Rapid Bay is situated near Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, about 100 kms south of Adelaide (About an hour and a half drive).
Named after surveyor Colonel William Light's brig Rapid, it is famous for its fishing both from a boat or the jetty, dive sites (particularly as it is the home of the leafy sea dragon) and all water sports. Rapid Bay is convenient to Deep Creek Conservation Park, Cape Jervis and Morgan's Beach, Golf at Wirrina Cove and Lady Bay, Second Valley, Normanville, Yankalilla, Delamere and Kangaroo Island.
Most of the town was constructed by BHP as a company town for workers at the Rapid Bay Quarry. The quarry is now run by Adelaide Brighton Cement. The Yankalilla Council has zoned the area to retain its present character and style of housing.
Rapid Bay's main attraction is that it is small and quiet.  The limestone "smalls" which were dumped on the beach and spilled from the jetty conveyor belt when loading ships have given the water that beautiful aqua colour. Although the beach has small, smooth stones covering much of it, the shore-line is sandy and the bathing in summer is often in beautiful calm, clear water with a sandy bottom. The view is dominated by Constitution Hill and a cave at the eastern end of the beach. Around the eastern headland are situated secluded beaches and a further cave. No access on high tide. The views from the top of Constitution Hill are magnificent but the climb (even taking the safer longer route) is pretty tough.
The jetty is now closed and work proceeding on a replacement. Gar, Tommy Ruff, Squid, Trevalley, Whiting and the odd Yellowtail are amongst many species which were commonly caught from the jetty. Whilst it is possible to launch a boat from the beach, it is recommended to launch either at Cape Jervis or at Wirinna which are both only a few kilometres away by sea. Rapid Bay is also popular with sea kayakers.
The town's licenced general store has closed however nearby stores at Delamere, Cape Jervis and Second Valley are a short drive away. The town also has an oval and school.