Cowaramup Bay, the bay at Gracetown, offers both an inshore reef and deeper offshore reefs. Marinelife.org.au describes depths of 2-25 m, with deeper reefs about 1.5 km offshore and a shallower inshore area, and lists western blue groper, occasional kingfish and blue morwong. Shore dives are possible only in very calm weather. The Ngari Capes Marine Park designates Cowaramup Bay as a recreation zone.

Gracetown is known mainly for surfing, and the same exposure that produces waves limits diving. On the rare flat days, the inshore reef gives a relaxed shallow dive or snorkel among limestone and weed, while boat divers can reach deeper reefs with bigger fish. Western blue groper, the signature fish of this coast, are often curious and approachable.

The site suits experienced local divers who can pick the conditions, and boat divers exploring the Margaret River coast. Published detail is limited, so depths and features are indicative.

The Gracetown foreshore has parking and a small general store, and the town is a short drive from Margaret River's dive and outdoor shops.

The Capes coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin faces the Indian Ocean and is famous for its surf, which is exactly what makes diving here so condition-dependent. Long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on calm, sunny days, and the regional ocean-safety guide advises observing a site in different conditions before diving it, never diving alone and flying a flag near boat ramps. Western blue groper here are often inquisitive and will follow divers along the reef.

Gracetown is about 15 minutes north-west of Margaret River via Caves Road and Cowaramup Bay Road. Park at the Gracetown foreshore. Shore dives are only possible in very calm weather; marinelife.org.au notes a boat ramp option at the Calgardup/Prevelly area about 15 km south for the offshore reefs.

The nearest full-service dive shop for fills and hire is Swan Dive in Busselton; there is no dedicated dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta, so bring filled cylinders.

Exposed to westerly and south-westerly swell; shore diving only in very calm weather (marinelife.org.au). Cowaramup Bay is a Ngari Capes recreation zone and a well-known surf area; choose small-swell summer mornings with easterlies. General pattern on the Capes and Leeuwin coast: summer mornings often have light easterly (offshore) winds before a south-westerly sea breeze, and long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on otherwise calm days; winter fronts bring big swell and north-westerly winds.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology swell forecast, not just the wind.

On a flat day snorkel or dive the inshore reef at 2-6 m; boat divers explore the offshore reefs at 15-25 m. Agree a turn pressure before descending (half gas, or a third where current is likely), carry a DSMB, and make a 3-minute safety stop at 5 m.

No regular dive operator; local divers from shore on flat days or private boats. Nearest dive services: Swan Dive (Busselton/Port Geographe) for fills, hire, nitrox and charters; no dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta.