UECWA Newsletter

10th December 2025

Upcoming Dives

Mandurah Skippers Choice Double - Fri 12th Dec

Mandurah Skippers Choice Double - Sat 13th Dec

Mandurah Skippers Choice Double - Sun 14th Dec

Crazy Wobby & Skippers Choice - Sat 20th Dec

Dive Report - Saturday 6th December

Photo credit - Phil Clark

Mike (Skipper) and fill-in DO (Taryn) set off with 8 divers enroute to Marjorie’s Holes on the West End of Rotto.

Conditions were glorious with over 20m of viz, calm seas above and a moderate current below. Our nomination diver Shane cleaned up on his first attempt with 6 crays, followed closely by Jono with 5 crays. Meanwhile, the other divers were treated to swim throughs and plenty of macro life, including banded shrimp and nudis as well as schools of bullseyes and the infamous Western Blue devils.

Our second dive site was more exploratory in nature. Mike had marked off an area close by that we all decided to check out. Malcolm headed off first during the SI to explore and as such I have named the area “Malcolm’s Mansion” based on what he found (Although potentially this may change to “Little Cathedral” due to its proximity to Cathedral Bay)

Divers were treated to numerous swim throughs, small caves and lots of ledges to explore which felt like endless levels of a mansion. So many rooms for all our marine life to live in. We stumbled across 4 huge dhufish in a small cavern, schools of buffalo bream, trumpeters, harlequin fish, silver drummers, batfish, old wives, a stingaree and a few more crays.

Even though it was shallow, it was an absolutely gorgeous dive site to explore despite the 10m viz in surgy conditions. It has been aptly marked on our dive map to return to again in the future.

Thanks to everyone who allowed me to get my dives in today, especially Malcolm and Jono. Made the day out a little longer but really appreciated getting to do so. I had booked on to dive anyway but needed to step in as DO to help get the boat out. Thanks also to Shane for being a great buddy and for the cray I enjoyed for dinner too … my spotters tax, apparently.

Taryn Schuster

Dive Report - Sunday 7th December

Photo credit - Phil Clark

With 10 divers onboard, including 1 nomination diver (welcome Antonio) we headed off to our first site, that was cray gully. With Mel jumping in first and just letting everyone know how warm the water was, everyone else happily followed. We had the everyday fish reports plus an eagle ray spotted and nice caves to swim through. We stayed put so Jeff could do a dive in the surface interval to get his crays for Christmas. All back on the boat and safe.

Site two we went to a new site called Malcolm's Mansion found on the weekend prior. All but one diver went in the water as Avril chickened out, blaming her air was not good. Nice ground to dive with some very nice caves to explore. The viz report on both dives was very good. With everyone back on the boat we headed back to Coogee. 

Will Glendon

Mandurah Events, This Weekend!

We’re almost there! Our Mandurah weekend kicks off Friday — and there are only a handful of spots left!

Important information for Mandurah Dives - your pickup point is the end of Breakwater Parade at Mandurah Marina. There is plenty of parking nearby, but no trolleys available for gear transfer. It may be easier to unload gear and then find a park or bring your own trolley. 

Important information for Mandurah Canal Cruises - your pickup point is the Stingray Point Jetty. Please remember to BYO food and drink, not to mention your festive spirit! 

Christmas Island - August 2026

We’re off to Christmas Island next August, and bookings are filling fast! Join the Underwater Explorers Club WA for an unforgettable week of diving in one of the Indian Ocean’s most spectacular destinations. Expect pristine reefs, warm tropical waters, and encounters with everything from schooling fish and turtles to majestic mantas.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot – this is one dive adventure you won’t want to miss!

Sundowner, January 10th 2026

Come join the Underwater Explorers Club WA for a laid-back “It’s not Christmas, but it IS New Year” Sundowner at The Shoe Bar, Yagan Square on Saturday, 10th January, from 3–5pm.

No wetsuit required — just bring your sunny self!

Important Information for Dive Bookings

• Please do not book dives for other divers. If we receive double bookings from one diver, the second booking will be automatically cancelled.
• If you would like to receive notifications about dive cancellations, please email divebookings@uecwa.com.au with your name and phone number to be added to the WhatsApp group.
• Important to note that you cannot cancel dives using the dive calendar. Cancellation needs to be made by email directly to divebookings@uecwa.com.au

Please note our cancellation policy below as per the club bylaws:

Cancellations between 07:45 and 16:00 the day before: 50% cancellation fee.

Cancellations after 16:00 the day before: 100% cancellation fee.

No-shows: Full event fee.

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ's, Contact Us or chat with your Committee members when you see us on the boat! All current club members are welcome to attend monthly committee meetings. 

Newsletter Editor

Mel Daws - Public Relations