A historic timber jetty built in 1881, Dutton Bay Jetty now serves as a sheltered snorkeling haven inside Thorny Passage Marine Park. The shallow 2–6 m depth and calm bay conditions make it ideal for beginners. Swim beneath the encrusted pylons, past sponges and ascidians, to explore the small wreck of the oyster cutter Caprice resting near the jetty's end. Seagrass meadows fringe the area, hosting pipefish, leatherjackets, and weedy seadragons. The weathered jetty timbers, working heritage woolshed backdrop, and rich macro life create a uniquely tranquil snorkeling experience blending history and marine abundance.
Dutton Bay Jetty
BeginnerSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.7 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 3.6 knPrecipitation 6.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Fishing tackle entanglement
Fishing lines and hooks from anglers using the deck above can pose entanglement risks to snorkelers below.
Low risk: Low visibility
Visibility can drop to 4 m or less after wind, swell, or recent rainfall.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic from recreational fishers and tour operators using the jetty area.
Low risk: Cool water temperatures
Water temperatures can be cold year-round (12-18°C), requiring a wetsuit for comfort and safety.
Low risk: Wind and swell exposure
The bay can be affected by strong southerly winds and afternoon sea breezes, reducing visibility and creating chop.
Low risk: Marine life stings
Bluebottles (Portuguese man o' war) and occasional stingers may be present, especially in warmer months.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located on the western coast of the Eyre Peninsula, approximately a 20-minute drive from Coffin Bay and about 40 minutes from Port Lincoln. Turn off the Flinders Highway onto Woolshed Drive, Mount Dutton Bay.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available close to the shoreline near the jetty
parkingtoilets
Free public access
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos
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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