The Jurien Bay Underwater Interpretive Snorkel and Dive Trail was built as a community project and opened in summer 2013/14. More than 70 reef balls made of marine-friendly concrete were placed around the remains of the old wooden jetty, about 25 m off the beach at Dobbyn Park, creating an artificial reef habitat in 2.5-6 m of water over an area about 100 m square. Interpretive swim cards sold in town (proceeds go to maintenance) explain the marine life along the trail.

The reef balls and old piles attract fish, invertebrates, sponges, sea squirts, anemones and small corals, while the surrounding seagrass meadows support western rock lobster, whiting, flathead and flounder. Skippy, dart, herring and tailor school around the jetty, and Australian sea lions – Jurien Bay is their only major breeding area on the west coast – occasionally cruise past.

However, the Pinnacles visitor centre now reports that the trail is covered with sand, limiting what can be seen. Sand movement along this coast is seasonal and the reef balls may re-emerge; check locally before planning a dive around it.

When exposed, the trail is an easy, free shore snorkel ideal for families and new divers, right next to town facilities. Divers wanting richer reef should head out to the islands and lagoon reefs of the Jurien Bay Marine Park by boat. Anglers fish from the adjacent jetty day and night, so watch for lines and keep well clear of anyone casting. Early mornings give the calmest, clearest water.

Jurien Bay is about 220 km (2.5 hours) north of Perth via the Indian Ocean Drive. Park at Dobbyn Park, on the foreshore just north of the town beach at the old jetty site, close to the town centre. Enter from the beach; the trail starts about 25 m offshore at the old wooden jetty piles and covers an area roughly 100 m square.

Interpretive swim cards ($5) are sold in local shops. The current jetty is used by anglers.

The Turquoise Coast is protected by a line of offshore limestone reefs and islands that break the prevailing south-westerly swell, creating a lagoon of calm, clear water inshore. The main enemy is wind: the strong southerly sea breeze ('Fremantle Doctor') blows most summer afternoons from about 11 am, and winter north-westerly fronts bring storms and poor visibility. Mornings from October to April are best.

The trail sits inside the sheltered bay, but the afternoon sea breeze stirs up the sand and reduces visibility sharply. Winter storms move sand over the reef balls.

Enter from Dobbyn Park beach, swim to the old jetty piles 25 m out and follow the reef balls and plaques around the 100 m square trail area, then return to the beach.

No operator – independent; Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience (PADI dive centre) is in town for gear and advice.