Go Scuba Diving in Tasmania and learn why National Geographic magazine underwater photographer David Doubilet describes diving in Tasmania as 'an exquisite combination of lyrical beauty and the wistfully bizarre'.

You can go scuba diving in the clear waters of Tasmania's Bay of Fires, moving slowly way through a kelp forest on the Tasman Peninsula or explore a shipwreck fron a bygone era off Flinders Island. Tasmania is renowned for its many shipwreck sites, which provide a fascinating insight into Australia's riich maritime history. Search out the unique handfish and rare species such as the weedy sea dragon. If you’re not a diver already, Tasmania is a great place to learn; diving courses are available as well as guided charters, equipment hire and diving packages.

One of Tasmania's favourite dive locations is the Troy D, a 55 metre former Hopper Barge that is now an artificial reef scuttled off the north-west tip of Maria Island on Tasmania's east coast. Having been scuttled in February 2007, the artificial reef now teems with marine life.

There are a number of commercial operators that run dives to the Troy D on most weekends.

It’s a 15 minute boat ride to the Troy D, located 4 kilometres south west of Maria Island in the Mercury Passage. There is full access to every compartment of the Troy D, offering fascinating diving opportunities to explore the engine room and other areas. Maria Island has been recognised as having one of the highest marine biodiversity counts in Australia which is why this location is so ideal for an artificial reef. .

This coastline boasts the highly popular dive sites off Bicheno including Paradise Reef with its plentiful sea whips and finger sponges as well as the Golden Bommies, a most rewarding deeper dive. Find out about water temperature, the best time to dive and the best diving locations in Tasmania.

There are regulations to ensure the ongoing environmental protection and conservation of marine environments in Tasmania. Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service office will have information about dive sites that require you to gain permission before diving.

• Tasmania is home to some of the best temperate diving in the world.
• Tasmania offers diverse and easily accessible underwater wilderness.
• In Tasmania you can explore the kelp forests of the Southern Ocean.

Tasmania's spectacular coastline and clear, cool/temperate waters offer amazing diving opportunities in Tasmania. Visibility ranges from 12 metres in summer to 40 metres or more in winter. Click for diving operators Tasmania.

You will find literally hundreds of dive locations along Tasmania's 5,400 kilometres of coastline, and experiences for both beginners and advanced divers.

At Tinderbox in Tasmania's south, only a short drive from the capital city Hobart, you can follow underwater trails which are ideal for snorkelers and first-time divers.

The Tinderbox Marine Nature Reserve is app. 20 minutes’ drive south of Hobart, whilst the Tasman Peninsula is a haven for divers with unique rock formations and kelp forests in Fortescue Bay rising 25-metres to the surface; accessible in app. 1 hours drive from Hobart.

Some of the east coast’s best diving opportunities can be found in the Maria Island Marine National Park. Maria Island is located just off the east coast, adjacent to the town of Orford, about an hours’ drive from Hobart. Bicheno is further up the east coast, approximately two hours' drive from Hobart.

The Tasman Peninsula offers spectacular dive sites as well, ranging from vast kelp forests through to brilliant caves and canyons at Waterfall Bay. More experienced divers will enjoy the Hippolyte Rock site where you can dive amongst a colony of Australian Fur Seals, although depth and strong currents do limit this area to divers with extensive experience.