Private Manly Snorkel Tour
Create your own Shelly Beach snorkel story in Manly
Are you searching for a unique private experience in Sydney? Enjoy an exclusive Private Manly Snorkel Tour with Ecotreasures and explore the wonders of Shelly Beach snorkeling in the world-renowned Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, part of the spectacular Great Southern Reef. This private Sydney snorkeling tour is perfect for couples, families, friends, or corporate groups who want a personalized, eco certified adventure in one of Sydney’s most iconic marine reserves.
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 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.
All Equipment Provided: We supply high-quality snorkel gear and wetsuits for your comfort.
Free Tour Photos: Capture your adventure with complimentary underwater photos.
Marine Life Briefing: Learn how to spot and identify the different habitats over 200 + species, including blue groper, weedy sea dragons, and giant cuttlefish.
Private Manly Snorkel Tour Experience Details
Duration: Allow up to 2 hours
Where do you meet: Shelly Beach, Manly 2095. Meet your guide 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
What’s Included on Private Manly Snorkel Tour
- Up to 1-1.5hrs in water private guided snorkeling tour at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
- 30 mins safety, equipment, marine brief and gearing up.
- All snorkel equipment, wetsuits, life jackets and foam noodles
- Marine life and habitat identification material
- Waterproof Marine ID charts to use in the water
- Fish ID charts and Maps for the eco walk
- Free underwater tour photos
- Life jackets and foam noodles if requested for floatation
- Secure storage for small personal items
Private Manly Snorkel Tour Pricing
- 2 Persons: $420
- 3 Persons: $540
- 4 Persons: $690
- 5 Persons: $750
- 6 Persons: $830
- 7 Persons: $900
- 8 Persons: $950
We can accomodate larger groups. Please email for more details info@ecotreasures.com.au
Are you a solo traveller? Join the click to view group tour on Private click to view 1 on 1 Private Snorkel Tour.
Duration: Allow up to 2 hours
Please confirm your preferred tour date and time with our office before booking online. Email info@ecotreasures.com.au to discuss your private experience in Sydney.
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 scenic 30 minute walk 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 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
If you need assistance on the day, our snorkel tour phone (0433 088 951) 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.
Important Safety Information
All participants must be able to swim 150 meters unassisted and be comfortable floating and treading water. If you cannot swim 150m you can use a life vest
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
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- One small backpack (secure storage provided). We cannot accomodate large luggage as we have limited storage in the Van.
Shelly Beach Wildlife Highlights
While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, you may encounter:
- Blue Groper (near-threatened)
- Port Jackson Shark (JuL–Nov)
- Wobbegong
- Eagle Ray
- Green Moray
- 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.
Citizen Science and Responsible Travel
In addition to your private adventure, you can participate in citizen science projects like iNaturalist Manly and Coastsnap to help protect this precious marine environment. Furthermore, we are happy to share minimal impact travel tips and climate change insights, so you can enjoy your visit responsibly.
How to Book Your Private Manly Snorkel Tour
Please confirm your preferred date and time with our office before booking online.
Email info@ecotreasures.com.au to discuss your private experience and secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join?
All guests must be able to swim 150 meters and tread water comfortably. Non-swimmers can join private tours with a maximum of 2 people, provided they wear life jackets.
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.
Will the tour operate in rain?
Yes, we operate in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.
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.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes! Our guides offer full support, safety instruction, and equipment demonstrations.
Are there facilities?
Public toilets and showers are available at Shelly Beach. Secure storage is provided for small personal items.
More detailed FAQs and Terms and conditions links
Are you ready for Your Private Experience in Sydney?
Book your Private Manly Snorkel Tour with ECO TREASURES and discover why Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve snorkeling on the Great Southern Reef is Sydney’s top private marine adventure. Enjoy a tailored, eco certified, and unforgettable experience—perfect for anyone seeking a unique private experience in Sydney. Email our team info@ecotreasures.com.au