The Claris is Adelaide's deepest regularly listed recreational site off Glenelg, sitting in about 28 m some 4 km west of the Dredge. It is an artificial reef created from the 12 m vessel Claris together with the wheelhouse of another boat, and the Dive Shack notes that there are effectively two wrecks: the smaller, broken debris field of the Claris itself and an unidentified half-cabin cruiser nearby. The reason to make the longer run out here is the growth.

The half-cabin cruiser is decorated with Carijoa soft corals that the Dive Shack likens to starry white Christmas trees, an unusual sight in the gulf, and the structures attract dense fish life. Bullseyes, old wives and leatherjackets are prolific, and the Marine Life Network lists gurnard perch, magpie perch, moonlighters and wobbegongs. Being further offshore, visibility is often better than on the inshore sites.

Depth is the governing factor. At 28 m on air, no-decompression time is short, so the dive is usually planned as a compact exploration of the two structures with a careful eye on the computer. Nitrox is a sensible choice for Advanced divers who want a little more time.

The site needs good weather and is exposed to any wind across the gulf; discarded fishing line and lures are also reported, so carry a cutting tool. The Claris suits experienced Advanced or Deep-certified divers looking for something beyond the popular Dredge and Barge, and photographers interested in the white soft corals. It is not a site for newly qualified divers.

Boat access only. Adelaide Scuba runs its charters from its shop on the Patawalonga at Glenelg North, with the boat leaving through the Patawalonga/Holdfast Shores entrance; private boats launch at the West Beach boat ramp (Barcoo Road end of the West Beach dunes, large trailer park, fee payable) or the Glenelg (Holdfast Shores) ramp. From Glenelg it is a run of about 20-25 minutes west-south-west in flat water.

Use GPS marks: the sites are low-relief and cannot be seen from the surface, and there are no public moorings, so anchor in sand off the structure and leave a boat attendant with a dive flag up because charter and fishing traffic is steady on weekends.

The metro coast faces west into Gulf St Vincent, so the rule is simple: offshore easterly winds flatten the sea and clear the water, while westerlies and south-westerlies build a short, steep chop and stir up the silty bottom. In summer the south-westerly sea breeze usually arrives by late morning or early afternoon, so boats aim to be back in by lunchtime. Northerlies are workable when light.

The gulf has a mixed, small-range tide with 'dodge tides' (neap periods when the water barely moves) that give the easiest diving; strong spring tides can run noticeably across the offshore wrecks. Visibility drops for several days after strong westerly blows and after heavy rain when stormwater and Patawalonga/Torrens outflow reach the coast. Being further out, the Claris needs genuinely good weather.

Drop a shot on the GPS mark and descend the line to the sand at 28 m. Circuit the Claris debris, then swim to the nearby half-cabin cruiser/wheelhouse structure to see the white soft corals. Watch no-decompression limits closely, ascend on the shot and complete a safety stop.

EANx 28-30 extends no-deco time at 28 m; plan conservatively.

No regular charter; occasional club and shop boat dives (The Dive Shack, Underwater Sports) and private boats on calm days.