Exploring the Depths of Port Noarlunga: Uncovering the Hidden Treasures of this Under-rated Dive Site
- Jeff Bradley
- Apr 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Port Noarlunga the under rated dive site. Located 40 minutes South West of South Australia’s Adelaide CBD, is a hidden gem for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. This coastal paradise is home to a Reef Sanctuary Zone, making it a popular destination for underwater explorers of all levels. Its strategic location allows easy navigation by following the reef either north or south, or by venturing under the Jetty. The shallow depths of 5 - 9 meters cater to beginners, offering a perfect setting for those looking to embark on their underwater adventures.
During the day, Port Noarlunga comes alive with a vibrant marine ecosystem. The waters teem with an array of fish species such as Silver Drummers, Sweep, Bullseyes, Old Wives, and Leather Jackets, creating a mesmerising underwater spectacle. Though once you have been diving for a while and dived this site a number of times this underwater world may seem ordinary and become a little boring. However a closer look can reveal its hidden treasures. For those willing to explore away from the reef and jetty through the sand and seaweeds, Port Noarlunga unveils its true charm and beauty.
For enthusiasts of Nudibranchs, Port Noarlunga is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The site offers the opportunity to encounter a plethora of these colourful sea slugs, leaving divers with a sense of wonder and awe. Moreover, the occasional sighting of Wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks adds an element of excitement to the diving experience, making each descent into the depths a memorable one. If your really lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a Leafy or Weedy Sea dragon, but if you wait until the sun has gone down and the darkness of night prevails Port Noarlunga can become some what that little bit more special.
As a diver who appreciates both the grandeur of marine life and the intricate details of the underwater world, Port Noarlunga at night presents a captivating playground. Sponge and Decorator crabs are out prowling the seabed with their funny sponge hats or camouflage of weeds, Port Jackson Sharks are more active so you are more likely to see one, I've even been lucky enough to spot an Angel shark on 2 seperate dives. Looking closely on the branches of the weeds you'll be able to spot Short Headed Seahorses as well as Nudibranchs, theres even been a few Tasseled Angler fish spotted.
If you love Cephalopods as much as I do then your night dives at Port Noarlunga will get even better. Scoring over the sand and sea grasses I almost on every dive come accross one of the many species of Octopus, in fact I have seen every species in South Australia on the seabed of Port Norlunga. Almost every night dive I will see a Southern Sand Octopus or two or a couple of Southern Keeled Octopus and occasionally I will see a couple of each on the same dive. I have spotted a White Spotted Octopus a few times often confused with the Sand Octopus as they are a similar shape (though the adults are much larger than Sand Octopus) and are sometimes quite red in appearance like a Sand Octopus and disappear under the sand by shooting jets of water into the seabed to loosen the sand sinking below just like a Sand octopus. The elusive Southern Blue Ring Octopus occasionally makes an appearance and If your very lucky you will cross paths with Australia/New Zealand's largest, The Maori Octopus.
The Cephalopods of Port Noarlunga don't stop there so keep your eyes peeled. The odd Cuttlefish can be found swimming about looking for prey as well as groups of Squid, but look closely in the sand as you are scouring the depths, though a lot. smaller than Octopus you may spot a little Southern Bobtail Squid and if you are really lucky a Pyjama Squid, they are out there but not always easy to spot, sometimes you'll just see two eyes in the sand staring into your torch light.
In conclusion, Port Noarlunga stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of Australia's underwater landscapes. While it may be underrated in the diving community, its potential for exploration and discovery knows no bounds. With its abundance of marine life, captivating underwater scenery, and opportunities for adventure, Port Noarlunga beckons divers to delve into its depths and experience the magic that lies below the surface. Hint for Diving this site (especially night) don't stick to the Jetty or main reef, explore. The site is really easy to navigate with a compass. West will take you back to the main reef, east will take you to the shore and depending on which side of the Jetty you are on, then either south or north will return you to the Jetty.
Dive Site and Facilities
Port Noarlunga Jetty is located off the Esplanade with good public car parking off of Saltfleet St (just follow the Esplanade around). This Carpark is where divers normally kit up.
There are a number of cafe's and restaurants etc around Port Noarlunga and public toilets are conveniently situated near the carpark just down the stairs. Once your all kitted up its time for the walk from the car park to the Jetty (warning, it is a little bit of a trek so if you have a beach cart you might want to make use of it). The reef at Port Noarlunga is a marine sanctuary and off limits to fishermen, there is signage towards the end of the jetty marking the point in which the sanctuary starts, fishing is permitted before this point. There are 2 sets of stairs on the jetty for entry into the water, a little set of stairs about halfway down and another bigger set of stairs/platform at the end (this is usually the preference of choice as it is in the sanctuary zone and right near the reef. The other option is to enter from the shore.
The Jetty runs West/East with east being the shore and the reef runs north/south and the depth of the dive near the reef is generally 5-9 meters depending where on the reef you are and tide time, but there are patches where it shallows to 3 meters. During low tide the top of the reef is exposed and if timing of you dive allows this is a good time to go as when it is high tide the waves crash over the top stirring up visibility near the reef a little, though some times you dive at high tide as timing permits. The coast here faces west so you want to avoid diving on days of strong westerly/south westerly/north westerly winds and high swells. You do also get a bit of tidal current sweeping through south to north or north to south so just be wary of that and dive against it first so you can cruise back with it to the jetty.
How to get to Port Noarlunga
Where To get Scuba Gear
If you need to rent gear for a dive at Port Noarlunga here are a couple of Dive shops in Adelaide that can help you out.
Diving Adelaide
Adelaide Scuba
Go2Dive
Guided Dive Tours
Diving Adelaide run private guided night dives and day dives at Port Noarlunga, so if you have never dived at night and want to experience it, or simply want a Dive Master to to guide you around the depths of Port Noarlunga at night get in contact with them. Feel free to request myself as your DM for the dive. They also offer Guided Leafy Sea Dragon Tours at Rapid Bay and guided tours at other sites.
About Me
My name is Jeff, and I'm located in South Australia. I began diving casually in the early 2000s. Although I loved it, life got in the way, and I stepped away from it for a while. In early 2023, I decided to return to diving and haven't looked back since; these days, I dive more than I sleep. I got myself a GoPro, followed by a compact camera, to capture some memorable snapshots and show everyone how incredible the underwater world is, especially after dark. I quickly developed a newfound passion for photography and have been striving to grow and improve ever since, capturing as many amazing sea creatures as possible in their natural habitat. I am an active PADI Dive Master and regularly run Leafy Sea Dragon Tours, guided night dives, and refresher courses through Diving Adelaide, as I love diving and sharing the incredible underwater world both in person and through photography.
Photography by Jeff Bradley
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