The Gap is a dramatic offshore reef and dive site located near Marion Bay at the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula. Accessed only by boat, this open-water site features a reef wall dropping from 10–15 metres with caves, swim-throughs, and ledges that shelter abundant marine life. It's prized for sightings of blue groper, blue devils, nannygai, and sweep, plus crayfish hiding in crevices. The adjacent Willyama shipwreck adds extra appeal for experienced divers. Best attempted in calm conditions, as surge and poor visibility can challenge even seasoned snorkelers.
The Gap (near Marion Bay)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 13 sWind Speed 8.2 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Open-water surge
Heavy surge and swell can create strong water movement at this exposed offshore site, especially in southerly winds.
Moderate risk: Reduced visibility
Visibility drops significantly when swell picks up, averaging 15m but can become near-zero in rough conditions.
Moderate risk: Disorientation risk
The reef topography runs in a circular pattern with caves and overhangs, making it easy to become disoriented underwater.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents around point
Offshore reefs can produce shifting currents around the point; tidal movement should be considered before entering.
Low risk: Boat-only access
The Gap is accessible only by boat — no shore entry available, requiring self-sufficiency and boat safety knowledge.
Low risk: Steep access tracks
Steep tracks descend from the bluffs to the beach; caution needed on loose surfaces.
Low risk: Strong wind chop
Onshore winds can create near gale-force conditions, reducing visibility and stirring up swell.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
From Marion Bay township, head to the Marion Bay boat ramp to launch. The Gap reef lies offshore — coordinates roughly -35.2445, 136.9761. Local dive shops from Adelaide also organise boat trips to this site. Book ahead.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Marion Bay boat ramp carpark. Bush camping with designated sites is available at nearby The Gap Bush Campground and Gleeson's Landing.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
No entry fee for the site itself. Innes National Park entry fees may apply if visiting nearby park areas.
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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