Private Manly Snorkel Tour at Shelly Beach, Sydney
Exclusive Guided Snorkelling in Cabbage Tree Bay
Enjoy an exclusive guided snorkel experience at Shelly Beach in Manly’s Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Your private tour includes a local eco guide, snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, marine-life interpretation, and complimentary underwater photos. Choose a private experience for two to eight guests, with flexible timing and a personalised pace.
Request Your Private Snorkel Tour
Discover the Protected Waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserv
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.
Private tour at a glance
Location: Shelly Beach, Manly, Sydney
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours, including up to one hour in the water
Group size: Private bookings for 2–8 guests
Price: From $420 per private group
Includes: Local eco guide, wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, safety briefing, marine-life interpretation and complimentary underwater photos
Suitable for: Confident swimmers aged 8+ who can swim 150 metres freestyle unassisted
Meeting point: Shelly Beach, Manly—full directions are provided with your booking confirmation
Why choose a private snorkel tour?
A private tour gives your group more flexibility, personal attention and time to explore at your own pace. Your guide can adapt the experience around your group’s confidence, interests and the conditions on the day.
Whether you want to focus on marine wildlife, improve your snorkelling skills, enjoy a special family experience or simply explore with friends, your guide will help make the most of your time in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
What’s included
Your private snorkel tour includes:
- A dedicated local eco guide for your group
- Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins
- Safety briefing and in-water guidance
- Marine-life and coastal ecology interpretation
- A short coastal eco walk around Shelly Beach
- Complimentary underwater photos, where conditions allow
- Use of marine ID resources to help identify local species
Please bring swimwear, a towel, water, sunscreen, warm clothes for after the tour and any personal medication you may need.
Swimming and safety requirements
This private snorkel tour is designed for confident swimmers. All participants must be able to swim 150 metres freestyle unassisted, float and tread water comfortably, and complete a swim assessment before entering the water.
Children must be at least 8 years old and meet the same swimming requirements. Participants who are pregnant cannot join the snorkel activity due to insurance requirements.
We assess weather and ocean conditions before every tour. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact booked guests with the available options under our booking terms.
Marine life at Shelly Beach
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is a protected no-take marine area with rocky reef, seagrass and sandy-bottom habitats. Wildlife sightings vary with season, visibility and ocean conditions, but you may see:
- Blue Groper
- Port Jackson sharks
- Wobbegongs
- Stingrays and eagle rays
- Giant Cuttlefish
- Wrasse, bream and schooling fish
- Octopus, nudibranchs and other reef species
Your guide will help you identify what you see and understand how the reserve protects Sydney’s coastal marine environment.
Getting to Shelly Beach
Meet your guide at Shelly Beach, Manly. Your booking confirmation will include the current meeting point, map pin and arrival instructions.
Shelly Beach is accessible by car, bus, ferry and on foot from Manly. Allow extra time on weekends, public holidays and during summer, as parking can be limited. Public toilets, change facilities and showers are available nearby.
Transport is not included with this private snorkel tour. If your group needs private vehicle or transport options for a wider Sydney itinerary, contact Ecotreasures and we can discuss a customised private tour.
Responsible, certified eco tourism
Ecotreasures is voluntarily Advanced ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia and recognised as a Green Travel Leader for more than 10 years of continuous certification. This independent certification reflects our commitment to responsible tourism, environmental management, community and cultural respect, and high-quality nature-based experiences.
Our tours are designed to have a low impact on the places we visit while helping guests learn about marine conservation and Sydney’s coastal ecosystems.
Private Manly snorkel tour FAQs
Who is this private snorkel tour suitable for?
This experience suits couples, families, friends and small groups who prefer an exclusive guided snorkel experience. All participants must be confident swimmers who can swim 150 metres freestyle unassisted. If you can not swim this distance you can still participate in the life jacket.
Is this suitable for first-time snorkellers?
Yes. First-time snorkellers are welcome if they meet the swimming requirements. Your guide provides equipment, a safety briefing and in-water support to help you feel comfortable.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
We assess weather and ocean conditions before each tour. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact you by email with the available options under our booking terms.
What marine life might we see?
Sightings vary, but guests may see Blue Groper, Port Jackson sharks, Wobbegongs, rays, Giant Cuttlefish, octopus and many other reef fish and invertebrates.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Shelly Beach, Manly. Your booking confirmation includes the current meeting-point directions and map pin.
Is transport included?
Transport is not included in this private snorkel tour. Ecotreasures can discuss flexible transport options if you are planning a broader customised Sydney private tour.
More detailed FAQs and Terms and conditions links
Plan your private snorkel experience?
Ready to explore Shelly Beach with your own local eco guide? Send us your preferred date, group size and any special requirements, and we will help plan your private Manly snorkel tour.