

Best for beginner divers, 2-10m, shore entry, mild current.
Port Elliot Jetty at Horseshoe Bay is a shallow shore dive suitable for beginners. The site features a mix of reef and seagrass beds with depths ranging from 2 to 10 metres. Divers and snorkellers can explore the structure, though visibility varies between 3 and 10 metres. The area is generally protected with mild currents, but users should remain aware of potential surge near the surface and rocky shores. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, sea stars, and various crustaceans. A 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended to manage water temperatures between 14C and 20C. Facilities include parking and toilets, with wheelchair-accessible parking available.
-35.53517, 138.68433
February through April tends to offer the most reliable conditions for leafy seadragon sightings, so plan your visit in those months if that is your priority. Take your time moving through the seagrass slowly, as rushing will send the dragons drifting away before you spot them.
The site is accessible from the shore at Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot (1 The Foreshore). Beginners can enter from the beach, while more advanced snorkellers can use the jetty stairs.
Wheelchair accessible parking is available.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
3-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-20°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
60 min
Species recorded around this area include wrasses, sea stars, southern rock lobsters, crabs, and various fish species like bullseyes and pufferfish.
Yes, the site is a shallow, protected shore dive that is well-suited for beginners building confidence.
The depth at Port Elliot Jetty ranges from 2 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling, with a snorkel rating of 2/5.
Port Elliot Jetty is a shore dive with entry from the beach.
The primary hazards include potential entanglement and strong surge or freak waves near the rocky shores, as noted by the local surf life saving club.
Diving at Port Elliot Jetty in Fleurieu Peninsula requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Port Elliot Jetty in Fleurieu Peninsula. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 20°C.
Port Elliot Jetty in Fleurieu Peninsula typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Port Elliot Jetty in Fleurieu Peninsula typically ranges from 3 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.