PDA Hillarys

Located in Hillarys, Perth Diving Academy Hillarys has been a fixture of the local diving community since 2005. The centre focuses on providing high-quality training and guided excursions within the temperate waters of the Marmion Marine Park.

Whether you are looking to begin your journey with an introductory dive or are an experienced diver seeking to expand your technical repertoire, the academy offers a structured environment. The centre’s proximity to local reef systems allows for efficient access to the diverse marine life of the Western Australian coast.

The academy is built on a foundation of long-term experience, having guided thousands of divers through various certification levels over nearly two decades. The team is dedicated to the RAID training system, ensuring a consistent and professional approach to scuba instruction.

For those looking for guided exploration, the centre maintains a strict ratio of one guide for every four divers. This ensures attentive supervision during drift dives or reef explorations, particularly when navigating the complex network of holes and caverns found in the local marine park.

The academy offers a full suite of RAID certifications, ranging from Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver to Rescue Diver and Divemaster. For those looking to specialise, courses include Nitrox Diver, Deep 40 Specialty, and Master Rescue.

Training is supported by the on-site heated pool, which is used for various skills sessions and refresher courses. The curriculum also covers essential safety training, including First Aid and O2 Provider certifications.

The Wildcat is the centre's dedicated diving catamaran, designed to accommodate up to 20 divers in comfort. It serves as the primary platform for guided trips into the Marmion Marine Park and is equipped to handle various dive profiles, including night dives.

Nitrox is available for use on board, allowing divers to extend their bottom times during reef excursions. The vessel provides a stable base for exploring the seasonal life cycles of the local temperate reefs.

The shore-based facilities include a purpose-built, heated indoor training pool measuring 15 metres in length and 7 metres in width. The pool features two 1.5m shelves and a 3m deep section, making it an ideal environment for skills practice and course training.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit, covering everything from regulators to wetsuits and fins. The centre also provides equipment servicing for most major brands, backed by a 3-month guarantee on parts.

The marine life in the Marmion Marine Park is defined by its seasonal shifts, with the most active period occurring from late spring through to mid-autumn. The reef structure is a complex network of holes and caverns, providing a rich habitat for various species.

Crayfish are a prominent feature of the local ecosystem and are a favourite among divers. The reef topography provides the necessary shelter for these crustaceans to thrive throughout the year.

Diving in this region is subject to the seasonal nature of the temperate waters. The best conditions for reef exploration are typically found between late spring and mid-autumn.

While the area offers year-round diving, the biological activity and reef life are most visible during the warmer months.