Coral Cove is one of a string of tiny beaches strung along the cliffed coast between Mornington and Mount Eliza, where the Esplanade runs along the top of 20–30 m sandstone bluffs and a continuous foreshore reserve separates road from sea. The Scuba Doctor lists it as a 1–8 m shore dive and gives the entry as a gravel path and steps opposite 662 Esplanade, noting frankly that finding a car park is problematic. The cove itself is a small sandy arc hemmed by rock, and the diving is along the sandstone platforms and boulder falls that run out from the cliff base on either side.

Below the low-tide line the rock is draped in brown algae and Sargassum with pockets of seagrass on the sand, and the ledges and overhangs formed where the soft sandstone has been undercut hold the small reef fish and invertebrates typical of the eastern bay: magpie perch, old wives, hulafish, leatherjackets, decorator crabs, abalone and octopus. Rays settle on the sand offshore, and cuttlefish come inshore in winter. There is nothing coral-like about it – the name is from the street above – and nothing that would draw a diver from far away.

Its appeal is local and conditional: on a still winter morning or a light easterly the water over the rock platforms is clear and the cove is entirely empty, and a diver or snorkeller can work 500 m of undived cliff-foot reef south to Fosters Beach and Fossil Beach with the bluffs as a constant reference. It suits self-sufficient divers who enjoy exploring low-key sites, and snorkellers from the neighbourhood. It does not suit large groups (there is nowhere to park them) or anyone who needs facilities.

Treat the steep path and the westerly exposure with respect and it is a pleasant, quiet dive.

From Mornington drive north along the Esplanade toward Mount Eliza. Opposite number 662 Esplanade, near the Coral Road junction, a gravel path with steps leads down the bluff to the cove. Parking is the problem: there is no car park, only limited roadside space along the Esplanade and side streets, so arrive early.

Carry gear down the steps (about 100 m and a steady climb back) and enter directly off the small beach. Deep water lies close inshore at high tide. Exit back up the same path; Fosters Beach is 500 m to the south along the shore.

Coral Cove faces west and the source is explicit that it is exposed to strong westerly winds and waves; even a moderate westerly or south-westerly sea breeze puts a shore break on the beach and turns the shallows to milk. Dive it only with light easterly offshore winds or in the calm of an early morning. High tide brings deep water close in and makes entry easier; at low tide the inshore rock is exposed and awkward.

No current. Run-off from the cliffs after rain clouds the water for a day or two.

Enter from the beach at high tide, descend as soon as there is 2 m of water, and follow the rock and rubble edge south toward Fosters Beach in 4–6 m with the bluffs on your left; explore the ledges out to about 8 m. Turn at half gas, return along the deeper edge and surface in the cove.

No regular operator – independent shore divers and snorkellers only.