Deep Bay is a sheltered, reef-fringed snorkeling spot along the rugged Mornington Peninsula coastline, near Cape Schanck. Protected from the full force of Bass Strait swells, this pocket bay features shallow rocky reef platforms interspersed with sandy gutters, where kelp forests sway in the clear southern waters. The dramatic basalt cliffs and coastal heathland above contrast with the teeming life below, making it a rewarding shore-entry destination for those looking to escape the crowds and explore Victoria's cool-temperate marine world.
Deep Bay
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 6.3 knPrecipitation 32 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Swell exposure
Willis Point is an exposed headland and can be affected by southerly swells, creating surge and reduced visibility.
Moderate risk: Rip currents
Strong rips can develop around the point, especially on an outgoing tide.
Moderate risk: Strong ocean swells
Bass Strait swells can roll into the bay producing surge over the reef, especially during southerly winds.
Low risk: Sharp reef ledges
Rocky gutters and ledges at the waterline can cause cuts and scrapes on entry/exit.
Low risk: Slippery reef rocks
Intertidal reef platforms are covered in algae and can be extremely slippery when wet.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Water temperatures range from 11°C in winter to 18°C in summer, increasing risk of hypothermia without adequate wetsuit.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Melbourne, take the M11 (Mornington Peninsula Freeway) south towards Portsea and Cape Schanck. Deep Bay is located along the Cape Schanck headland. Turn onto Cape Schanck Road and follow signs to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse or Bushrangers Bay walking track. Access to the shore is via a short unsealed track. Park near the Cape Schanck carpark area and walk down to the bay.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near Cape Schanck Lighthouse carpark. No dedicated Deep Bay carpark.
parking
Free entry. No fees required.
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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