UECWA Newsletter

31st December 2025

Upcoming Dives

Stragglers Single Dive - Thurs 1st Jan

Shark Cave & Servants Quarters - Sat 3rd Jan

Swirl Reef & The Stable - Sun 4th Jan

Dive Report - Sunday 28th December

Photo credit - Konrad Scriba

Mike (Skipper) and DO (Taryn) set off with 12 divers enroute to the West End of Rotto for the shark special. Unfortunately, as anticipated, the swell and wind was up so we aborted that idea pretty quickly. Mike continued to head around to the North side of Rotto to Servant’s Quarters. It appeared a lot calmer over this side of the island, but unfortunately again, as we dropped the shot line in it was nearing horizontal. So the decision was made to head over to a new dive site (Honeycomb 2).

Conditions were much better here with over 10m of viz, relatively calm seas above and a mild current below. Our divers were treated to lots of swim throughs, including a cave which almost acted like a blowhole in the surge below. Lots of schools of fish and corals to observe too and was reported to be a pleasant dive.

We slowly cruised during the surface interval over to Victoria Station for the second dive. As most will know, I never venture onto the top deck of the boat, but I was feeling brave and actually quite enjoyed the view in the calm sea … until the seabreeze decided to pick up!

Nonetheless we dropped the anchor in, and then had to re-drop as we drifted away a little. The boat was definitely rocking but the site appeared to be relatively protected from the wind. Divers reported anything from 15-30m of viz as well as it being a lovely site to explore. The crew braved it up above as the boat rocked side to side whilst all divers took their full 60mins to dive.

Whitecaps were prevalent all around us by the time we pulled the anchor up, so we knew it would be a bumpy ride home. A couple of divers felt a bit seasick but nothing my ginger gummies didn’t sort out. Mike expertly got us home safely and boat cleanup didn’t take too long either. Overall a great day out on the water!

Taryn Schuster

Photo credit - Konrad Scriba

RSVP for our Sundowner, January 10th

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!

Please RSVP in events so we know how many people to expect. Thanks! 

Pulau Weh, Sumatra - June 2026

Pulau Weh is calling!
We’re heading to this laid-back Indonesian island for crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and the chance to spot big pelagics alongside healthy coral gardens. With uncrowded dive sites, warm water, and a relaxed island vibe, Pulau Weh is shaping up to be a 2025 favourite. Bonus: we’ve secured 2025 pricing until 24 January — after that, 2026 rates apply, with the base Twin Diver package increasing by $153 per person. Lock it in early to save! 

Click on Upcoming Club Trips for more information on the website.

Christmas Island - August 2026

We’re off to Christmas Island next August, and there are only a couple of spots left!

Click on Upcoming Club Trips for more information on the website.

Get Festive, Recycle, and Support Your Dive Club!

Silly season is here, and we’ve got a cracking way for you to help the planet - and your dive club! Did you know the Underwater Explorers Club is registered with Containers for Change? Simply swap your payment method to 'donate' when recycling your cans and bottles, and search for Underwater Explorers Club of Western Australia Inc.

We won’t judge your drinking habits (hey, it’s the holidays!), but we will happily accept your donations. So, recycle those festive empties and support your favourite dive club!

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