Dolphin Dive Fremantle
Dolphin Dive Fremantle
Dolphin Dive Fremantle
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About
We can arrange all your needs for Scuba Dive Courses, Diving Rottnest Island or Scuba Gear. We are a 5 star IDC Centre and run scuba courses from beginner to Instructor. We have two great charter boats that leave from the Fremantle Port right on our door step. NOTE:_We are in no way associated with Freo Dive in the centre of Fremantle. They use our photos & reference our name without our authority
Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
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4.0
26 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
4
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
3
ron w
Munich, Germany69 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
The only reason I came to Australia was an extended dive trip over the next 6 weeks. After reading the glowing reviews of Rottness dives I decided to give it a jump start in Perth. The people who think diving at Rottness is great should probably do more dives elsewhere to see what great really is...at most it's a below average dive-average if the visibility is good. The work ethic of dive companies in the Perth/Freemantle area is lackluster at best. It seems like it's no big deal to say no to hundreds of dollars. I wrote every dive company that has a website in this area trying to set up dives, only Dolphin replied back, so I booked with them. Here's what I have always gotten at dive companies: picked up wherever I was staying, brought to the boat to dive. Gear sized up, weights supplied and wetsuit clean and tank attached to regulator and BCD. Dive master supplied for each group, after dives you turn in the gear you rented and you're dropped back off at your hotel/hostel etc...Here's what I got: Have to take a train from Perth to Freemantle, it's about a 30 minute ride, then you walk a block to a tree with a bench and wait. The pickup was supposed to be at 8 am, and I always like to be early, so I got on the first train out of Perth at 7am. 7:55am rolls around and two other guys show up for the dive, we talk for 42 minutes before one guy calls dolphin wondering where our pickup is. Whoever answers said, " They haven't picked you up yet?" They obviously forgot about us, each of us paid $160 for 2 dives, that's very strange; a business can leave $480 under a tree and forget about it. We are picked up and are literally a 3 minute drive from the boat doc. None of the gear is assembled, so we put it together ourselves, sign a couple of documents, show our dive cards. We get a thorough boat safety briefing, take off and about 10 minutes before the 1st dive we find out we won't have a dive master, we're given directions on where to dive; me and the 2 guys I waited with earlier go off by ourselves for about an hour. We saw soft coral, lots of it, schools of fish, some hard coral formations-standard fare. We get back on the boat, have a couple sandwiches, go onto next dive site-same thing, no DM, clarity was better, but nothing special, less hard coral formations. Get back to the dock, we unload all the gear from the boat and clean our gear. No ride back to the train station, so we walked. Luckily the other 2 guys I was with were decent divers so we were fine, other than one of them getting real low on air on 2nd dive, but we would have taken care of him if it got serious. Give me unlimited air and keep an eye on where I re-surface each time and $160 would be fine, I'll dive as much as I can in one day. $160 for 2 dives where we didn't know what to look for, the routes, to stay away from and really not where we were going...not worth it.
Written 25 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annierose K
Edinburgh, UK15 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Our expectations for this dive shop were pretty damn high. We'd read about them in the guidebooks and were really excited to get diving in Australia. We knew it perhaps wouldn't compare to the Great Barrier Reef, but we were still expecting this to be a highlight of our two week trip to Perth.
It started off well, we made the walk from the centre of Fremantle out to the dive shop where we were met with very friendly staff who kitted us out with wetsuits, checked our qualification cards and booked a day on the boat with two dives. We paid up and were all set to go - things were looking good.
However, on the dive boat on that Saturday, we saw another side to Dolphin Dive. The staff on the boat treated us like their own staff - my boyfriend was roped in to heaving and lifting all of the equipment on to the boat (for about 20 people) with absolutely no thanks. After an extremely choppy ride, we arrived at the site and were given very vague details about the dive site, we were just pointed in a general direction, and had to go with it. Admittedly it was a good dive, but this was mostly due to my dive buddy's experience and it could have been way better if we were given more background about the site.
The lunch provided on the boat was pretty good. We relaxed in blazing sunshine, they had decent veggie options and we made friends looking out onto Rottnest Island.
The second dive was a similar story to the first, we didn't really know where to go but enjoyed being in the water and looking for critters.
