Group Manly Snorkel Eco Tour
Explore Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Shelly Beach, Manly
Are you ready for an unforgettable Manly snorkel tour? Join Ecotreasures for a unique, Advanced 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.
Snorkel Now or Gift the Experience
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.
Why Choose Ecotreasures Manly Snorkel Tour?
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, weedy sea dragons, 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
Manly Snorkel Tour Duration
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: $109 per person (24-hour cancellation policy)
Saver Ticket: $99 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
How to get 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 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.
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
What is the best spot to snorkel in Sydney? Shelly beach in Manly is home to the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. It is Sydney’s number 1 snorkeling location and we have been running eco tours here for 15yrs. The eco system is getting healthier since the “No Take” aquatic reserve was implemented in 2002. A great spot for a beach day in Sydney.
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 we not do the walk and just snorkel? Yes no problem you can book a private tour and only snorkel. The manly snorkel tour with headland walk is a more immersive eco experience. You will learn the stories about the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, wildlife, habitats and more before your snorkel adventure.
Can tours be cancelled? Tours may be cancelled for safety reasons or if minimum 2pax 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
Are you 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.