Myponga Beach is a small, steep-sided cove on the western Fleurieu, and the Scuba Divers Federation describes the dive off its southern point as a great shore dive with lots of crevices, walls and ledges. For most of the dive a 4-5 m vertical wall runs alongside, in 5-8 m of water, giving more relief than many gulf shore dives. The Marine Life Network considers it very similar to Second Valley.

The wall and ledges are covered in brown algae and kelp on top, with sponges and ascidians in the crevices, and the fish are typical of the rocky western Fleurieu: drummer, talma (magpie morwong), old wives, goatfish and leatherjackets, along with wrasse, blue devils and zebrafish. Nudibranchs and crabs live in the cracks. The Marine Life Network warns that the area is criss-crossed with abandoned fishing tackle from rock fishers, so carry a knife or line cutter and watch your gear.

The site is not safe in large swell, is often surgy, and can have currents during large tidal movements. Myponga Beach suits Open Water divers with some shore diving experience, looking for a quieter alternative to Second Valley and Rapid Bay on the way down the peninsula. The scenic drive down Myponga Beach Road is part of the experience, but take it slowly with gear on board.

It is a good choice on calm easterly days when the whole western Fleurieu coast lies in the lee. Bring everything you need, as there are no shops at the beach, and allow time for the slow climb back up the hill after the dive.

Myponga Beach is about 1 hour south of Adelaide. Take Main South Road past Aldinga and Sellicks Hill, then turn right onto Myponga Beach Road (steep and winding) down to the small beach settlement. Park near the beach; the dive is from the point on the left-hand (southern) side of the beach, a short walk over sand and rock.

Entry is over rocks – check swell before committing and plan your exit.

Exposed to westerly and south-westerly swell; not safe in large swell and often surgy even on moderate days. Dive after several days of easterly winds, in the morning before the sea breeze. Currents can run along the point during large tidal movements, so neap tides are best.

Visibility drops after rain when Myponga Creek flows.

Enter at the left-hand point and follow the vertical wall with it on one shoulder at 5-7 m, checking the crevices and ledges. Turn at half gas and return along the wall to the entry.

No regular operator; SDFSA-listed shore dive visited by clubs and independent divers.