Meet the site
Penguin Point is a shallow Marion Bay site recorded by the Marine Life Society of South Australia, which describes a rocky bottom with caverns filled with coral-like growth, shallow blocks, plenty of small marine life and lots of gorgonia in about 6 m. Sites like this are common along the limestone coast of southern Yorke Peninsula: the rock erodes into blocks, undercuts and small caverns whose shaded roofs are colonised by gorgonian fans, sponges, ascidians and colonial hydroids, while the tops carry kelp and brown algae. Small fish – magpie perch, zebrafish, blue devils, wrasse and leatherjackets – move through the blocks, and the crevices hide crabs, nudibranchs and occasional crayfish. Its shallow depth makes it suitable for newer divers and snorkellers on calm days, and it offers a gentle alternative to the more demanding boat sites of Innes. However, its exact location is not published and there is no operator, so it is effectively a local's site. Recorded here with low data confidence so that it is not lost from the regional list. Ask in Marion Bay or at Adelaide shops that run Innes trips for directions. Because the depth is so shallow, a single tank can last well over an hour, and the site suits a relaxed macro dive with a compact camera. On calmer days it could also serve as an easy check-out dive before heading to the more demanding boat sites of the park.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Penguin Point (Marion Bay) is recorded as Reef in Yorke Peninsula. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Penguin Point (Marion Bay) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Penguin Point (Marion Bay) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Gorgonians, sponges, ascidians, magpie perch, zebrafish, southern blue devils, wrasse, leatherjackets, crabs, nudibranchs
Location
Shallow rocky point in the Marion Bay area with caverns filled with coral-like growth and shallow limestone blocks in about 6 m.
Facilities nearby
Marion Bay services.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.