Snorkelling Shelly Beach
A celebrated snorkelling spot at Manly's Shelly Beach, with a flawless 5.0 rating.
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Why it's worth checking out
Snorkelling at Shelly Beach takes place at the sheltered cove on Marine Parade in Manly, within the protected Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve on Sydney's northern beaches. One of the city's best and most accessible snorkelling spots, the calm, clear, protected waters teem with marine life — making it a genuinely special, only-here experience for snorkellers and swimmers.
The appeal is that combination of accessible marine life and natural beauty: the sheltered, marine-reserve waters are home to fish, rays, the famous blue gropers and other sea life, making it one of the best easy snorkelling spots near the city, while the pretty cove and the scenic walk around the headland add to the day. It's a wonderful, family-friendly taste of Sydney's underwater world.
With a flawless 5.0 rating from nearly 200 reviews, it's clearly delighting those who visit. The bay is a free, open public spot, but water conditions, visibility and weather vary considerably, so it's worth checking conditions before you go — and snorkelling safely, respecting the protected marine reserve — while enjoying the wonderful underwater life at Shelly Beach.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Open now- Monday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- WednesdayToday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Thursday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Friday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Saturday
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 – 18:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 95
- Popularity
- 70
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
$$Cafes in Manly, Sydney.
Bluewater Cafe
$$Eclectic bistro food in a relaxed setting with surfboards & beach photos, plus streetside seats.
Manly Grill
$$Classic steak, fish and oysters in a busy, rustic-chic locale with outdoor tables and ocean views.
Bluebottle Espresso
Cafes in Manly, Sydney.
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