Nestled in the sheltered curve of Horseshoe Bay on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, the historic wooden jetty at Port Elliot offers calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The jetty's pylons are encrusted with marine growth, attracting schools of fish, while an artificial reef nearby draws a diversity of sea life. This family-friendly spot is a summer favourite for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater exploration just over an hour south of Adelaide.
Horseshoe Bay Jetty (Port Elliot)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 9.3 sWind Speed 8.1 knPrecipitation 37 mmTidal Phase ebb
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 hooks and lines
Anglers fish from the jetty; submerged hooks, sinkers and fishing line can present a hazard to snorkelers near the pylons.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Small boats and kayaks frequent the bay. Snorkelers should remain vigilant and stay clear of the boat channel and jetty approach.
Low risk: Slippery jetty stairs
The steps leading into the water from the jetty can be slippery with algae, requiring care when entering and exiting.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Adelaide, take the M1 South Eastern Freeway to Mount Barker, then continue on the A13/A8 through Strathalbyn to Port Elliot. Turn onto The Foreshore / Horseshoe Bay Road and follow to the beachfront. The jetty is located at the centre of Horseshoe Bay Reserve.
Parking & facilities
Ample free roadside parking available along The Foreshore, plus a small car park adjacent to Horseshoe Bay Reserve. Can get busy on summer weekends.
toiletsparkingshowerspicnic_tablesdrinking_water
Free access. No entry or parking fees.
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Gallery ┬╖ 1 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