Dog friendly Sturt Bay beach usually receives waves averaging 0.5 m which maintain a low energy steep beach fronted by a narrow bar and low surf. There are three lower energy sections in the east in lee of the reefs off Point Gilbert, in the centre either side of the Sturt Road access, and in the west in lee of Sandy Point. In these locations the lower waves permit seagrass to grow almost to the beach, while in lee of Sandy Point the sand flats widen to 200 m. Occasional period of higher waves along the higher energy sections produce a one to two bar system, with rips spaced every 100 to 200 m along the inner bar. While these are usually inactive they do however result in a variable bar and trough topography close to shore.

Dogs are welcome off leash on all beaches in Yorke Peninsula (except in National Parks).