Sea Snakes on the Central Coast: Mysterious Visitors from the Deep
Sea snakes might sound like something out of a scary movie, but they’re actually real – and every now and then, they show up along the Central Coast. These fascinating creatures are part of our ocean ecosystem and are usually shy, gentle, and just passing through.
Most people will never see one, but it’s good to know a bit about them – just in case you do.
What are sea snakes?
Sea snakes are true snakes – like the ones on land – but they’ve adapted to live their whole lives in saltwater. They’re excellent swimmers, can hold their breath for long periods, and some even give birth to live young out at sea.
Most sea snakes are found in warmer tropical waters, but occasionally, one or two may drift down as far as New South Wales, especially during warmer months or strong currents. On the Central Coast, sightings are rare, but not unheard of.
The ones we might see belong to a group called venomous sea snakes, but don’t worry – they’re not aggressive, and bites are extremely rare.
What do they look like?
Sea snakes come in different shapes and sizes, but most are:
Thin and long, often between 1–1.5 metres.
Pale, silver, brown, or banded in colour.
Have a flattened tail, like a paddle, to help them swim.
They look a bit like an eel, but if you look closely, you’ll see the difference in the head shape and scales.
Where might you see them?
On the Central Coast, sea snakes may appear:
Washed up on beaches – usually tired, sick, or lost.
Drifting in rock pools or shallow bays after strong currents or storms.
Further offshore, where divers or boaters might spot them.
They’re not commonly found in lakes, rivers, or estuaries – they prefer the open ocean or coral reef areas further north.
If you do see one, it’s best to keep your distance and let it be. If it’s alive but stranded, you can report it to local wildlife rescue groups like Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast
Are sea snakes dangerous?
Technically, yes – sea snakes have powerful venom, some of the most toxic in the world. But in reality, they are not aggressive and usually only bite if they feel trapped or threatened.
Most bites happen when people try to handle them, especially fishermen who accidentally catch one in a net. If you don’t touch them, they won’t bother you.
So if you see one, enjoy it from afar – it’s a rare and special encounter.
Helping protect sea snakes
Even though they’re not common here, sea snakes are still part of the marine ecosystem and need a healthy ocean to survive. You can help by:
Keeping beaches and oceans clean – plastic waste harms all sea life.
Reporting stranded or injured sea snakes to wildlife groups.
Avoiding interference – let them go on their way if found alive in the water.
Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for marine reptiles and protect breeding areas
Sea snakes are mysterious and often misunderstood. While they’re not regulars on the Central Coast, the occasional sighting reminds us of the wild and wonderful ocean right next to us. If you're lucky enough to spot one, it's a cool (and rare) story to tell – just remember to give it space and respect.