Ewens Ponds

Ewens Ponds is one of the most popular diving locations in the area, due mainly to its ease of access. There are no special diving qualifications required to dive there, with the exception of course of a basic Scuba Qualification. Ewens basically consists of three ponds, each about 40m in diameter, connected via open channels, similar to irrigation channels. The algae growth in the ponds, and especially the channels, is so prolific that you can imagine at times that you are diving in a tropical aquarium. Eels, freshwater crays and yabbies as well as many varieties of fish inhabit the ponds, some on a permanent and others on an irregular basis, as the pond eventually drain through the third and longest channel to the sea. Several species of saltwater fish are regularly seen in the ponds, apparently being there to rid themselves of parasites which cannot live in the freshwater. The juvenile stage of some of our common insects are also to be found amoungst the abundance of algae growing in the top 2-3m of the ponds.
The ponds are fed from both land run off and underwater springs, and as a result the water is usually crystal clear, making for ideal photography and diving alike. A dive in Ewens can easily last an hour if one is prepared to travel slowly and look for all the freshwater life that is there. After diving in the first pond, a move towards the channel will result in the diver being caught by the natural current and carried into the second pond. The ride is rather exhilarating with spectacular scenery, but divers should not attempt to stop or turn around as this will usually result in fins stirring up the bottom mud which is then carried into the second pond where you are about to dive. (Hint the first diver in the channel usually has the best visibility).

If time permits, a very interesting dive(or rather snorkel) can be done in the third canal which travels a distance of approximately 2km to the ocean. It is not worth taking scuba equipment or weight belts for this trip so leave them in your car - which you have thoughtfully left at your exit point at the end of the creek to avoid the long walk back. The current carries your group easily and quickly along the canal so that little effort is required. You will often meet schools of bream of mullet travelling upstream to the ponds during your trip. There are two places to leave the canal, the first approximately 1km from the ponds where another creek enters the main one and the second approximately 2km from the ponds at the bridge on the Port MacDonnell Road. The first exit point is recommended as the snorkel would have taken the best part of an hour at this stage.