Who says you must book a beach holiday to enjoy clear waters, colourful coral and dazzling sea life swimming beneath you? We have so much on our doorstep! Here are five best snorkelling spots on the Northern Beaches in Sydney to explore with your snorkels.
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, you can’t go past a spot of snorkelling! From the crystal waters of Cabbage Tree Bay to the stunning Fisherman’s Beach, you pack the snorkels, and we’ll send you on your way with these five of the best snorkelling spots around the Northern Beaches, Sydney.
Snorkelling spots in Sydney
Did you know? There are more than 500 species of sea life in our harbour, including sea dragons, cuttlefish, seahorses, octopus, blue swimmer crabs, Port Jackson sharks, starfish, and much more. You can join several different snorkelling tours throughout Sydney to learn more about them, so jump in for a dip yourself.
When it comes to snorkelling, you want to find shallow, calm waters with gentle swells to get the most out of your trip. Here are our top five snorkelling spots on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, so only a short drive from the North Shore.
- Little Manly Cove
- Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly
- Shelly Beach, Manly
- Fisherman’s Beach, Collaroy
- The Basin, Ku-ring-gai
Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly
Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly
Cabbage Tree Bay has to be one of the best snorkelling spots on the Northern Beaches, so pop on those snorkels and dive in! This aquatic reserve aims to protect marine life, with more than 160 species of fish swimming around the area. You can spot blue groupers, giant cuttlefish, and their resident green turtle.
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve includes seven main types of habitat: sandy beaches, rocky shores, rocky reefs, kelp, seagrass beds, sandy seabed and open water.
It’s located between the southern end of Manly Beach and Shelly Beach. You can either begin at Shelly Beach and follow the headland around or enter from Half Way Beach, taking the steps down to the sand.
- Address: Cabbage Tree Bay, East Esplanade, Manly
- Getting there: You can get to the Reserve from the southern end of Manly Beach along the scenic walkway. Fairy Bower can also be accessed from Bower Lane and Shelly Beach from Bower Street.
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
The great news is that you don’t have to go around Cabbage Tree Bay for good snorkelling. You can set yourself up on Shelly Beach and enjoy a snorkelling spot there. It’s also lovely and sheltered from the swells and winds, making it the perfect place to glimpse the sea life below.
Spot Port Jackson Sharks, squids and plenty of colourful fish. If you venture further out, you will discover another surprise: an old motorbike that rests on the seabed in the middle of the bay in around 8 metres of water. Pretty cool!
- Address: Shelly Beach, Marine Parade, Manly
- Getting there: Shelly Beach is a 10-15 minute walk from South Steyne in Manly. Otherwise, if you’re driving, there is a metered car park behind the beach (Bower Street) and street parking.
Little Manly Beach
Little Manly Beach
The shallow, calm waters at Little Manly Cove make it the perfect spot to snorkel and observe the marine life. There’s a big swimming enclosure right on the beach. For snorkelling, the best idea is to head to the outside of this enclosure, on the western wall, and then follow it around.
As you head out, you’ll find some rocks. Stick next to these, and you’ll see plenty! Pay attention to where you are and head back once you hit the point.
- Address: Stuart Street, Manly
- Getting there: Little Manly Beach is a ten-minute walk from Manly Wharf.
Fisherman’s Beach, Collaroy
Fisherman’s Beach, Collaroy
The stunning Fisherman’s Beach is part of the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, where you will find schools of colourful fish and other sea life. Unlike other snorkelling spots, the currents can get a little strong along here, so always check before heading into the water. You’ll be able to spot feather stars, heart urchins, sea slugs, starfish and plenty more.
- Address: Anzac Avenue, Collaroy
- Getting there: Fishermans Beach is located between Collaroy Point and the northern base of Long Reef Point.
The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Here’s a place you can not only snorkel but also turn into a fun camping trip away with the family! The star attraction here is the sea horses (how amazing!), but you will also find starfish, cuttlefish, leather jackets, and more. If you want to explore the area, booking a tour with Eco Treasures is recommended. That will give you the best chance of seeing everything there is!
- Address: The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Getting There: Drive to Palm Beach Wharf and get a ferry or water taxi to The Basin. Otherwise, park at West Head Road, which is a steep 2.8km walk from the Basin.
More snorkelling spots further afield…
If you want to travel further, here are some other great snorkelling spots:
- Clovelly Beach
- Gordons Bay, Clovelly
- Malabar Beach
- Flat Rock, South Bondi
- Silver Beach, Kurnell
- Bare Island, La Perouse
- Oak Park Beach, Cronulla
