While its beautiful beaches and excellent coastal walking trails get most of the attention, Sydney is also blessed with incredible snorkelling and diving sites and a landscape teeming with technicolour inhabitants. With crystal clear turquoise waters and outstanding visibility, there is something along Sydney’s coastline for every skill set and interest. Here are some lively, colourful and refreshing places for snorkelling in Sydney you should add to your summer bucket list.
1. Shelly Beach and Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly
Clear azure waters reveal a stunning world of aquatic wonders at Manly. The serene and somewhat secluded Shelly Beach takes the cake when it comes to the best spots for snorkelling in Sydney. There is a variety of marine life to encounter here including stingrays, goatfish and sharks. The beach is also part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve which lies adjacent to North Head and Fairy Bower. Over 150 species of fish inhabit these waters including giant cuttlefish, wobbegongs and a resident green turtle. Photography opportunities here are endless so be sure to bring your camera.
2. Underwater Nature Trail, Gordons Bay
There is plenty to love about Gordons Bay — beautiful emerald waters, fewer crowds, and excellent coastal scenery. The tranquil oasis is a fantastic diving and snorkelling spot and the only location on this list, and in all of Sydney, to have a 600-metre dedicated underwater nature trail perfect for exploring on a sunny day. The waters here are shallow and calm, perfect for beginners. Keep your eyes peeled for blue groper, cuttlefish, various wrasses, sea urchins, rays and more.
3. Little Bay Beach, Little Bay
One of the relatively under-the-radar beaches in Sydney, the small and sheltered Little Bay Beach boasts silky golden sand, bright blue waters and spectacular views of the majestic Pacific Ocean. Well-protected from large coastal swells thanks to the surrounding rocky headlands, it offers a tranquil spot for snorkelling and swimming. A quieter albeit equally exciting alternative to the busier beaches in Sydney, visitors here can expect to see a variety of sea life including squid and black urchins.
4. Bare Island, La Perouse
If the setting looks familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen it in Mission Impossible II. Beyond its Hollywood fame, the island has much to offer. Large grassy areas, fabulous sunset views, a fortress built in 1885 and walking tours make it the perfect quick day trip from Sydney. With crystalline waters and shallow depths, Bare Island is also a popular spot for both novice and experienced snorkellers. Keep an eye out for sea slugs, colourful sponge gardens and pineapple fish. The resident turtles are elusive but a wonderful surprise if you manage to spot one.
5. Clovelly Beach, Clovelly
If you’re a first-time snorkeller keen to get in on the action, Clovelly Beach is where you’ll want to go. Located just south of Bondi in the eastern suburbs, this small and serene beach packs a punch with clear blue waters and colourful sea life. It also comes with extra facilities nearby including picnic tables, a toilet block, showers and seaside cafes. The most famous underwater resident here is the 1.2 metre blue groper Bluey who is known to make the odd appearance.
6. Oak Park, Cronulla
Oak Park is one of the largest dive sites in Sydney, with captivating sponge gardens and a plethora of marine life to admire. It also comes with a rock pool if you’re not confident swimming in the ocean just yet and prefer a more relaxing experience. Snorkellers will be treated to a variety of sea creatures from colourful fish species to cuttlefish, lionfish, Port Jackson sharks, red Indian fish and even giant rays if you’re lucky. Oak Park also offers night dives so you can explore its calm, refreshing waters after dark.
7. Wattamola Beach, Royal National Park
The Royal National Park may be a short drive outside of Sydney but it’s well worth the trip for the diverse range of adventures it offers. Wattamola Beach here is a feast for the eyes complete with a teal-hued swimming lagoon, private waterfall, and coastal bushwalk views. The water here is cool and calm making it a family-friendly getaway and ideal for beginners. Snorkellers can find vibrant sea sponges, Port Jackson sharks, colourful fish and coral formations here.
Find more snorkelling spots in Sydney and around NSW on Visit NSW.