Victoria's bays and marine protected areas are home to an amazing underwater world teeming with life and rich ecosystems including colourful sponge gardens, corals and fish. Although not as well-known as places like the Great Barrier Reef, it may surprise many that Victoria also offers unforgettable underwater adventures.

Up to 90% of species found in southern Australia waters are not found anywhere else in the world. Whether you are snorkelling, diving or going on rock pool rambles, there are many ways to discover Victoria's incredible hidden secrets beneath our bays and waterways.

From giant forests of native kelp, jewel coloured weedy sea dragons to spectacularly bright fish and sponge gardens, the treasures to discover abound.

Discover 5 of Victoria's best dive and snorkel destinations:

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

With 6 distinctive locations, Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park offers one of most diverse and spectacular dive destinations in the world. It includes a range of popular sites in both sheltered and exposed waters. Popes Eye is a fantastic sheltered experience for beginner divers while Portsea Hole and the Point Lonsdale Wall offer spectacular diving for more experienced divers. Licensed Tour Operators offer tours from both sides of the bay. Nearby Chinaman's Hat is also a popular to see Australasian Fur Seals and Dolphins frequent the area.

Visit: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/port-phillip-heads-marine-national-park

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park

Wilsons Promontory is one of the world's great wilderness areas that is protected above and below the waterline. With spectacular granite boulders and massive schools of fish, colourful invertebrates, and plenty of charismatic mega fauna, Wilsons Promontory Marine National park does not disappoint.

Visit: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park

ex-HMAS Canberra Recreation Reserve

The ex-HMAS Canberra is a former Australian Navy vessel that was deliberately scuttled to create an extraordinary artificial diving reef 28m below the surface. Marine life is abundant with kelp forests and colourful invertebrates well established throughout the ship. This is an excellent dive suitable for more experienced and qualified divers who will enjoy exploring both inside and outside the vessel. The ex-HMAS Canberra is offshore from Ocean Grove and accessible via licensed tour operators from Queenscliff Harbour or Portsea.

Visit: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/ex-hmas-canberra-recreation-reserve

Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary

East Gippsland's Beware Reef is a spectacular dive location with a lot to see jammed into a small area. An extraordinarily diverse array of marine life is drawn by the meeting of warm waters from the east coast and the cooler waters of Bass Strait. With two shipwrecks to explore and incredible marine life, Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary is a divers paradise.

Visit: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/beware-reef-marine-sanctuary

Merri Marine Sanctuary

Situated along the western coastline of Victoria, Merri Marine Sanctuary in Warrnambool, the large kelp forests and diverse range of marine species such as Weedy Seadragons make for a fantastic dive location. The high energy cooler waters of the Southern Ocean make Marri Marine Sanctuary a vastly different diving experience to much of the rest Victoria.

Visit: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/merri-marine-sanctuary

For more information on Victoria's spectacular Marine National Parks and licensed tour operators call 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au