Environment SA’s 10 Top Spots to Snorkel in South Australia

spots to snorkel South Australia

Image: Carl Charter

Environment SA’s 10 Top Spots to Snorkel in South Australia

South Australia’s marine parks are full to the brim with great spots to snorkel. Here are 10 places to try. 

From leafy sea dragons to giant Australian cuttlefish, about 85 per cent of the marine life in South Australia’s marine parks is found nowhere else in the world. If your swimming skills are on point, grab your snorkel and mask and hit the beach to discover our magical underwater world.

Here are Environment SA’s top picks to try in SA:

1. PORT NOARLUNGA – Metropolitan South

Location: Encounter Marine Park

Beginners should try snorkelling on south side of the Port Noarlunga jetty. You’ll see hundreds of fish including zebrafish and old wives as well as sea stars.

If you feel confident enough to venture out further – about 400 metres – you can enjoy the colourful Port Noarlunga Reef.

spots to snorkel South Australia

Image: Greg Adams

 

2. ALDINGA – Metropolitan South

Location: Encounter Marine Park

Aldinga Reef is known as one of the state’s best dive sites, so you know you’re onto a good thing when you snorkel there. The reef is a breeding ground for the harmless Port Jackson shark. During late winter and spring hundreds of sharks can be found under ledges resting between mating rituals.

Don’t forget to build your confidence and test your snorkel gear at shallow sites before venturing out deeper.

spots to snorkel South Australia

 

3. SECOND VALLEY – Fleurieu Peninsula

Location: Encounter Marine Park

You’re spoilt for choice at Second Valley with a jetty and two bays that are great snorkel spots. You’ll swim past squid, schools of fish and rays, plus you might even spot SA’s iconic leafy sea dragon.

 

4. TUMBY BAY – Eyre Peninsula

Location: Sir Joseph Banks Group Marine Park

The open water off the jetty is a perfect spot for experienced snorkelers. Keep your eyes peeled for seahorses and cowfish.

 

5. SMOOTH POOL – Eyre Peninsula

Location: West Coast Bays Marine Park

According to locals, there is a friendly resident blue groper fish in these waters who likes to say hello. Blue gropers can live up to 70 years.

spots to snorkel South Australia

 

6. CUTTLEFISH COAST – Whyalla

Location: Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park

Snorkel near Stony Point between May and August and you’ll see the giant Australian cuttlefish spawning.

 

7. CHINAMAN’S HAT  – Yorke Peninsula

Location: Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park

You’ll see eagle rays gliding around, as well as southern rock lobsters.

 

8. EDITHBURGH – Yorke Peninsula

Location: Lower Yorke Peninsula Marine Park

Weird and wild marine life surround the Edithburgh Jetty. You’re likely to come across brightly coloured nudibranchs, spider crabs and octopuses.

If you have the keenest eyes you might even spot the warty prowfish.

spots to snorkel South Australia

Image: Jamie Hicks

 

9. WOOL BAY – Yorke Peninsula

Location: Lower Yorke Peninsula Marine Park

The Wool Bay Jetty is possibly the best spot in South Australia to see the leafy sea dragon. During spring and summer you might even witness their amazing courting dance.

spots to snorkel South Australia

 

10. WESTERN RIVER COVE – Kangaroo Island

Location: Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park

Head to the reef just east of the beach for a variety of colourful reef fish.

spots to snorkel South Australia

To guarantee a great snorkel adventure, download the SA Marine ID Guide, avoid windy days and head to the waters around low tide.

Image & Information Source: Environment SA website

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For more information and all enquiries please visit the Environment SA website.

What:   Top 10 Spots to Snorkel in South Australia

When:    Any time – avoid windy days and go around low tide

Where:   Around South Australia – see locations above

Who:   Snorkelers 

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: Environment SA website

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