Nestled beneath 20–30 metre sandstone bluffs on the eastern shore of Port Phillip, Coral Cove (also called Coral Beach) offers a sheltered, scenic shore-entry snorkel spot on the Mornington Peninsula. Deep water comes close inshore at high tide, and the cove's rocky reef structure attracts diverse marine life. Best explored under light easterly offshore winds, this historic cove — once known as Mariner's Cove — provides easy access from the Esplanade foreshore reserve.
Coral Cove (Coral Beach)
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong westerly winds and waves
The cove is exposed to strong westerly winds and swell. Best dived or snorkelled with light easterly offshore winds.
Low risk: Deep water close inshore at high tide
Water depth increases rapidly close to shore at high tide, which can surprise inexperienced swimmers.
Low risk: Bluebottle stings
Bluebottles (Portuguese man o' war) can be present; do not touch or swim with them.
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Getting in
Located opposite the intersection of Coral Road with The Esplanade, Mornington, on the Mornington Peninsula. The Esplanade runs along the top of the sandstone bluffs behind the cove.
Continuous foreshore reserve parking available along The Esplanade west of Coral Road.
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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.