Second Valley

Second Valley is a shore dive on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, right next to Rapid Bay. It is known for leafy sea dragons and blue devilfish, and for caves, overhangs and good topography.

The site is shallow, about 10 metres at most, and easy to navigate by natural features. Rounding the headland, follow the small drop-off to the south, past a channel in the seagrass where eagle and bull rays and larger schools of fish are often found. Beyond the second bay lie the caves and overhangs. Sea dragons can occasionally be found around the jetty and in the area between the jetty and the headland. On calm days you can swim out to Lassiter's Reef, about 300 metres offshore, which has leafy sea dragons.

The beach and the jetty are the easiest entries. There is a tougher entry over the rocks beside the second bay, which saves the swim around the headland but is sharp and slippery and not recommended in a drysuit or if unfit. The site faces north, so southerly and easterly offshore winds are best, and big swell is a hazard. Fishermen use the jetty, so watch for fishing lines and carry a dive knife.