Just 5 metres below the surface of Jurien Bay Marine Park lies a sunken tugboat that has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. This fascinating wreck rests in shallow, clear water accessible directly from the beach — no boat required. The tugboat's hull is encrusted with colourful corals and sponges, attracting schools of dart, herring, and juvenile fish. Part of a protected marine park that hosts Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins, this unique snorkel site offers an intimate wreck-diving experience with easy shore access. The surrounding limestone reef system and seagrass meadows create a rich underwater ecosystem perfect for snorkellers of all levels.
Tugboat Beach (Sunken Tugboat)
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Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.5 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 3.4 knPrecipitation 4.8 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© CalistemonThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Sand-covered trail
The underwater interpretive trail markers/reef balls have become covered with sand, making navigation of the marked trail difficult.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Jurien Bay has a busy marina, boat ramp, and jetty area with recreational and fishing vessel traffic near the swimming areas.
Low risk: Summer crowds at boat ramp
The boat ramp and adjacent beach areas can get very crowded during summer holidays and Easter, increasing collision risk.
Low risk: Stinger jellyfish
Marine stingers may be present in warmer months from November to March.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Tugboat Beach is located within Jurien Bay, approximately 2.5 hours north of Perth along Indian Ocean Drive. The spot is near the southern end of Jurien Bay township, close to the old jetty area.
Parking & facilities
Street parking and a public car park are available near the Jurien Bay town beach and jetty area. The boat ramp carpark can get crowded in summer and during Easter.
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No fee for beach access. Jurien Bay Marine Park is free to visit.
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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