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Swan Wreck (HMAS Swan)

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MAYBE

Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.

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Wave Height 1.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 1.1 mmTidal Phase ebb

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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

The HMAS Swan (DE 50) is one of the largest and most accessible wreck dives in the Southern Hemisphere, scuttled in 1997 off Eagle Bay near Dunsborough, Western Australia. The 113-metre-long destroyer escort rests at 35 metres depth on a sandy seafloor with a slight list to port, now heavily encrusted with colourful soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. Though primarily a dive site, its superstructure rises into shallower depths suitable for experienced snorkelers and freedivers on calm days, offering an extraordinary encounter with a purposeful artificial reef teeming with marine life.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • High risk: Depth

    The wreck rests at 35m with superstructure shallower but still deep; strong freediving or scuba experience required for snorkelers.

  • Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents

    Ocean currents can be strong around the wreck site, particularly at depth and tidal changes.

  • Moderate risk: Depth variation

    Wreck rises from 32m to 8m — snorkellers should stay near the shallower sections (crows nest at ~8m) and avoid free-diving deep interior sections.

  • Moderate risk: Strong Swells and Currents

    Exposed offshore location at Eagle Bay can experience strong swells, wind chop, and currents, especially in summer sea breezes.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic

    The site is accessed by boat and shared with dive vessels; surface vigilance required.

  • Low risk: Cold water temperatures

    Water temperatures in southwestern Australia can drop significantly, especially in winter months.

  • Low risk: Variable visibility

    Visibility can vary greatly depending on swell and weather conditions, sometimes reducing to a few metres.

  • Low risk: Strong currents

    Ocean currents can be unpredictable off Eagle Bay; snorkellers should check conditions with operators before entering.

  • Low risk: Cold Water

    Water temperatures can drop to 16-18°C in winter, requiring wetsuit protection for thermal comfort and safety.

  • Low risk: Limited Visibility

    Visibility can vary from 5–20m depending on swell, wind, and recent rainfall; plankton blooms in summer also reduce clarity.

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Getting in

Boat
Entry

The HMAS Swan wreck is located approximately 4 km offshore from Dunsborough/Eagle Bay in the South West Capes region, about a 3-hour drive south of Perth. Access is by private boat (permit required from the Dunsborough Visitor Centre) or via one of the local dive charter operators operating out of Dunsborough.

Parking & facilities

Parking is available at the Eagle Bay boat ramp or at the Dunsborough foreshore boat launch areas.

parkingboat_ramp

Private boat permit: approx $20 for a day pass or $80 for an annual permit (allows up to 4 divers per vessel). Dive charter fees vary by operator.

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Conditions last evaluated
Spot data last updated
Data sources
Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
License
Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports