Snorkelling & diving in Sydney

A snorkelling adventure is a wonderful way to experience Sydney’s natural underwater beauty, from seahorses in Sydney Harbour to kelp forests and rocky reefs teeming with marine life in the bays and coves along the spectacular Sydney coastline.

Marine life passing through Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly

Shelly Beach, Manly

Sydney’s North

Hop on a ferry at Circular Quay and glide across the harbour to Manly, where Dive Centre Manly and Ecotreasures will take you snorkelling in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Blue groper, cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks and sea dragons are a few of the numerous species in the sanctuary. Chowder Bay and Balmoral Beach near Mosman are also good snorkelling spots.

Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly

Sydney’s East

The sheltered waters of Clovelly Bay at Clovelly Beach are great for beginner snorkellers. You might even spot Bluey (or one of several generations of bluey), a legendary blue groper, while exploring the underwater world. Nearby is Gordons Bay, home to a self-guided underwater nature trail, which you can also explore with Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours.

Gordons Bay, Coogee

Sydney’s South

Bare Island, just north of Kurnell, is a popular spot with divers, offering excellent visibility and an abundance of marine life including red Indian fish, gurnards, colourful corals and sponges. The nearby sheltered bays of Congwong and Little Bay are great spots for snorkelling, while Malabar Beach has two shipwrecks to explore.

Aerial view of Bare island, Botany Bay Sydney

Bare island, Sydney South

Sydney Harbour

From December to March, the Sydney Harbour Discovery itinerary with Sydney Princess Cruises journeys to icons such as the Sydney Opera House and to a secluded beach in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Bring your own snorkel gear or hire equipment aboard the boat and explore the vibrant world under the sparkling waters.

Hornby Lighthouse, South Head

Another harbour snorkelling tour is with Spirit Fleet. You’ll enjoy the iconic attractions above and below the water on Sydney Harbour. You might even spot a harmless Port Jackson shark or a giant cuttlefish, the largest species of cuttlefish in the world.