Explore the huge diversity and abundance of marine life found around our shores and jetties, thanks to a unique combination of unspoilt ocean waters and variety of habitats including sandy beaches, reefs and island.

 

Ardrossan

There are a surprising number of nooks and crannies under the jetty, which can be a treasure hunter's delight – especially if you are looking for some fishing gear! You'll find beautifully decorated spider crabs and plenty of blue swimmer crabs in season. A big school of long finned pike is often found near the end of the jetty. Sting rays and fiddler rays are attracted by scraps from the local fishermen.  Water depth is 5-6 metres.

The Zanoni shipwreck can be found ten nautical miles south east of Ardrossan. It is one of the best preserved sailing shipwrecks in Australia, and one of the most complete 19th century shipwrecks in South Australia. The 338 ton barque was built in England in 1865, arriving at Port Adelaide in January 1867. Heavily laden with wheat, she set sail for London almost a month later but sank after running into a violent storm. All aboard were rescued and taken back to Adelaide. For additional protection of the site, a 550 metre Protected Zone has been declared round the Zanoni. This means all activities - even taking a boat into the zone - are prohibited unless a permit is obtained.

Edithburgh

One of the most often dived of all Yorke Peninsula sites, it's a great spot to base your diving trip. Here you'll find rock lings, eagle rays and crabs in all shapes and sizes, not to mention big-bellied seahorses, Port Jackson sharks, leafy sea dragons, ornate cow fish, giant cuttlefish and dumpling squid. If you're keen, a night dive might give the opportunity to see a tiny short-headed seahorse or a stargazer.  Water depth is 5-7 metres.

Air tank refills are available from Edithburgh Motors, 58 Blanche Street – phone (08) 8852 6067

Stenhouse Bay

Found at the bottom of the peninsula in Innes National Park, this is a dive which is not for the faint-hearted, and should definitely be attempted when the swell is at a minimum. Expect to see leafy sea dragons, basket star fish, box fish and many other creatures often not found anywhere else.  Water depth is 8-10 metres.

Point Turton

Because of its sheltered position this jetty is almost always able to be dived. The dive is best extended to take in the whole bay, with some abalone and crayfish to be found amongst the rocks to the left of the jetty. Around the bay you might expect to find a soft sandy bottom with lots of grassy patches that are often shelter to small Port Jackson sharks and stingrays. A fantastic night dive, when you might see some dumpling squid, slipper lobsters and nudibranchs.  Water depth is 4-6 metres.

Port Victoria

A relaxing jetty dive with easy access, the western side of the peninsula can often offer improved visibility when a strong easterly is blowing.  Water depth is 6-8 metres.

Air tank refills are available from Port Victoria Kiosk on the Esplanade – phone (08) 8834 2235.

Wool Bay

A very shallow and pleasant dive, this jetty is possibly the best spot in South Australia to see the leafy sea dragon.  Water depth is 4-5 metres.

Boat dives on Yorke Peninsula

Adelaide's dive shops often organise trips offering boat dives - these need to be booked prior to your visit. Visiting dive companies include Divers Delight, Diving Adelaide and Adelaide Scuba.

 

Some places for the more experienced include Chinaman's Hat, part of Innes National Park.  This can be done as a boat or shore dive, with boats launched at Marion Bay boat ramp. If done as a shore dive, there is a walk along the beach of around 100m. Despite the effort, this dive is worth it and is awesome. There are numerous swim throughs, chimneys, caves, ledges and crevices. There is a lot of fish life and the occaisional crayfish. Depth reaches 15metres. Recommended for experienced divers only. Only attempt the dive in good conditions, as there can be a bit of a surge.

The Gap, near Marion Bay can be dived by boat only. Visibility can be poor if there's a swell as it's open water with a maximum depth of 15 metres, average depth of 10 metres, average visibility 15 metres. You'll often find crays, blue groper, blue devils, nannygai and sweep.

There is a reef approximately 500 metres off the shore of Haystacks Island, running parallel to it. It is a big wall, running the length of the island (more than a kilometre) with the sand at 22 metres, and the wall going up to about 10 metres in some spots. There are caves everywhere, swim-throughs, chasms and gorges. The wall is so long, you can easily do many dives there all in different spots. There are crayfish in abundance. The sponge and soft coral life has to be seen to be believed, it is so colourful, red, yellow, and orange everywhere. But probably the best thing about this wall, is the abundance of fish.

Seal Cove on Althorpe Island is home to a large colony of fur seals. Also expect to see gropers, boarfish, big rays and crayfish.

 

Diving and Snorkelling on Yorke Peninsula brochure.