Manly Snorkel Tour at Shelly Beach, Sydney
Join a small-group guided snorkel tour at Shelly Beach in Manly’s Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. This Advanced ECO Certified experience includes a one-hour guided snorkel, a 30-minute coastal eco walk, wetsuit and snorkel equipment, marine ID resources and free underwater photos. Suitable for confident swimmers aged 8+ who can swim 150 metres freestyle unassisted
Explore Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve at Shelly Beach, Manly
Experience an unforgettable group Manly snorkel tour in Sydney’s Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Join Ecotreasures for an Advanced Eco Tourism certified snorkelling experience at Shelly Beach, Manly, part of the spectacular Great Southern Reef. This small-group tour is perfect for confident swimmers who want to explore one of Sydney’s best marine wildlife experiences with expert local guide.
Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience
Why Cabbage Tree Bay Is Sydney’s Best Snorkel Spot?
Since 2002, Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve has been a “NO TAKE” marine zone. As a result, fishing and species collection are strictly prohibited, which ensures the conservation of its underwater treasures. The reserve, part of the Great Southern Reef, features rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms. Because of these diverse habitats, you’ll encounter a thriving array of marine life, just 30 minutes from Sydney’s CBD.
Why Choose Our Group Manly Snorkel Tour
Dive into a one hour guided snorkel adventure: and explore the underwater world of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Perfect for all skills levels.
Immersive Educational Eco Headland Nature Walk: Before you snorkel begin your experience with an immersive 30-minute headland walk, offering coastal views and story telling about the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve.
Marine Life Briefing: Learn how to spot and identify the different habitats over 200 species, including Blue groper, , and giant cuttlefish. Waterproof Marine ID charts for in water use.
15 Years of Experience operating safe, fun, and educational Sydney snorkeling tours at Cabbage Tree Bay, Shelly Beach.
Safety and Equipment Briefings: We provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment demonstration.
Eco Certified Snorkeling Sydney: Sydney’s only Advanced Eco Tourism Certified Snorkel Experience
Proud Green Travel Leader: With over 10 years of continuous eco tourism certification, making us a recognised industry leader in sustainable Sydney travel experiences.
Expert Local Guides: Marine experts who are fully trained in water safety and first aid.
Small Groups: With a maximum of 8 guests per group tour
All Equipment Provided: We supply high-quality snorkel gear and wetsuits for your comfort
Free Tour Photos: Shot with GoPro 13
Tour Duration and Meeting Point
Duration: Allow up to 2.5-hours
Where do you meet: Meet your guide and crew at Shelly Beach for meet and greet in front of Boat House Cafe on the sand next to Trees. See direction tab on this page for Shelly Beach map and drop pin.
What’s Included on Group Manly Snorkel Eco Tour
- 1-hour in the water guided snorkeling at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
- Immersive 30-minute eco interpretive walk at Shelly Beach headland
- All snorkel equipment, mask, fins, foam noodle and wetsuits
- Waterproof Marine ID charts to use in the water
- Fish ID charts and Maps for the eco walk
- Binoculars for the headland eco walks
- Free underwater tour photos
- Secure storage for small personal items in our van
What’s not included
- Pick up and drop off. Meet at Shelly Beach, Manly
- Food and drinks
Duration, Pricing & Booking
Flexi Ticket: $125 per person (24-hour cancellation policy)
Saver Ticket: $109 per person (no refunds; $30 fee for date changes)
Duration: Allow up to 2.5 hours
Book your Manly snorkel tour online now or purchase a gift certificate for an unforgettable Sydney snorkeling experience!
Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience
Advanced ECO Certified Experience
Ecotreasures is voluntarily Advanced ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia and recognised as a Green Travel Leader for more than 10 years of continuous certification. Our certification reflects a commitment to responsible tourism, environmental management, local interpretation and high-quality nature-based experiences, with independent audits every three years.
How to Get to Shelly Beach, Manly
Getting to your Shelly Beach snorkeling adventure is easy and convenient. Whether you’re a local or visiting Sydney, you have a few options:
Sydney Travel Tip – Get the ferry to Manly. A world class 30min ferry ride across Sydney Harbour. Arrive earlier to enjoy and nice cafe in Manly and soak us the local Sydney Cafe culture. Top food places to check out – Rollers Cafe, Manly Gourmet Thai, Hugos
From Manly Wharf: you can enjoy a flat and scenic 30 minute walk through Manly village, and along Manly beachfront to Shelly Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass cafes, shops, and stunning ocean views. In addition, this walk is a great way to start your day.
By Car: Drive and park at Shelly Beach Car Park. Parking limited at all Sydneys beaches on a nice day so allow ample time can be 30min + to get a park.
Meeting Point: Shelly Beach, Manly 2095. Meet your guide and crew at Shelly Beach for meet and greet in front of Boat House Cafe on sand next to Trees. See direction tab on this page for Shelly Beach map and drop pin.
Important Safety Information
All participants must be able to swim 150 meters freestyle unassisted and be comfortable floating and treading water.
A swim test will be conducted at the start of the tour for everyone’s safety.
If you are not a confident swimmer, please consider booking a private tour.
Minimum age for Children is 8. Any children age 8-14 must have 1 adult for every 2 kids.
Pregnant guests are not permitted due to insurance restrictions.
What to Bring
To ensure you have the best possible experience, please bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for the headland walk
- Flip-flops or sandals for the beach
- Hat and sunscreen
- Swimwear and towel
- Refillable water bottle
- One small backpack (secure storage provided). Please do not bring large luggage as we can not accomodate large bags in our van.
Shelly Beach Wildlife Highlights
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you may encounter:
- Blue Groper (near-threatened)
- Port Jackson Shark (Jul – Nov)
- Wobbegong
- Eagle Ray
- Maori Wrasse
- Crimson-banded Wrasse
- Giant Cuttlefish (Feb – Aug)
- Dusky Whaler Shark (Feb – June)
- Green Turtle
- And many more!
- For more information, visit our Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve Marine Identification page.
Responsible Travel and Citizen Science
We are happy to share minimal impact travel tips and climate change insights, so you can enjoy your visit responsibly. Additionally, you can participate in citizen science projects like iNaturalist Manly and Coastsnap to help protect this precious marine environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this snorkel tour suitable for beginners?
The tour is suitable for first-time snorkellers who are confident swimmers. All guests must be able to swim 150 metres freestyle unassisted, float and tread water confidently, and complete a swim test at the start of the tour.
What happens if sea conditions are unsafe?
We assess weather and ocean conditions before each tour. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact booked guests by email with the available options under our booking terms.
What marine life can I see at Shelly Beach?
Wildlife sightings vary with season and conditions. Guests may see Blue Groper, Port Jackson sharks, Wobbegongs, rays, wrasse, Giant Cuttlefish and other reef species in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
Is transport included?
Transport is not included for this group tour. Meet your guide at Shelly Beach, Manly. Private tours can include flexible transport options—contact Ecotreasures to discuss your group’s needs.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet your guide at Shelly Beach, Manly. Your booking confirmation includes the current meeting-point directions and map pin. Please arrive early and allow extra time for parking and travel. Manly snorkel tour guide phone number 0433088951
Can tours be cancelled?
Tours may be cancelled for safety reasons or if minimum 2 persons per group are not met. We will notify you by email if this occurs. Please check email morning of the tour. If your tour is cancelled due to low numbers to have the option to upgrade to 1 on 1 Private Snorkel Tour.
Where can I store my belongings?
You may store one small backpack per person in our vehicle. No large luggage, please.
Are there public toilets and showers?
Yes, facilities are available at Shelly Beach and Manly Beach Surf Club.
Can I participate if I’m pregnant?
Unfortunately, pregnant guests are not permitted due to insurance restrictions.
More detailed FAQs and Terms and conditions links
Ready to Book Your Manly Snorkel Tour?
Join Ecotreasures for a small-group guided snorkel experience at Shelly Beach in Manly’s Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Explore the Great Southern Reef with a local eco guide, learn about Sydney’s marine life and conservation, and enjoy an unforgettable underwater adventure with fellow snorkellers.