Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local Guide
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sydney, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Join a morning or afternoon excursion to Manly to snorkel in the calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Just a short hop from Sydney, see diverse marine life on a guided snorkeling tour from Shelly Beach. After a swim test, your guide leads your small group into the water from the beach, so you can snorkel with confidence. Also stroll along the headland for great Northern Beaches views.
- Avoid the risk of snorkeling alone in a new place
- All snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are provided
- Suitable for both beginner and advanced snorkelers
- A small-group tour ensures personalized attention and tips
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
See a different side of Manly Beach on a snorkeling tour that focuses on its underwater wildlife.
What's Included
- Local guide
- 1 Hour snorkeling
- All Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins and foam floating noodles
- Binoculars for Headland Walk
- 30 min Educational headland eco walk - Learn about the Cabbage Tree Bay wildlife and habitats
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentWetsuits included. Choice of full suit, short suit or rash shirt
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Meet your guide and small group at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, an area that covers approximately 50 acres (20 hectares) from the southern end of Manly Beach to the northern end of Shelly Beach headland. With the use of snorkeling equipment included and the knowledge of your local guide, this tour is a great introduction to the underwater world of Manly Beach.
Begin with a short and easy nature walk on the headlands. Learn from your guide about Australia's natural environment and native animals, and hear fascinating details about Sydney's Aboriginal heritage and colonial history.
Next up, head to the water's edge to receive the provided snorkeling gear and a safety briefing. Your guide leads you into the calm water from the beach. Look for fish and other critters as they swim through seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and along the sandy bottom. Your guide can assist with any questions throughout your tour. You can start off by snorkeling in shallow water, then go deeper as your confidence grows. (Note: participants must be able to swim 500 feet/150 meters, float, and tread water unassisted; a swim test is conducted prior to the tour).
Your guide details the marine life that you might spot underwater, including the most common species: blue groper and cuttlefish. Protected species such as seadragons, black rock cod, and elegant wrasse have also been found here, among more than 160 species of fish in the reserve. Some species rarely leave the reserve's waters, while others come and go regularly.
Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that is suitable for both new and experienced snorkelers.
Begin with a short and easy nature walk on the headlands. Learn from your guide about Australia's natural environment and native animals, and hear fascinating details about Sydney's Aboriginal heritage and colonial history.
Next up, head to the water's edge to receive the provided snorkeling gear and a safety briefing. Your guide leads you into the calm water from the beach. Look for fish and other critters as they swim through seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and along the sandy bottom. Your guide can assist with any questions throughout your tour. You can start off by snorkeling in shallow water, then go deeper as your confidence grows. (Note: participants must be able to swim 500 feet/150 meters, float, and tread water unassisted; a swim test is conducted prior to the tour).
Your guide details the marine life that you might spot underwater, including the most common species: blue groper and cuttlefish. Protected species such as seadragons, black rock cod, and elegant wrasse have also been found here, among more than 160 species of fish in the reserve. Some species rarely leave the reserve's waters, while others come and go regularly.
Choose from a morning or afternoon tour that is suitable for both new and experienced snorkelers.
1
Shelly Beach
2
Manly Beach
3
Ecotreasures
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rebecca_C
This was a fantastic tour. We had the best snorkeling guide! He was very knowledgeable and kind. He dealt with the flimsy weather very well and we got to really appreciate and enjoy the water.
Reviews
4.8
based on 296 reviews
Gretchen_L, Apr 2026
Visibility wasn’t the best that day so we didn’t see a ton but saw some interesting fish and a ray. Very protected bay so great for novice or kids. Lauren was an excellent guide.
Rebecca_C, Mar 2026
This was a fantastic tour. We had the best snorkeling guide! He was very knowledgeable and kind. He dealt with the flimsy weather very well and we got to really appreciate and enjoy the water.
Julie_P, Feb 2026
If you enjoy snorkelling this is the trip for you. There is a huge variety of fish to see and if you are lucky the turtle will come and swim with you. Groups are small and our guide Laura was very attentive and ensured we got the best experience ensuring everyone was comfortable with their gear throughout the snorkelling trip. We started with a hike overlooking Shelly beach as seen on the Bold and Beautiful! So thrilled we made it here.
Aadity_S, Dec 2025
The guide was super-duper helpful. Everything was just great. Smooth water and weather added an extra touch.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We aim to be super-duper so thank you for appreciating our efforts to help you have the best time possible. Thank you for the support and review. Damien
Lisa_B, Oct 2025
Easy snorkel tour from the beach. We saw a ton - 2 different sharks, 2 big cuttlefish, lots of fish and a stingray. The snorkeling is easy from the shore. Be sure to say yes to the wetsuit offered, the water is cold. Uber back from the beach was a pain - 25 mins for pickup and 45 mins off rush hour to get back to Circular Quay so that was a bit of a pain so plan accordingly.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Wow what a day, you got to see so much. Thank you for the review and support. Yes we include suits all year. Water temp gets warmer above 20 degrees from Dec - may with tops of 25/26 in peak of summer. Winter water temp 16-20. Yes we do recommend to take the ferry and avoid ubers. Ferry is cheaper and better view if you allow time. We say allow 1hr from circular quay to Shelly beach. 30min ferry then 20/30min walk from manly wharf to shelly beach through the village. Its a great way to experience Manly. Sydney is a city of water so you can get a uber and sit in a car with traffic or the best option catch the ferry which has no traffic then walk through manly village and get a coffee. Sydney is a big city so your right always plan and locals always allow extra time to get anywhere. Try be early, don't rush so you can float into the experience. Safe travels Damien
Clark_B, Sep 2025
Great experience!!! Sam was an awesome tour and snorkel guide! Very informative and made everyone feel very welcome :)
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the review and support. Yes all our guides are great and Sam is a super guide. Knows his stuff and very experience in the water. We are very happy he made you feel welcome and you enjoyed the experience. Damien
Faith_M, Sep 2025
This was a fun tour. They had wetsuits for us that kept us warm in the water. They made sure we all kinds of fishes and Sharks.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Nice, thank you for the review. Life is about having fun and experiences. Thank you for the support. Damien
Gary_M, Apr 2025
The snorkelling is lovely.
However, the meeting arrangements are extremely inflexible. We arrived at 9:20, for the 9:30 tour, and 4 of us (one who is a travel agent) were walking around the carpark looking for ecotreasures and could not see them. We walked to the top of the carpark (as per the website) at 9:30 but there was no clear signage of the company.
The 'walk' section started promptly at 9:30 but we missed it! The guide "did not answer messages once the tour began". While understanding this we all thought it was VERY inflexible. Finally (after the walk) we got through to the guide who allowed us to join the snorkel. We felt that it was entirely our fault, which we accept some responsibility for but even a minimal degree of flexibility (and clearer signage) would have alleviated.
Christina_S, Jan 2025
Christina was a real sweetheart! Very knowledgeable of the area. She was patient and explained to new snorkelers how to use the equipment and how to be safe. She made the experience very nice!
Marlene_S, Jan 2025
Fabulous. Christine was excellent. Saw lots of fish, stingrays, Groper. Mini coastal walk was good with pretty views and birdlife.Bonus of go-pro photos emailed a few days later. Thank you :)
Jay_B, Jan 2025
A really cool experience! You go deep into the water and get to see all sorts of fish and wildlife. Is great if you’re never done it before and given plenty of support.
Federica_M, Dec 2024
Wonderful experience! The group was very small, with around 5 people. I booked the tour at 1 pm and it was great. The water was clear and our guide, Jules, made sure to pick the spots with the best visibility. She made sure everyone was ok all the time and was very knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the short walk before the snorkelling. I would totally recommend it!
Heidi_S, Nov 2024
Damien proved to be an exceptionally knowledgeable guide, displaying a deep passion for the ecosystem and its marine inhabitants. The nature walk was an informative, light stroll designed to educate us about the local area, the variety of fish we would encounter, and the ones to avoid. Before we even started snorkeling, we had already learned so much. For my son, it was his inaugural snorkeling adventure, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. We even had the opportunity to observe an impressive turtle up close! We highly recommend this experience to anyone with a love for the ocean and a desire to witness its stunning marine life.
Jolene_V, Oct 2024
We had a lovely time our guide took her time with our group, and we saw loads of fish it was my 8 and 10yr olds first time snorkelling and they loved it. I myself was worried about the cold water, but the wetsuits made this no problem. Only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars, we waiting on photos, we were told though that it could take a few days. Definitely worth going, we spent the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, it was the perfect day.
Casimiera_B, Sep 2024
Raf was amazing and informative with instructions and all the sea life we needed to look out for! Very personable and patient! I highly recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Yes do it is the right thing to say. Thank you for the great review and support. Raf is an amazing guide, we have a great team of guides to help you enjoy your experience. We are very lucky to have our awesome staff.
Mariya_M, Apr 2024
It was well organised, chill and fun would recommend especially for people who haven’t done any snorkelling before
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for the nice review, glad you had a good experience that was relaxed. Thank you for the support.
Julie_V, Apr 2024
We did not go do to the weather conditions it was a rainy cold day. We were refused a refund or a re schedule. Who wants to snorkel or go on a nature walk in the rain.
Karalyn_K, Mar 2024
This experience was worth it! My friend loves to snorkel so this was an "must-do" for her. I had only been one time about 10 years ago. We were concerned due to the rain and overcast weather that morning but don't worry the visibility was not impacted for us. Sam was a great tour guide starting us off with a nature walk including humor and fun facts about the land/nature. It was nice having a guide who pointed out wild life and gave background into the fish/sea creatures we saw. Highlight was a sea turtle for sure! Sam took videos and pictures throughout the tour to remember the day. They also have wet suits, snorkel gear, and rash guards for everyone! I would recommend this tour!
