Arno Bay Jetty extends 120 m into the calm waters of Spencer Gulf on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, offering a sheltered snorkelling haven. Its timber pylons are encrusted with colourful sponges, bryozoans, and sea lettuce, while the sandy flats and low limestone outcrops below create a gentle underwater playground. This beginner-friendly site is renowned for intimate encounters with octopus, cuttlefish, pipefish, and juvenile King George whiting, all in typically calm, clear conditions — perfect for close-up observation and underwater photography.
Arno Bay Jetty
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 5.8 knPrecipitation 16 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Low risk: Vessel traffic near boat ramp
The public boat ramp car park is adjacent to the jetty; be mindful of boats launching and retrieving, especially on weekends.
Low risk: Low visibility
Visibility typically ranges 4–6 m but can drop after wind, rain, or swell.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Gentle currents flow through the jetty structure, particularly during outgoing tides, which can drift snorkellers.
Low risk: Cool water temperatures
Water temps range 14–21 °C. Winter months require full thermal protection (wetsuit).
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Arno Bay lies roughly halfway between Whyalla and Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, SA. The snorkel entry is from the public boat ramp car park just south of the township. At low tide, walk down the sandy shore to reach beneath the jetty, or enter via a giant stride off the jetty's outer end.
Parking & facilities
Ample parking available at the public boat ramp car park adjacent to the jetty. Additional parking along the foreshore.
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No fee for jetty or beach access. Nearby Arno Bay Caravan Park charges approx. $35–$38/night for camping.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports