Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local Guide
- Duration
- 2 h 30 min
- Group size
- Up to 8 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 8 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is our pick on the snorkelling in Sydney page, and it has more reviews than all the other Sydney snorkel listings on Viator combined. You snorkel from the beach at Shelly Beach in Manly, inside the no-take Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, for about an hour, in a group of 8 at most. A 30-minute headland walk with binoculars is part of the tour.
Everything is supplied: mask, fins, foam noodles and a choice of full wetsuit, short suit or rash shirt, which matters from May to August. There is a 150-metre swim test before you go in. The Sydney tourism channel says a blue groper at Shelly Beach is almost guaranteed and has filmed wobbegongs, eagle rays and cuttlefish there; a good guide finds the ones you would swim past alone. Meet on the sand in front of the Boat House Cafe. From the city, take the Manly ferry and allow time for the walk from the wharf.
Good for
- First-time snorkellers who want gear and a guide
- Families with children 8 and over
Think twice if
- Confident snorkellers with their own gear. Shelly Beach is a public beach
- Weak swimmers who cannot manage the swim test
Written by SydneySide Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked October 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Enjoy a relaxed 2.5 hour snorkeling and walking tour at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve in Manly, just a short hop from Sydney. This morning or afternoon tour gives both beginning and experienced snorkelers a chance to see some of the diverse marine life of Australia, launching right off the beach into calm waters with a variety of marine life. Your guide also takes your small-group, limited to 8 people, on a short walk on the headland where you get great views of the Northern Beaches.
From the listing by EcoTreasures on Viator.
What's included
- Binoculars for Headland Walk
- Local guide
- 30 min Educational headland eco walk - Learn about the Cabbage Tree Bay wildlife and habitats
- All Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins and foam floating noodles
- Wetsuits included. Choice of full suit, short suit or rash shirt
- 1 Hour snorkeling
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
We meet at Shelly Beach Manly in front of Boat House Cafe on the sand next to Palm trees. Look for our staff and flag. Arrive 5-10mins before tour start time.
Do you need help call snorkel guide.
Checking in
Please note: Departure times can vary due to weather conditions, please check emails and make sure to re-confirm 24 hours prior.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Please complete Ecotreasures online waiver 24hrs prior to tour. Go to main menu on Ecotreasures website
All participants must be able to swim 150 meters freestyle unassisted, float, and tread water.
Arrive 5-10mins prior to start time to check in
Where it ends
We meet at Shelly Beach Manly in front of Boat House Cafe on the sand next to Palm trees. Look for our staff and flag. Arrive 5-10mins before tour start time.
Do you need help call snorkel guide.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking
- Please bring swimwear, sunscreen, hat and towel
- Please note: wetsuit options are available to use on the day of travel: rash vest, spring wetsuit (short arms and legs) and steamers (full body suit)
- All participants must be able to swim 150 meters unassisted, float and tread water
- All medical requirements must be declared to our staff once booking is confirmed.
- Please note pregnant participants are not permitted to join the tour
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Cannot participate if you are pregnant
- If you can't swim please do not book this tour.
- Please complete Ecotreasures online waiver 24hrs prior to tour
- Not available for non swimmers
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our snorkelling page, our things to do in sydney page and our home page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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