UECWA Newsletter

17th December 2025

Upcoming Dives

Crazy Wobby & Skippers Choice - Sat 20th Dec

Sandy Cave & Parker Point Drop Off - Sun 21st Dec

Arch Rock & Purple Patch (Rotto Drop Off) - Sat 27th Dec

Carpet Emporium & Shark Cave - Sun 28th Dec

Mandurah Dive Report - Saturday 13th December

Taking advantage of the beautiful warm weather, the Cape Cruiser, 9 divers and 3 crew members departed the Mandurah Marina, skippered by Mike and Carl, who kindly volunteered to assist skippering so Mike could do some underwater exploring. We headed first to Dragon’s Lair, renown for its grey nurse sharks. 

Upon coming back, despite modest visibility, most divers were ecstatic, with as many as 8 sharks seen in the cave.  Those who don’t get excited about sharks, complained that the crays at the site were small, and consequently, none were brought onboard here. The rest of the terrain around the cave was not exciting, and the unlucky pair who have missed it were not impressed. 

For the second dive the Cruiser headed to the James Service reef - a new sited dubbed the “Cray Cave” . The sought after crustaceans did not disappoint here - “Crays as far as the eye can see“ commented a diver. The others really liked the country around including a long canyon to follow. Both dives were relatively shallow (<12m) and all the divers enjoyed long dives.

Filip Welna

Mandurah Dive Report - Sunday 14th December

Photo credit - Wendy Hutchison

With only 5 divers onboard, we headed out to sea from Mandurah to explore James Service Reef's first site, Miami Dive Swim Through. Reports of very nice country restored Mike and Rod's faith in diving off Mandurah.

The second site was Mandurah Ridge Slope thanks to Dave Freemantle's book (Dive sites of Perth). Everyone got in the water and went off to explore another very good site with plenty of sea life. With all back onboard safely, it was soon time to head back to land. 

Will Glendon

Mandurah Canal Lights - Sunday 14th December

Photo credit - John De Boer

16 passengers, including many kids, enjoyed a balmy warm night and fantastic Christmas lights displays on the Mandurah Canals. With the boat expertly navigated by John, the Cruiser glided along beautifully decorated houses and boats, slipped under all the bridges and avoided all obstacles and everyone came back with a smile on their face.

Filip Welna

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