The journey home to Fremantle was when I decided to write this review. We were expected to clean all of our equipment, dismantle and pack away everything onto their truck. We were even told to show the staff that we still had everything in our box that we'd rented. I guess this is sensible, but considering the general attitude we were getting all day on the boat, the blatant ungratefulness for our help and general lack of customer service, we were left feeling quite miffed. We had paid quite a lot for this day out, and didn't expect this at all.
All in all, we did some good diving - but it could have been a hell of a lot more fun if the staff had been more helpful, given us some local tips and generally been more polite to us on the boat.
It started off well, we made the walk from the centre of Fremantle out to the dive shop where we were met with very friendly staff who kitted us out with wetsuits, checked our qualification cards and booked a day on the boat with two dives. We paid up and were all set to go - things were looking good.
However, on the dive boat on that Saturday, we saw another side to Dolphin Dive. The staff on the boat treated us like their own staff - my boyfriend was roped in to heaving and lifting all of the equipment on to the boat (for about 20 people) with absolutely no thanks. After an extremely choppy ride, we arrived at the site and were given very vague details about the dive site, we were just pointed in a general direction, and had to go with it. Admittedly it was a good dive, but this was mostly due to my dive buddy's experience and it could have been way better if we were given more background about the site.
The lunch provided on the boat was pretty good. We relaxed in blazing sunshine, they had decent veggie options and we made friends looking out onto Rottnest Island.
The second dive was a similar story to the first, we didn't really know where to go but enjoyed being in the water and looking for critters.
The journey home to Fremantle was when I decided to write this review. We were expected to clean all of our equipment, dismantle and pack away everything onto their truck. We were even told to show the staff that we still had everything in our box that we'd rented. I guess this is sensible, but considering the general attitude we were getting all day on the boat, the blatant ungratefulness for our help and general lack of customer service, we were left feeling quite miffed. We had paid quite a lot for this day out, and didn't expect this at all.
All in all, we did some good diving - but it could have been a hell of a lot more fun if the staff had been more helpful, given us some local tips and generally been more polite to us on the boat.
Written 19 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulsmi
Greater London, UK41 contributions
I booked a last minute excursion with this company and they were more than accommodating. I have never experienced such patient, friendly and caring people as those at this shop. I am an average diver but I like to go at my pace (slow) and get comfortable as I only get to dive 1 to 2 times per year and my first dive I have to get reacquainted.
They were phenomenal in doing that while everyone else around me was clearly there as advanced divers. When I signed in only one other person had an "open divers" card. All others wee advanced.
Well the dive was amazing I saw a many fish and lobsters that were the size of small dogs and a shipwreck.
I needed to meet a friend at Rottsnest after the dive and therefore asked where I could get the ferry when we got back. They dropped me off. Amazing. In addition the crew was just amazing.
If your in this area of Australia go with these guys and you won't be disappointed. Even the very experienced divers were talking about the fun they had. Cheers mate.
They were phenomenal in doing that while everyone else around me was clearly there as advanced divers. When I signed in only one other person had an "open divers" card. All others wee advanced.
Well the dive was amazing I saw a many fish and lobsters that were the size of small dogs and a shipwreck.
I needed to meet a friend at Rottsnest after the dive and therefore asked where I could get the ferry when we got back. They dropped me off. Amazing. In addition the crew was just amazing.
If your in this area of Australia go with these guys and you won't be disappointed. Even the very experienced divers were talking about the fun they had. Cheers mate.
Written 26 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
3 contributions
Sept 2014
Sat 6th sept 5 of us attended the whale watching cruise, weather conditions were terrible, wind and rain. Sundays trip they cancelled. Despite us calling, the phones are office hours only so we turned up expecting to be sent home again. There was no way that boat should have left the harbour that day. But I believe with over 100 people on board they did not want to loose money. We had people vomiting next to us over the seats the sea was so rough on our return. Too windy to light the BBQ we were starving the boat ran out of snacks that was a long trip when you expected to be fed.
I realised the whale sightings are not guaranteed but I don't think we had an chance with those conditions. On the day the company apologised and said the conditions were worse than forecast and if we wished to go again we were expected to pay $35 - ridiculous to have to pay anything again. We we're told the company would call us on the Monday but the call never came. I wrote emails and asked them to call me. Was informed of dates we could travel again but still nothing has been arranged. I'm disappointed as whale watching was a dream of mine.
