Dive Site: Second Valley

About Second Valley

Second Valley, a picturesque, north-facing cove nestled on the Fleurieu Peninsula, offers a varied and captivating dive experience. Framed by steep limestone cliffs and featuring a distinctive wooden jetty, its sheltered waters provide excellent diving opportunities, especially when more exposed sites are affected by southerly and easterly winds. The underwater landscape transitions from expansive seagrass meadows and sand channels to rocky reefs, limestone ledges, overhangs, and small caves carved into the cliff base. Divers can explore these formations, including two specific caves and a right-angled swim-through south of the second bay. About 20 meters offshore, a small bommie teems with fish life, while further out, roughly 300 meters from shore, lies Lassiters Reef – a 50-meter-wide dome-shaped limestone outcrop at approximately 8 meters depth, surrounded by seagrass. This site is renowned for its fascinating endemic species, such as the vibrant blue devil fish, elusive cuttlefish, and impressive wobbegong sharks. Rays like southern eagle rays and bull rays are often observed navigating the seagrass channels. The area is particularly famous for its leafy and weedy sea dragons, frequently sighted near the jetty and on Lassiters Reef. The presence of old tram axles and an engine near the boatsheds adds an intriguing historical element to the dives. Second Valley is well-suited for divers of various skill levels, from open water training to more experienced explorers. Its shallow depths, typically ranging from 3 to 10 meters around the jetty and cove, allow for extended bottom times and relaxed exploration, making it a popular spot for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

Dive site facts: Second Valley

Depth

3–15 m

Typical dive

5–10 m, 60–90 min

Current

Mild to moderate, stronger near headland and Lassiter’s Reef

Visibility

8–12 m (can be lower with weather)

Water temperature

14°C (winter) – 29°C (summer)

Entry

Shore entry (beach, jetty steps, rocky path)

Level

Novice to Advanced Open Water

Dive type

Macro, reef, cave, shore

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Coordinates

-35.515, 138.199714

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Second Valley are generally mild within the cove, offering calm surface conditions when offshore winds prevail. However, currents can pick up around the headland and near Lassiter’s Reef, especially with strong tidal flow. Divers planning a swim to Lassiter’s Reef, located 300 meters offshore, should only attempt it during low tidal flow to mitigate current challenges. Entry and exit are straightforward from the sandy beach or jetty steps, but a rocky entry along the cliff path is sharp and slippery, not recommended for drysuit divers or those with limited mobility. Surge can be a factor near the caves during significant swell, creating strong currents inside the formations, so cave entry should be avoided under such conditions. Visibility is weather-dependent, improving significantly on calm days.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leafy sea dragon

occasional

Weedy sea dragon

occasional

Blue devil fish

common

Cuttlefish

common

Wobbegong shark

occasional

Southern eagle ray

occasional

Bull ray

occasional

Herring cale

common

Anemone

common

Schools of fish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry is typically from the sandy beach east of the jetty or directly from the jetty steps. From either point, swim south around the headland, following the coastline towards the caves and overhangs. The dive progresses along a small drop-off, passing through channels in the seagrass where rays and fish schools are frequently sighted. Continue past the second bay on your left, which also offers an alternative, though more challenging, entry point via a rocky path. Explore the limestone formations, including two small caves and a swim-through, remembering to bring a torch for cave exploration. The maximum depth reached is typically around 10-15 meters, with much of the dive remaining in the 3-10 meter range, allowing for a good bottom time. Turn back towards the jetty for exit, completing the safety stop in the shallower areas near the cove.

Underwater photography

Second Valley offers excellent macro and wide-angle opportunities due to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For capturing the intricate details of leafy and weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish, and blue devil fish, a macro lens is ideal, especially when paired with a good focus light. Wide-angle lenses are suitable for showcasing the impressive limestone formations, caves, and overhangs. Given the varying visibility and potential for deeper sections, external strobes are recommended to bring out natural colors and illuminate subjects. When exploring the caves, a strong dive light or video light is essential. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the fragile seagrass beds and to safely navigate the confined spaces within the caves and overhangs. Always maintain a respectful distance from marine life, particularly the delicate sea dragons.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Rapid Bay

  Often paired with Second Valley for a double dive day.

• Port Noarlunga

  Port Noarlunga Jetty and Reef stands as South Australia's most frequently visited and well-known aquatic reserve, making it a prime…

• Boarfish Reef

  Boarfish Reef is a renowned boat-access reef located in Victoria, Australia, specifically near Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Getting there & logistics

Second Valley is located 91 kilometers south of Adelaide, requiring an approximately one and a half hour drive from the city. The dive site is accessed directly from the shore, with parking available in a small car park at the bottom of Finniss Vale Drive, adjacent to the jetty. This car park, accommodating around 30 cars, can fill quickly on sunny weekends and during school holidays, necessitating overflow parking further up the road, which adds a 150 to 200-meter walk to the water. Public toilets and a change room are conveniently located in the main car park, and parking is free. While not typically a regular guided dive destination, it is occasionally included in custom diving safaris or can be explored independently by renting gear from local dive centers. The site is a popular training ground for open water courses.

Safety & environment

Divers at Second Valley should be aware of potential hazards, including currents that can pick up around the headland and near Lassiter’s Reef, especially with tidal flow. Entering the caves during significant swell is strongly discouraged due to strong currents and potential seaweed accumulation affecting visibility. Always carry a torch for cave exploration. The rocky entry points, particularly the path along the cliff to the second bay, can be sharp and slippery; therefore, suitable footwear and caution are advised, especially for drysuit divers or those with mobility issues. The area around the jetty can have fishing lines, so vigilance and carrying a dive knife are recommended. The nearest recompression chamber would be in Adelaide, necessitating an emergency evacuation plan in case of a dive accident. Divers should ensure their personal dive insurance covers local medical and evacuation costs. Always dive within your training limits and with a buddy.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Second Valley FAQ

Liveaboards diving Second Valley

These liveaboards may visit Second Valley on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$406/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day