Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Rye Pier extends from the foreshore on the western Mornington Peninsula and is one of the most popular shore training dives in Victoria. The seafloor under and around the pier runs 2 to 7 metres deep across sand, seagrass and rubble. Pylons are densely encrusted with sponge and ascidian growth and host octopus, cuttlefish, leatherjackets and a year-round population of small reef fish. The site is exposed to fetch from northerly winds; surface conditions are usually benign in summer and after southerly weather fronts have passed. Easy parking and a long shore entry make it the standard Open Water Day 3 / 4 site for many Melbourne dive shops.