Wrights Bank is the advanced offshore dive of the Dunsborough area. Swan Dive describes a towering pinnacle off Cape Naturaliste, about 20 minutes from the Quindalup ramp, rising from 35 m to 18 m, with bright fanning corals, large schools of pelagic fish and 'incredible blue water giants', and marine species not found at other South West sites. It is tech-capable and requires live drops and blue-water ascents.

Its position, on the edge of Geographe Bay near the open ocean, means cleaner water and bigger fish than the inshore reefs: schools of pelagics such as yellowtail kingfish and samson fish, and the chance of larger visitors. The gorgonian fans and corals on the pinnacle are unusual for the region and are a key reason photographers seek it out.

Swan Dive's entry requirements reflect the conditions: at least 60 logged dives, recent diving experience, and confidence with SMBs and blue-water techniques. The trip runs only monthly and is limited to 20 divers. For experienced divers, it offers a genuinely wild dive a short boat ride from Dunsborough and a strong contrast to the sheltered bay sites.

Nitrox and good gas planning are recommended, as the depth leaves limited bottom time on air.

The coast from Cape Naturaliste south is the Indian Ocean side of the Capes, where the sheltered conditions of Geographe Bay give way to open-ocean swell. Sites here and offshore demand far more attention to forecasts than the bay sites: long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on an otherwise calm, sunny day, and conditions can change within an hour.

Swan Dive runs monthly trips about 20 minutes by boat from the Quindalup boat ramp to the bank off Cape Naturaliste (5.5-hour double-dive trip). Private boats need accurate GPS and experience of open-water conditions off the cape. Boat ramps along Geographe Bay include Bunbury (Casuarina), Busselton, Port Geographe, Quindalup and Dunsborough; on the Capes coast the Canal Rocks, Gracetown and Hamelin Bay ramps are small and swell-exposed.

Check the forecast, carry a marine radio and log a trip plan with the local Marine Rescue group.

Exposed open-water site off the tip of Cape Naturaliste, where Geographe Bay meets the Indian Ocean; requires low swell and light winds. Live drops and blue-water ascents are standard, so current and surface conditions must be manageable. Swan Dive schedules it monthly and cancels in poor weather.

General pattern in Geographe Bay: sheltered from south-westerly swell by Cape Naturaliste; summer mornings are calm before the afternoon sea breeze, while winter north-westerly fronts roll swell and chop into the bay and reduce visibility for several days.

Live-drop onto the pinnacle, descend quickly to the top at about 18 m, explore the fanning corals and walls down to planned depth, then leave the pinnacle and make a blue-water ascent with a DSMB for pickup. 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.

Nitrox recommended; technical divers use it for deeper profiles; carry DSMB and reel.

Swan Dive - monthly scheduled trips only (minimum 60 logged dives, dived in the last 3 months and with Swan Dive in the last 6 months, confident with SMB and blue-water ascents; max 20 divers; ages 16+).