beginner
    (100)

    Point Lowly (cuttlefish) – South Australia – Whyalla Dive Site

    12m Max
    5-15m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Point Lowly (cuttlefish) is a beginner-level dive site in the South Australia – Whyalla region of Australia, reached by a 44-minute boat ride from the nearest departure point. The site features a reef system spanning depths from 2 to 12 meters with an average depth of 7 meters, offering an immersive underwater experience that showcases the very best of Australian diving. Renowned for its outstanding biodiversity, Point Lowly (cuttlefish) attracts divers seeking encounters with Leafy Sea Dragon, Giant Cuttlefish, Blue Grouper and other remarkable marine species throughout the year. The mild currents create a dynamic environment supporting rich pelagic and reef-dwelling organisms, while the varied depth profile provides distinct habitat zones from shallow sunlit platforms to deeper twilight areas where different communities thrive. The coral formations feature hard and soft corals creating a kaleidoscope of color and texture across every surface, with massive bommies rising from sandy channels. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 15 meters with clearest conditions during June, July, August, when nutrient-rich waters attract large schools of pelagic fish. Several local dive operators offer regular trips throughout the season, with departures available most days of the week. Water temperatures range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius depending on season, making appropriate thermal protection essential for comfort. Point Lowly (cuttlefish) consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the South Australia – Whyalla region, drawing repeat visitors who return to observe seasonal changes in marine life activity and coral spawning events.

    Dive Briefing

    "A typical dive at Point Lowly (cuttlefish) begins with a controlled descent from the dive boat to the main reef system at approximately 7 meters, taking a moment to orient yourself and equalize before beginning your exploration of the site. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the main formation exploring diverse habitats, moving between bommies and channels while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile reef ecosystem below. The most productive depth zone is between 8 and 7 meters where the highest concentration of marine life occurs and photographic opportunities are truly abundant. Navigate along the reef edge watching for pelagics in the blue, and check cleaning stations where larger fish pause for service from smaller cleaner wrasse. The mild currents require careful buoyancy management and constant awareness of your position relative to the reef structure. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 12 meters, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning with regular buddy checks throughout the dive. Scan the sand channels between reef sections for resting sharks, rays, and interesting macro life hiding among the rubble. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a three-minute safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB if drifting and performing a controlled ascent with your buddy."

    Signature Marine Life

    Leafy Sea Dragon

    high

    Phycodurus eques

    Giant Cuttlefish

    high

    Sepia apama

    Blue Grouper

    high

    Achoerodus viridis

    Port Jackson Shark

    high

    Heterodontus portusjacksoni

    Old Wife

    high

    Enoplosus armatus

    Safety & Hazards

    • Variable currents possible
    • Shallow dive but watch for boat traffic
    • Boat traffic above the dive site
    • Marine life stings possible in tropical waters
    • Variable visibility in poor weather conditions
    Nearest Chamber
    Whyalla Hospital
    5km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Point Lowly (cuttlefish) is excellent for all experience levels including new Open Water divers, offering calm conditions and rewarding marine encounters at manageable depths. The site is fully accessible to Open Water certified divers and even supervised introductory dives. Underwater photographers will find exceptional opportunities with stunning wide-angle scenes of reefscapes and large marine life. Recreational snorkelers can also enjoy the shallower sections of the reef where colorful fish are abundant. Day-trip visitors from nearby towns can easily fit two to three dives into a single outing.

    reef
    beginner-friendly

    Quick Stats

    Difficultybeginner
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentlow
    Water Temp15-23°C
    Best TimeJune - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Whyalla Diving Services
    • Cuttlefish Dive
    Pricing Guide
    $120 - $180
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    fisheye

    Best for: wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Whyalla Motor Inn

    Whyalla3km away

    Check Availability

    Comfort Inn Crystal

    Whyalla5km away

    Check Availability