Snakes and Ladders is a boat-access dive and snorkel site on the eastern side of Cape Nelson, about 10 km south-west of Portland on Victoria's Discovery Coast. Towering limestone cliffs rise above the water while a fringing limestone reef below offers ledges, swim-throughs, and abundant fish life. Depths range from 5 to 18 metres, making it best suited to competent snorkelers and divers. The site is most enjoyable in calm conditions with low swell and light offshore winds.
Snakes and Ladders
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.7 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 17 knPrecipitation 17 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
Moderate risk: Swell and surge
Exposed to Southern Ocean swells; best snorkeled in low swell with light offshore winds.
Low risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents around Cape Nelson can be significant; plan for slack water conditions.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is by boat and the site lies near a headland; boat traffic in the area requires vigilance.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Launch from Portland Harbour at either the Lee Breakwater Road North Ramp or South Ramp. Head south-west along the coast approximately 10 km to the eastern side of Cape Nelson. GPS: -38.417810, 141.557355.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Lee Breakwater Road boat ramps in Portland Harbour.
parkingboat_ramp
No entry fee, but boat launching fees may apply at Portland Harbour ramps.
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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