Description

Manly Snorkel Tour: Eco Certified Snorkeling at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

Dive Into Sydney Snorkeling on the Great Southern Reef

Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience

Are you ready for an unforgettable Manly snorkel tour? Join Ecotreasures for a unique, eco certified snorkeling Sydney experience at Shelly Beach, right in the heart of the world-renowned Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. As part of the spectacular Great Southern Reef, this protected area is home to an incredible diversity of marine life and offers one of the best Sydney snorkeling adventures for all skill levels.

Why Choose Our Manly Snorkel Tour?

  • 15 Years of Experience: For over 15 years, Ecotreasures has operated safe, fun, and educational tours at Cabbage Tree Bay. Our crew’s top priority is always your safety and enjoyment.

  • Safety and Equipment Briefings: Before every tour, we provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment demonstration. As a result, you’ll feel confident and ready to explore.

  • Eco Certified Snorkeling Sydney: Advanced Eco Tourism Certified and Climate Action Certified, ensuring your snorkeling adventure supports genuine sustainable practices.

  • 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: Our qualified guides are passionate about the Great Southern Reef and its marine life. They are fully trained in water safety and first aid.

  • Small Groups: With a maximum of 8 guests, you’ll enjoy a more personal and relaxed experience.

  • All Equipment Provided: We supply high-quality snorkel gear and wetsuits for your comfort.

  • Free Tour Photos: Capture your adventure with complimentary underwater photos.

  • Scenic Nature Walk: Begin your experience with a 30-minute headland walk, offering coastal views and, during winter, the chance to spot migrating whales.

  • Marine Life Briefing: Learn how to spot and identify the different habitats over 200 + species, including blue groper, weedy sea dragons, and giant cuttlefish.

Your Manly Snorkel Tour Experience

During your 2.5-hour adventure, you will:

  • Meet your guide at Shelly Beach Car Park, located at the end of Bower Street, Manly.

  • Receive a full safety and equipment briefing to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared.

  • Enjoy a 30min scenic headland walk with breathtaking views of the Great Southern Reef coastline.

  • Participate in a 1-hour guided Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve snorkeling session, discovering the vibrant marine life that calls this area home.

  • Learn about marine habitats, local culture, and conservation from your expert guide.

  • Bond with fellow snorkelers from around the world, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.

  • Take home free underwater photos as a souvenir of your Sydney snorkeling experience.

What’s Included

  • 1-hour in the water guided snorkeling at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

  • 30-minute headland walk at Shelly Beach

  • All snorkel equipment and wetsuits

  • Safety and snorkeling equipment briefings

  • Marine life and habitat identification briefing

  • Free underwater tour photos

  • Secure storage for small personal items

Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience

Getting to Your Manly Snorkel Tour

Getting to your Shelly Beach snorkeling adventure is easy and convenient. Whether you’re a local or visiting Sydney, you have several options:

  • By Foot: If you arrive at Manly Wharf, you can enjoy a scenic 20–30 minute walk along the 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 Taxi or Rideshare: Alternatively, take a quick 5-minute taxi or rideshare from Manly Wharf directly to Shelly Beach Car Park. This option is especially convenient if you’re short on time.

  • By Car: You can also drive and park at Shelly Beach Car Park, located at the end of Bower Street, Manly. However, parking is limited, especially during weekends and summer. Therefore, please allow extra time to find a space and arrive early.

  • Meeting Point: Once you arrive, look for the ECO TREASURES van at the exit of Shelly Beach Car Park, near the disabled parking spot on the cliff side. Our friendly staff will greet you and help you prepare for your Manly snorkel tour. Furthermore, if you need help on the day, our snorkel tour phone is switched on 30 minutes before your tour begins. Consequently, you can call us if you have any questions or get lost on your way.

Manly map ecotreasures meeting spot shelly beach

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.

  • 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.

Discover the Protected Waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

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.

Wildlife Highlights

While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you may encounter:

  • Blue Groper (near-threatened)

  • Grey Nurse Shark (threatened)

  • Port Jackson Shark (June – Nov)

  • Spotted Wobbegong

  • Eagle Ray

  • Green Moray

  • Weedy Sea Dragons (near-threatened)

  • 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.

Pricing & Booking

  • Flexi Ticket: $109 per person (24-hour cancellation policy)

  • Saver Ticket: $99 per person (no cancellation; $30 fee for date changes)

  • Duration: 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m late or can’t find the meeting spot?
Please arrive early and allow extra time for travel and parking. If you arrive late, you may forfeit your ticket as the tour must start on time. Call the snorkel tour phone 30 minutes before the start if you need help. Manly snorkel tour guide phone number 0433088951

Will the tour operate in rain?
Yes, we operate in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.

Can tours be cancelled?
Tours may be cancelled for safety reasons or if minimum numbers are not met. We will notify you by email if this occurs. Please check email morning of the 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.

Ready to Explore Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and the Great Southern Reef?

Join Ecotreasures for the best Manly snorkel tour and discover why Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve snorkeling is Sydney’s top eco adventure. As you explore the Great Southern Reef, you’ll create lasting memories, learn about marine conservation, and connect with fellow adventurers from around the world.

Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience

Available Dates

Directions

Go to Shelly Beach car park exit, which is the only car park at Shelly Beach (not the loading zone next to toilets & cafe). Use the maps provided on the webpage in the meeting location section.