if you prefer. Between sites, keep a watchful eye: from late June to early October the Pilbara is a migration corridor for humpback whales, and crew will pause for respectful viewing when conditions allow. What sets this trip apart is its combination of Pilbara geology and concentrated biodiversity. The islands are largely composed of ancient rock outcrops and fringing reefs that drop into clear, warm water—conditions that attract a mix of tropical and temperate species not often seen together. Close encounters with turtles and schooling reef fish are routine; occasional rays and curious dolphins add theatrical moments to dives and surface breaks. Practical notes: you must hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. Dives are not guided, so good buoyancy control and familiarization with boat diving techniques are important. Tours can be rescheduled or refunded if weather forces cancellation. The meeting point is exact: Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club, 17 The Esplanade, Dampier WA. For travelers, the Ultimate Dive Tour is an efficient way to sample the Pilbara’s marine diversity in a single day: two dives, expert local crew, and compact group sizes mean more time underwater and fewer logistical headaches. Whether you’re chasing humpbacks in season or cataloguing reef fish on a drift, the Archipelago offers vivid scenes, logistical simplicity, and an intimate way to experience Western Australia’s northwest seascape. Book early during whale season to secure a spot, and conserve marine life by choosing operators who follow no-touch and distance protocols—small groups make low-impact experiences possible. Plan responsibly today.

About Pilbara Dive and Tours Pty Ltd

Pilbara Dive and Tours Pty Ltd is a Dampier, Western Australia-based dive operator offering guided dives, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises and private charters across the Dampier Archipelago. The company runs specialized dive trips including the Ultimate Dive Tour and the Samson Wrecks deep dives, plus snorkeling and sightseeing cruises, sunset tours at Hampton Harbour, and bespoke private boat charters. Pilbara Dive and Tours delivers PADI Open Water Diver courses on scheduled dates, combining pool, shore and boat dives with professional instruction to certify new divers.

Trips concentrate on the Dampier Archipelago and surrounding waters, home to more than 650 fish species, turtles, dolphins and vibrant coral reefs. Seasonal whale sightings (notably June–October) are common on dive and snorkeling trips, and many tours pass island coastlines and historic wreck sites. Small-group departures prioritize personalized attention, flexible itineraries and safer, higher-quality experiences for participants.

Safety, local knowledge and environmental awareness are integral to each excursion: boats operate from Dampier and follow established safety and marine protection practices. The company’s instructors and crew guide advanced dives such as the Samson Wrecks two-deep-dive itinerary, and structured PADI training courses run over three days. Private charters provide tailored options for snorkeling, scenic cruises or whale watching suited to groups of varying sizes.

Pilbara Dive and Tours is featured on The Adventure Collective, making it easy for travelers to compare trips, view schedules and book experiences exploring the Pilbara’s rich marine environment. Booking and up-to-date scheduling information is available through The Adventure Collective listing online today.

Dampier Archipelago Ultimate Dive Tour — Scuba the Pilbara’s Reefs & Whales

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