Abstract: The content and spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metal elements (Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr) and metal-like element (As) in 43 surface sediments from the offshore Leizhou peninsula were determined. The risk grade of heavy metal pollution was evaluated by the potential ecological risk index method. The results showed that the average contents of Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and As in each station were 0.037×10⁻⁶, 15.62×10⁻⁶, 66.33×10⁻⁶, 0.13×10⁻⁶, 26.71×10⁻⁶, 59.54×10⁻⁶ and 11.20×10⁻⁶, respectively, which exceeded the background values of sediments in the northern shelf area of the South China Sea. The mean value of RI in the study area was 130, which at low ecological risk. However, the moderate ecological risk was found in the Jianjiang river's estuary on the east side of the Leizhou peninsula and the offshore area of Liusha bay on the west side, and Hg was the main pollution factor. Compared with the results in 2010, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, and As contents in the Leizhou peninsula's offshore sediments showed a gradual increase, reflecting the influence of human activities on the study area.