Whitney_R, Mar 2024
The guide is knowledgeable about the area and the marine life. He is friendly and patient with people. You could always rent your own equipment but you would be missing out on the educational piece. I highly recommend his tours!
Kate_C, Jan 2024
Fantastic trip. Enjoyed the interesting walk and had a fabulous time snorkelling. Highly recommended.
Lance_C, Jan 2024
Sam was an excellent, knowledgeable guide and made it a wonderful experience. We saw plenty of fish and bonus points for sting ray, jelly fish and squid! The nature walk was an informative and fun experience to set the expectations for the swim and learn more about the area.
Michelle_G, Dec 2023
The Manly Beach snorkeling and eco walk were amazing! I hadn’t snorkeled in years and was a little tentative but Christina was a great guide! Highly recommend!
Ed_D, Nov 2023
Exceptional experience with julie as our tour guide. Equipment was very good and plentiful enough to meet everyone's needs. The hike wasn't too difficult and it was interesting to learn about the aquatic reserve. The snorkeling was excellent with ideal water conditions and plenty of fish to see. The only suggestion I have is to come up with a clear description of the meeting point in all communications.
Thanks for a great day.
Javier_U, Nov 2023
This is definitely a must while visiting Sydney. The guide was very knowledgeable and attentive to the needs of the group. The nature walk was relaxing and we got some nice viewpoints of Manly beach. The snorkeling was nice for first timers. Unfortunately, I got seasick halfway through the trip and had to stop. But the guide quickly helped me to shore where I waited for the rest of the group to come back. Overall it was a great experience even if it was cut a bit short for me.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Good to hear you had a overall good experience even though mother nature gave you the wobbles. Feeling uncomfortable is the best way to know how to feel comfortable. Good work taking the leap and giving snorkeling a go. Thank you for the support team Ecotreasures
Jonas_K, Nov 2023
Highly recommend this activity, snorkeling with EcoTreasures at Shelly Beach was the best experience I have had in Sydney thus far! I was meant to snorkel on one occasion but due to the poor visibility, we could not stay too long in the water. Damien was kind enough to invite me for another tour, and though it was very rainy in the morning, the snorkeling conditions were great and you could really appreciate the biodiversity that Sydney has to offer! You can see all kinds of aquatic species, my favourite being the massive male blue gropers! The tour guides are also very knowledgeable of both the wildlife as well as the history of the area, which makes for an overall spectacular experience!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Epic, "The best experience you had in Sydney". Say no more we did our job. Thank you for the great feedback and support Team Ecotreasures
Czechoslovakya_K, Oct 2023
The whole thing was wonderful. Sadly I hate wearing gear as it makes me panic, which ended up happening. Other than that it was wonderful.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for the review. As long as you had a good time that is all that matters. And good on you for doing something that is hard, that shows resilience. The more you try it hopefully the more comfortable you will become. Feeling nervous in the water and with wearing gear is not un common. You just need to take it one breath at a time and let the fish take your mind off your mind. Thank you for the support. Team Ecotreasures
Aditya_V, Sep 2023
Damien and Christine were the instructors. They are the eco warriors educating to protect the waters and marine life in these parts. After a bit of education and instructions, they led us a group of 4 into the waters. I was clumsy at first but but once I got used to, it was a sight to behold in water. Saw jelly fish, groupers, port Jackson sharks swimming. Loved the experience. Recommend it highly.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Eco warrior, thank you for the nice title. Yes we do have a great role in conservation to raise awareness and highlight the positives of protection. Good to hear you enjoyed the small small group format and had fun. Thank you for the support and review. Team Ecotreasures
Chasm_B, Aug 2023
Great experience with memorable views of the underwater ecosystem! Truly enjoyed the quick nature walk before getting in the water. Overall fantastic time.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Nice one. Thank you for the great review especially about the educational nature walk. The walk before the snorkel lays the educational foundation of the experiences. You receive interpretative discussion about the benefits of conservation management and the star of the day "The NO TAKE Cabbage Aquatic Reserve". Thank you fr the support Team Ecotreasures
Teresa_C, Jul 2023
This was a small group (just 4 of us). I chickened out (I'm not a strong swimmer and was nervous LOL) but my nephew had a great time with our guide Julie. I also like that it was a small group (only 2 others besides myself and my nephew). Very much recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
You will make it in next time. Experience grows confidence. Thank you for the great review and it's nice to hear we helped you create a good family memory. Team Ecotreasures
Hannah_B, Jul 2023
The guide was great, it was easy to find the meeting place, the gear was good, a really nice area to go snorkeling
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Awesome review, yes we aim to make things easy for you, so you can just have a good time. Thank you for the support. Team Ecotreasures
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Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local Guide
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