Sydney is a fantastic destination for families, and its stunning beaches and clear waters offer plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the underwater world. Snorkelling is a fun and educational activity that can provide a memorable experience for kids, and there are many great Sydney snorkelling spots to choose from. In this article, we will be showcasing the top five snorkelling places in Sydney that are perfect for families with kids.
1. Shelly Beach Snorkelling
Shelly Beach, located in Manly and part of the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, is a popular destination for snorkellers. It has a depth of 12 metres at the lowest point and you can observe the diverse abundance of marine life in the shallow water.
The stunning views of the Northern Beaches, especially from North Head, can be enjoyed while taking a leisurely walk along the bush track that overlooks the area.
This sheltered cove is a great place to start snorkelling, with calm waters and plenty of fish to see. You might see large blue gropers like the one in the photo below, there are also lots of (harmless) stingrays and even the occasional turtle.
The beach is easy to access, and the shallow waters make it an ideal spot for kids.
2. Little Bay Snorkelling
Little Bay Beach is beloved for its consistently calm waters, cleanliness, and great snorkelling potential. This sheltered beach is a great option for families, with calm waters and plenty of marine wildlife.
If this is your first time hitting the underwater world, Little Bay Beach is ideal for beginner snorkellers. The shallow waters make it easy for kids to explore, and the beach is close to the city, making it a convenient option.
You will likely spot schools of smaller fish, sea anemones and other delicate marine life when snorkelling at Little Bay Beach.
3. Gordon’s Bay Snorkelling
Gordons Bay is a picturesque location situated south of Clovelly Beach and north of Coogee Beach, providing stunning views of the coastline. This popular spot is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, and it’s a great place for kids to snorkel.
The bay is sheltered from the wind, making it a calm and safe option for families even when other beaches have surf. Gordon’s Bay is only accessible to pedestrians via the surrounding streets or the Coastal Walk, making it a peaceful and secluded spot.
4. Clovelly Beach Snorkelling
The long finger bay at Clovelly Beach, with its manmade sunbathing platforms and the lovely swimming pool and small, shallow beach area is a paradise for families.
The beach is well equipped with facilities for the public including showers, toilets, picnic tables and BBQ’s. There’s also a cafe there and the surf club has a huge car park.
This picturesque bay is a great spot for snorkelling, the sea is usually pretty clear although the visibility does deteriorate when there are waves. Therea re some lovely large blue and green gropers living in the bay as well as shoals of small fish, crabs, starfish etc.
Fairlight, on Sydney Harbour close to Manly, has a magical little beach and ocean baths which have a charming, hidden-away feel. Once you venture off the beach and start to snorkel around the rocky edges, this place feels even more delightful. There are all sorts of little creatures hiding in the crevices as well as fish swimming around alone and in colourful school.
The small beach has a shallow slope in so this is a terrific sheltered place for learner snorkellers. It’s also a fabulous spot for a picnic and a
Your Next 6 Top Sydney Snorkelling Spots
Things to Consider While Going Snorkelling With Kids
Taking your kids snorkelling can be a great experience for the whole family, but there are a few things to consider before you head out.
First and foremost, make sure the snorkelling site is supervised by experienced lifeguards. Also, the dive operators should understand how to safely guide people of all ages on their aquatic adventure.
Additionally, make sure your kids have the right equipment, including a mask and fins that fit snugly and comfortably.
If they’re new to snorkelling, it’s essential to properly teach them the basics such as proper swimming technique and safety precautions like no running and no touching of underwater creatures.
Lastly, it’s important to set realistic expectations prior to going so that everyone is prepared for any potential challenges.
Make the most out of your adventure by having fun, staying alert and following your intuition when it comes to maintaining the utmost safety while exploring underneath those waves.
Enjoy The Best Snorkelling Places in Sydney With Your Kids
These are just a few of the many children-friendly places to go snorkelling in Sydney. With its warm waters and abundant marine life, Sydney is a great place to take kids snorkelling. These spots are sure to provide a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Just remember to take care and follow all safety guidelines when snorkelling, especially with children. With the many superb children-friendly snorkelling spots in and around Sydney, you’ll find a location that will suit your family’s needs.
Also, if you want to lay around the ocean while your kids can enjoy playing, we suggest you visit one of these awesome beaches in Sydney that has great playgrounds nearby.
PS The Australian spelling is definitely snorkelling and snorkeller, rather snorkeling and snorkelers although if you have Googled ‘snorkeling in Sydney’ or ‘Sydney snorkeling’ do not worry as Google understands!
