Stony Point Snorkel
LOCATION Stony Point near Whyalla, South Australia
DEPTH 1-3 Meters
WATER TEMP 12-14 Degrees
DIFFICULTY Easy
Easy but the water is very cold
FEATURE
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Stony Point Snorkel
LOCATION Stony Point near Whyalla, South Australia
DEPTH 1-2 meters
WATER TEMP 12 – 14 degrees
DIFFICULTY Easy
Easy but the water is very cold
FEATURE
Rate It!
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Stony Point Cuttlefish
This unique shore based snorkel lets you get up close to hundreds of giant Australian cuttlefish that come to the rocky coastline near Whyalla to breed. You get a great look at these amazing creatures in clear, shallow water.
What Can I See?
- 1000’s Giant Cuttlefish
- Maybe a Seal or Dolphin
Where & How do you get in?
As the name suggests, the foreshore at Stony Point is quite rocky so need to watch your step as you make your way to the waterline. There is a chain to hold onto down to the water if you need a bit of extra balance and a rubber mat to the high water mark.
Best Season
This is a seasonal event. The cuttlefish start arriving in the Spencer Gulf waters during May and their peak numbers can be seen in June and July.
How Busy/Crowds
Snorkelling with the cuttlefish is gaining in popularity. We found it busy over the June long weekend but even then if you go early in the day you will beat the crowds.
That said, there is plenty of room at Stony Point for people to spread out. And if you are well prepared for the cold water, you will see off people who only last a short time in the cold water.
Recommended Gear
5-7mm wetsuit, hood, gloves and boots
If you have an underwater cam era, in the shallow water you should get some great shots
A hot drink for when you get out!
Visability
Visibility is 4 – 10 metres but you are so close to the cuttlefish you won’t notice if it is on the low side.
Costs/Permits
Snorkelling with the cuttlefish is a free activity – the only cost is getting to Whyalla and wetsuits hire.
Getting There
Whyalla is in the mid north of South Australia, 385km from Adelaide. Your best option is to drive yourself there or join a tour from Adelaide to see the cuttlefish.
Even once you get to Whyalla, the snorkel site at Stony Point is 30 minutes from the township.
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The information for each snorkel spot is provided by people who have snorkelled there. However, snorkelling conditions change daily. Please be aware that wind, swell, tides and cloud cover can all affect visibility and your experience in the water.
Best Conditions
Windy Map Instructions – Click on the icon in the top right to see other conditions such as swell, temperature, rain etc
Facilities at Stony Point
Toilets
Picnic Table
Food & Drinks
Gear Hire
Shade
About the Snorkel
This is a fantastic snorkel, we have snorkelled with the giant cuttlefish half a dozen times because they look so amazing and you can get so close to them. You can see them change colour and compete for mates. Their long tentacles and big eyes are incredible to watch.
Because the water is so shallow, you can also get some great pictures of them. If you are there on an incoming tide, it can push the cuttlefish even closer to shore. Often you will be in less than 2m of water.
The big thing to cope with is the cold. You are snorkelling in the middle of the South Australian winter so you will need a thick, full length wet suit, gloves, boots and hood. You can hire all your gear from the Whyalla Dive Centre but you will want to have it booked in advance.
If you would rather not take on the cold water, you can view the giant cuttlefish from a glass bottom boat. Tours run throughout the cuttlefish season.
Snorkel Spots Nearby
More Things To Do Nearby
- Swimming with Turtles in Australia - October 29, 2023
