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.
Swan Wreck (HMAS Swan)
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Swan Wreck (HMAS Swan) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth danger
The wreck rests at 35m with superstructure shallower but still deep; strong freediving or scuba experience required for snorkelers.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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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
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 is available at the Eagle Bay boat ramp or at the Dunsborough foreshore boat launch areas.
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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About this data
- 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.