Name: Named for the rocky "Pinnacle" that breaks the surface just offshore at most states of the tide. Depth: Maximum depth at this site is 14 m, a few metres beyond the edge of the sand. The reef extends from about 12 m at the edge of the gravel, to the surface along the shoreline. Marine life: Various zones can be identified based on depth, exposure and substrate. The shallower water to a depth of about 4 or 5 m is dominated by dense encrustations of red-bait, a large sea squirt, and a large variety of other organisms which find the red-bait pods a congenial home. False corals and sea fans are most noticeable on the steeper sides of the reef in the deeper depth range, and sponges are more common with increased depth. The smaller rounded boulders tend to be covered with encrusting sponges, hydroids, bryozoans and sea urchins, and in the shallower areas, a range of seaweeds. Big sea squirts in the pebble zone provide a substrate for other invertebrates, and this is also the place to find tubular hydroids and burrowing anemones. A wide range of nudibranchs have been seen here on a regular basis. Spider crabs seem to be fairly common on sea fans in the deeper reef and pebble zone to the west of the cove. (offshore from Sponge Rock) Topography: Pinnacle - The rock pinnacle which gives the site its name is just offshore from the entry gully in about 8 m depth and is easily identified, as it breaks the surface at most states of the tide. The pinnacle landward end is very sheer on both north-east and south faces, but tapers down more gradually to seaward.