St Leonards Pier juts into the sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula, offering a captivating snorkel experience among its historic timber pylons. The pier's multiple branches create a network of habitats, with pylons cloaked in colourful sponges, ascidians, and bryozoans while seagrass and algae meadows sway below. This site is famous for its resident octopus, abundant nudibranchs, stingrays, and schools of zebrafish and leatherjackets. The shallow, protected waters make it ideal for beginners and night snorkelling, and an artificial reef section adds extra exploration value.
St Leonards Pier
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 8.4 knPrecipitation 55 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Phil SellensThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Deteriorating Pier Structure
The pier has deteriorating concrete and timber sections with loose slabs and exposed reinforcement that can be hazardous when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The pier is a working jetty with recreational boat traffic, so snorkelers must stay aware of boats approaching or moored nearby.
Low risk: Fishing Hooks and Lines
Fishing from the pier is common, presenting a risk of tangled lines or hooks in the water near the pylons.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located in St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula, approximately 100 km southwest of Melbourne via the M1 and Bellarine Highway. Follow signs to St Leonards Pier on Bluff Road.
Parking & facilities
Car parking is available in the foreshore carpark near the pier entrance, serving Port Phillip Bay Coastal Reserve.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
No fees for snorkeling access.
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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