I realised the whale sightings are not guaranteed but I don't think we had an chance with those conditions. On the day the company apologised and said the conditions were worse than forecast and if we wished to go again we were expected to pay $35 - ridiculous to have to pay anything again. We we're told the company would call us on the Monday but the call never came. I wrote emails and asked them to call me. Was informed of dates we could travel again but still nothing has been arranged. I'm disappointed as whale watching was a dream of mine.
Written 9 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, sorry you had such a terrible time, but we don't do those tours or any coupon discounts. You have us mixed up with another company, please check your booking details. I would be interested to see how you linked your tour with our company?
Written 4 March 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gavin T
London, UK2 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Very disappointed with "Dolphin Dive" in Fremantle!
They booked me on for a dive for the following day for a pickup from Rottnest Island (28 Dec 2014) and took payment. Asked if I was on medication, I said yes, Levothyroxine for mild Hypothyroidism. This didnt seem to be a problem at the time. I have an openwater advanced certification and was diving in the Great barrier reef the week before! They called me back almost two hours later to say they had done their research and unfortunately will not permit me to dive unless I had a doctors note......after taking my money. (I appreciate their cautionary measures, but get a grip and do your research properly!!!) They did however say they would fully refund me. I feel violated as a holiday maker to WA and feel that perhaps they need to further their research accurately! Hypothyroidism (Underactive) generally does not pose a problem with Scubadiving if treated, such as my situation. I think they Googled "Thyroid issues" and jumped to a conclusion about "Hyperthyroidism" (Overactive Thyroid) which can be a problem in Scuba Diving. Please make sure of your fact Dolpine Dive and ask more questions if in doubt! For this very reason, I have no choice other than to suggest looking at another dive company in Perth and avoid this organisation! I will not mention the names of the indiviuals involved....
They booked me on for a dive for the following day for a pickup from Rottnest Island (28 Dec 2014) and took payment. Asked if I was on medication, I said yes, Levothyroxine for mild Hypothyroidism. This didnt seem to be a problem at the time. I have an openwater advanced certification and was diving in the Great barrier reef the week before! They called me back almost two hours later to say they had done their research and unfortunately will not permit me to dive unless I had a doctors note......after taking my money. (I appreciate their cautionary measures, but get a grip and do your research properly!!!) They did however say they would fully refund me. I feel violated as a holiday maker to WA and feel that perhaps they need to further their research accurately! Hypothyroidism (Underactive) generally does not pose a problem with Scubadiving if treated, such as my situation. I think they Googled "Thyroid issues" and jumped to a conclusion about "Hyperthyroidism" (Overactive Thyroid) which can be a problem in Scuba Diving. Please make sure of your fact Dolpine Dive and ask more questions if in doubt! For this very reason, I have no choice other than to suggest looking at another dive company in Perth and avoid this organisation! I will not mention the names of the indiviuals involved....
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gavin, sorry that we ruined your holiday. Unfortunately we are not Doctors & our staff have to make a decision on the information at hand. I always suggest, to carry a note from a Doctor it's always a good idea, so that these circumstances are avoided.
Regards
Mark
Written 27 February 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn C
Birchington, UK145 contributions
June 2013 • Couples
Hi I am trying to find out information about the diving at the moment we are on holiday from England and would like to dive with the dolphin divers, can anyone tell me more about dives in the week as we are only in this area for 10 days, have emailed but only been told about Sunday which we can't get organised unless we can get a lift from Girrawheen. I have emailed again but no reply.
Written 15 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinLee2001
Fremantle, Australia10 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
I learnt to dive with Dolphin Dive Fremantle 2 years ago. Their staff are always friendly and they took their time to teach me and are always available to give advice. I've since done lots of diving specialities, advanced, rescue and divemaster with them.
They have a very well stocked dive shop and loads of well maintained hire gear. They have the best diving boat in the area 'Blue Destiny' - an awesome catamaran which is very stable. Always guaranteed the best sites when your diving over at Rottnest with them. The shops also 5 minutes drive away from some of the best shore dives in the area.
