Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is part of the Great Southern Reef System
Sydney Marathon weekend is a brilliant time to experience the city’s energy, harbour views and coastal lifestyle. After the early start, kilometres of running and finish-line celebrations, why not add a completely different Sydney adventure to your itinerary?
Join Ecotreasures for a guided Manly snorkel tour at Shelly Beach and discover the marine life of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
Just a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay, Manly is one of Sydney’s best places to slow down, recover and reconnect with nature. Our small-group snorkel experience combines gentle coastal exploration, local marine knowledge and the chance to see the Great Southern Reef beneath the surface.
A memorable Sydney Marathon weekend activity
Whether you are running, travelling with a runner, or visiting Sydney for the marathon atmosphere, a Manly snorkel tour is an ideal way to experience more of the city.
After spending time on the roads, trails and harbour foreshore, swap your running shoes for fins and explore a protected marine environment with a local guide.
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, beside Shelly Beach in Manly, is known for its sheltered waters and diverse marine life. Conditions always vary, but snorkellers may encounter colourful reef fish, large Blue Gropers, rays, sea stars, schools of fish and other Great Southern Reef species.
Why snorkel at Shelly Beach?
Shelly Beach is a short walk from Manly Wharf and sits within the protected waters of Cabbage Tree Bay. It is one of Sydney’s most accessible locations for a guided snorkelling experience.
On an Ecotreasures Manly snorkel tour, you will:
- Explore Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve with an experienced local eco guide
- Learn about Sydney’s marine wildlife, coastal ecology and the Great Southern Reef
- Use quality snorkel equipment and a wetsuit, included with your tour
- Join a small group for a more personal experience
- Enjoy a coastal nature walk and marine-life interpretation
- Take home memorable photos and a deeper connection to Sydney’s coastline
Our tours are designed for confident swimmers who want more than simply hiring snorkel gear. Your guide helps you understand what you are seeing, how the reserve is protected and why Manly’s marine environment is so special.
An active recovery adventure
A guided snorkel is a refreshing option for the days before or after the Sydney Marathon. You can enjoy the ocean at your own pace, take in the views around Manly and spend time away from the crowds of the CBD.
For runners, the ocean provides a completely different perspective on Sydney. For family and friends travelling with marathon participants, it is a fun and memorable activity that everyone can enjoy together.
If you would prefer a more personalised experience, ask us about a private Manly snorkel tour for couples, families or small groups.
Getting to Manly from Sydney
Getting to Manly is part of the adventure. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay and enjoy iconic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before arriving at Manly Wharf.
From the wharf, Shelly Beach is an easy coastal walk through Manly. Your booking confirmation will include meeting details and what to bring.
We recommend allowing extra time on marathon weekend, as Sydney transport and the CBD may be busier than usual.
Book your Manly snorkel tour
Make your Sydney Marathon trip about more than race day. Explore the coast, meet Sydney’s marine wildlife and experience one of the city’s most beautiful underwater locations.
Book your small-group Manly snorkel tour with Ecotreasures and discover Shelly Beach below the surface.