Probably the best thing about the shop is the very active and professional dive club. Once you pass a certification with them, they don't abandon you - they do regular cheap sunday and weds night dives to local dive sites. Great to meet buddies at! They event do cleanup dives of the local area. Theres a reason that people come from all over Perth to dive with them!
They have a very well stocked dive shop and loads of well maintained hire gear. They have the best diving boat in the area 'Blue Destiny' - an awesome catamaran which is very stable. Always guaranteed the best sites when your diving over at Rottnest with them. The shops also 5 minutes drive away from some of the best shore dives in the area.
Probably the best thing about the shop is the very active and professional dive club. Once you pass a certification with them, they don't abandon you - they do regular cheap sunday and weds night dives to local dive sites. Great to meet buddies at! They event do cleanup dives of the local area. Theres a reason that people come from all over Perth to dive with them!
Written 23 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJD53
Warrington, UK22 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
If you have passed the basic qualification of SCUBA diving I.e., BSAC Ocean Diver or PADI Open Water you are entitled to participate in a tank dive with an AQWA Dive Master who supervises you and the dive.
The experience is well worth the expense and to swim with the Sharks, Ray's, turtle and fish is not a thing that will leave your memory in a hurry. The Ocean water used to fill the aquarium tank is cool, 16 degrees C., but in a 5mm wetsuit, is comfortable.
I would recommend this experience to any diver.
The experience is well worth the expense and to swim with the Sharks, Ray's, turtle and fish is not a thing that will leave your memory in a hurry. The Ocean water used to fill the aquarium tank is cool, 16 degrees C., but in a 5mm wetsuit, is comfortable.
I would recommend this experience to any diver.
Written 24 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel A
Gatineau, Quebec148 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
My first experience with Dolphin Dive was with family and friends for a day trip to Rottnest Island. My son-in-law and I signed up for the 2 SCUBA dives included in the package, while my daughter and wife signed on for the snorkelling experience with a guide. The charter boat was the Concord with an experienced crew and very knowledgeable skipper. The boat is equipped with head (toilet), shower, interior and exterior lounge areas and has deck space for sun bathers who don't mind the UV. Diving equipement and boat are well maintained. Package includes generous BBQ lunch, lots of snacks and a vegetarian menu. The package typically includes 2 dives and all equipment. Reduced rates if you have your own equipment or just plan on snorkelling. A couple of day trippers were also on board to simply enjoy a day on a boat. All in all, very well organized with friendly and supportive staff. On the latter point, my wife choked on a snorkelful of water on the first outing and panicked. The guide immediately comforted her and on the second outing of the day made a point of bringing her to a quiet cove with calm waters where my wife truly enjoyed her experience. Although we now own a boat, we continue to rent tanks and equipment from Dolphin because of the quality of the service and willing advice.
Written 5 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christine l
Napier, New Zealand100 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
My husband and son enjoyed a day diving off Rottnest Island.
They are both experienced open water divers and while this wasn't the most challenging or scenic dive they have done, none the less they enjoyed the day.
Due only to fault of the weather, the visibility under the water was a bit disappointing but improved a little for the second dive.
Staff were friendly and helpful, all equpiment was supplied and they felt save in the water.
As they are experienced they were happy to explore on their own but they would have liked to have had more knowledge of the dive area because they did miss out on finding a couple of great dive places (cave), of course the locals know this stuff.
My biggesgt worry about diving Western Australia was the Great White Shark concern but staff reassured us they have never had an issue and the boys came home all limbs in tact.
Both boys while they enjoyed their day, the actual dive experience and sights was by far not has good as many other places they have dived, including our own (NZ) Poor Knights.
They are both experienced open water divers and while this wasn't the most challenging or scenic dive they have done, none the less they enjoyed the day.
Due only to fault of the weather, the visibility under the water was a bit disappointing but improved a little for the second dive.
Staff were friendly and helpful, all equpiment was supplied and they felt save in the water.
As they are experienced they were happy to explore on their own but they would have liked to have had more knowledge of the dive area because they did miss out on finding a couple of great dive places (cave), of course the locals know this stuff.
My biggesgt worry about diving Western Australia was the Great White Shark concern but staff reassured us they have never had an issue and the boys came home all limbs in tact.
Both boys while they enjoyed their day, the actual dive experience and sights was by far not has good as many other places they have dived, including our own (NZ) Poor Knights.
Written 17 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience