Manly Tours
Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide

By Ecotreasures
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Learn about Australia’s natural environment and native marine life on an easy nature walk and snorkeling tour. This tour is designed for visitors who want to learn more about Australia’s underwater and land-based environments and animals. Beginner snorkelers are welcome but you must be able to swim 500 feet (150 meters), float, and tread in water unassisted; a swim test is conducted at the start of the tour.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 8-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Enjoy great views on a headlands walk and learn about local history 
  • Expert snorkeling instruction and use of all snorkel gear and wet suits
  • Small group with personalized instruction for all levels of experience
  • Learn about local marine life and see blue groper and cuttlefish

  • Local guide
  • 1 Hour snorkeling
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, rash vest, flippers, foam floating noodles
  • Binoculars
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Choose your departure time and meet your guide at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Next begin an easy nature walk along the headlands where your guide tells you about Sydney’s Aboriginal culture and local history. Arrive at Shelly Beach for a safety briefing and fitting of provided snorkel gear and wet suits. Your guide leads the group into the calm, clear waters where you look out for fish and other sea creatures. (Note: participants must be able to swim 500 feet, float, and tread water unassisted; a swim test is conducted prior to the tour) Your guide is nearby for help or answer questions and the area has shallow and deeper water so all experience levels are accommodated. Your guide identifies sea creatures that you see and gives an overview of what marine life you might spot including blue groper, cuttlefish and sometimes, protected species like seadragons and black cod. Your tour ends at the original departure point.

Start:
  • Shelly Head Lookout, 1/5 Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
    Please look at Map on Ecotreasures website and go to car park exit. We do not meet next to cafe or toilets. Walk up to car park. Please note we do not meet at a building or address we meet in Shelly Beach Car park exit at disabled car spot Shelly Beach, Manly. Dot on Map
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9051SNORKEL

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • Please wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking
    • Please bring swimwear, sunscreen, hat and towel
    • Please note: wetsuit options are available to use on the day of travel: rash vest, spring wetsuit (short arms and legs) and steamers (full body suit)
    • All participants must be able to swim 150 meters unassisted, float and tread water
    • All medical requirements must be declared to our staff once booking is confirmed.
    • Please note pregnant participants are not permitted to join the tour
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Cannot participate if you are pregnant
    • If you can't swim please do not book this tour.
    • Not available for non swimmers
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9051SNORKEL

    From
    AU$109.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Ecotreasures
      428
      Australia
      Joined in December 2010
    • hepingg2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      Amazing organisation and instruction for boys! Beautiful Activity! Boys said it’s so great and super to see the baby shark!
      Written 12 October 2024
    • emilyhT8067QD
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing
      Took us on beautiful walks and not too difficult but still a nice challenge. The views were amazing and the staff was friendly and well educated.
      Written 14 September 2024
    • blairb417
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic Snorkel Tour
      I thought Sam was very knowledgeable and pointed out various species and gave good insight. Very surprised how close we were to great snorkelling!
      Written 5 February 2024
    • lollys2020
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful snorkel tour!
      Our guide, Cristina, was knowledgeable, kind and attentive to all of our needs. We had all different levels of snorkelers and she made sure we all had a good time and that we were safe. I would highly recommend this snorkel tour!
      Written 17 January 2024
    • Cara G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous value in a beautiful environment.
      Sam was a great guide. Obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about the natural world. Learnt interesting facts about the reef and wildlife that relies on it. Visibility wasn’t amazing, but it was good enough and I saw so much diversity under the water. (Have to respect what Mother Nature presents us with!). Didn’t realise there were so many species just off the coast.
      Written 9 January 2024
    • blowonthepi
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Guided Snorkelling Experience
      *Also posted on Google* We went on the 2.5hr Manly Snorkel tour. What an incredible experience seeing all the different fish as well as jellyfish and even a surprise visit from a school of some very small squid. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and good at conveying safety information and interesting facts too. She took care of everyone in our group and make sure we were all comfortable the entire time, making adjustments for people who weren’t feeling confident in an area. The tour went at a leisurely pace to accommodate first time snorkelers and to allow time to watch the animals for a bit. I would highly recommend this tour to anybody whether you’ve been snorkelling before and especially if you haven’t.
      Written 2 January 2024
    • GregKnox1976
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing adventure
      From the get go , the communication was great and the owner was very nice to talk with. The tour guide for snorkeling was great, very knowledgeable as well as very personable which I feel is important for a tour. Even with limited visibility our guide was able to show us fish and even a shark that I am not sure I would have seen on my own. Great company to work with.
      Written 22 December 2023
    • danielagY6221MP
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dani and Peter from germany
      The tour was amazing, Damien was the very best tourgide! Thank you so much. We will recomment you to our children for the next year!
      Written 13 November 2023
    • Navigate01899090533
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great snorkel
      Great snorkel. Very friendly and knowledgeable guide. Easy walk from Manley pier to Shelly beach. Loved the big blue grouper.
      Written 29 March 2023
    • 960corried
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Blue Mountains Hike!
      Such an amazing small business! We went on a gorgeous hike. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly! There was an unexpected weather change but our guide clearly knew the area well and was able to adjust our plans so we could still have an enjoyable experience.
      Written 25 March 2023
    • Charlotte G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Manly Snorkeling
      Such an awesome experience! Loved the snorkeling 🤿 The water was warm and super clear. Thanks for a great your Damian!
      Written 24 March 2023
    • Jocelyn L
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Our guide Victor was great. Knowledgeable and engaged. Tour was as advertised. Walk around headland was interesting.
      Written 16 March 2023
    • AussieTraveller0409
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The BEST way to start the day
      Dan’s sunrise stand up paddle boarding session was amazing. I’ve paddle boarded before but he showed me some super helpful tips. And the sunrise was stunning. Highly recommend starting the day with Dan on the water SUP-ing.
      Written 20 February 2023
    • Julie G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Totally amazing safe fun
      This was a stellar experience. Our guide was knowledgeable about the local wildlife and pouinted out nesting sea eagles, rays, whiting, glossy black cockatoos and many interesting trees and phenomena. He was also a great teacher who had us all quickly confident on our boards and able to enjoy our time on the water. The Basin is beautiful and safe (shark net protected). We loved it and will be coming back often.
      Written 29 January 2023
    • Laine100980
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing camp set up
      I booked camping for 2nights for a family of 8. Damien was very thorough with the booking. I had not realised that even though we had changed the dates, my booking was still showing the wrong dates. Damien called on the day we were to arrive to confirm and he easily accommodated our change at the last minute! The camping set up that he put up was very well done and very clean. It looked really comfortable and everyone was very impressed and delighted. We had 5 teenage girls and they fit into the one tent with plenty of room to spare. The other 3 adults had a tent to themselves with even more room to spare. The tents were put up under plenty of shade that even in the afternoons, the tents were not hot. The basin itself is an amazing place. Plenty of room for everyone and plenty of activities to occupy the young and old.
      Written 23 December 2022
    See all 428 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles217 reviews
    Excellent
    197
    Very good
    12
    Average
    5
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    1

    Vic O
    36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Solo
    Although I've lived in Sydney for years I've never been to Shelly Beach and I had no idea there was a marine reserve there. From the outset it was a day of extremes, with grey cloudy skies over the harbour ferry, rain as I walked from Manly, and finally super sun with 34 degrees. A friendly, matter-of-fact Jules approached me at the designated meeting spot as I looked out over the sea and introduced herself. More cheerful tourists arrived and Jules led us through the bush literally to get an overview of the bay where we'd be soon be swimming. She gave clear safety instructions and, back at the van, proceeded to calmly distribute gear. No one was an expert but Jules made us all feel capable. Once into the water we soon found fish! Schools of fish. Little tiny glittering ones, small whiting, slightly larger grey round ones and ones with a black stripe on their tail. Even when there were less obvious fish, a couple of solo green brown stocky numbers, and some blue green boss types, we went over a beautiful kelp forest - not sure if it's just young or a short type - but the sun beams through the water and the moving leaves were gorgeous. You have to keep your eye out as you'd be pootling along because there'd be a shoal of fish sneaking along just behind you. Do they know about blindspots? I'm pretty sure I saw wobegones, and some elegant fish with bright purple tails. There was a huge variety of sea life around us and when we got out, due to the warm weather, there was a huge variety of human life around too! Jules took charge of the equipment again and farewelled her tired, happy charges. It was great to have the opportunity to see Sydney sealife alive and well in their natural habitat and not dressed up with soggy lettuce and a pile of chips. More, larger, marine reserves, please, and thanks to Ecotreasures and Jules for a great morning in the water.
    Written 27 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ros E
    Sydney, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Friends
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable and really took the time to make us all feel comfortable in our gear. He answered all questions easily and he was very quick to notice, point out and identify wildlife and fish. He would dive down to point out something interesting and used his go pro to take pictures which we could look at later - he had them on the website very quickly too. We weren't rushed at all and had plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful day and snorkelling. He gave us tips and tricks to improve our snorkelling and no matter what level of assistance or instruction was required, Sam gave clear directions that were easy to follow. We all had a wonderful time and highly recommend Sam - He even made sure we all had photos with our friends 😊
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Nice to hear you were made comfortable and enjoyed the experience. A lot of people who join our tour need the extra push/help to explore the marine world. Any marine environment you are not familiar can be scary if you don't have local knowledge. The nature walk we do at the start of the tour help you calm the nerves and get informed about the experience before getting the water with safety and information. Thank you for the review and support.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Rachel N
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Family
    This was a fantastic snorkelling trip close to Manly beach. Raff shared her deep knowledge of marine science in an accessible and engaging way. She carefully assessed the groups capabilities and ensured that everyone had the best snorkelling experience possible. Highly recommend.
    Written 5 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Elly C
    Blue Mountains, Australia63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2024 • Couples
    Very relaxed and enjoyable morning in Manly. Our guide Christina was very knowledgeable and spoke with passion about the conservation of the local environment. She answered questions from other travellers with ease and made everyone feel comfortable. The snorkelling tour was excellent, the water was a bit choppy on our morning so visibility wasn't as clear as other days, but the chance to see a reef ecosystem was incredible. Christina found the excellent balance of checking up on our group's comfort levels and letting us explore independently. An excellent tour
    Written 12 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    That is right on the money. Small eco tours are a conversation together about the eco system you will explore. Different from big group tours with scripted commentary. It's awesome to hear you appreciated Krystina's passion for her role in conservation education and you and the group had a fun experience. Thank you for the review and support.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Muhammad Zhafra... B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Solo
    Amazing snorkel experience at Shelly Beach! Lots of fishes to see!

    It was nerve wrecking for me as it was my first time snorkelling but the guide was really great ensuring everyone is safe and enjoying the snorkelling.
    Written 25 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Epic and well done on getting it done. Now you have experience you can explore the underwater world. Thank you for the review and support. Team Ecotreasures
    Written 20 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    smooth2p
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    What a day! Sam met my wife and me at Shelley Beach, got us set up and prepared quickly and we were in the water in no time. He knew exactly where to go and what to see, spent time describing the fish and reef along the way and made the trip one of our best ever! Great pictures and videos…just a great guide creating a great experience. Not sure we will ever have a better snorkel or water experience than our afternoon with Sam and Ecotreasures…thanks guys!!!
    Written 2 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Amazing to hear we provided you a great experience and you enjoyed Manly and your guide Sam made it extra special. Manly is a great place to spend the day or a half day. Yes people love the FREE photos we included for you. Thank you for the review and support.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Karim D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Solo
    I had a great experience on the snorkelling tour. The guide Julia was very knowledgeable and helped with any questions and general conversation. Whilst snorkelling we also had freedom to explore within a reasonable distance which was nice.

    Would recommend and do it again!
    Written 23 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Inspire718711
    4 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Trip Advisor gave this tour 5/5. Which elevates expectation. 5/5 ought to mean the best snorkelling there is. It’s not, I’m afraid.

    This is a snorkelling trip you could easily make on your own. as we snorkelled more or less right next to the shore in fairly shallow water; even if you were to buy all equipment you would’ve gotten away cheaper.

    There weren’t particularly interesting fish to see, visibility was relatively poor and it was crowded. Also, as you were part of a group, you weren’t really at liberty to explore on your own.

    The instructor was friendly and fun. Having said that: when I complained about my goggles he blamed me for not shaving, several times. But when eventually we swooped goggles, it turned out that his experience was just the same. So that’s a minus. But again, he was friendly and fun, and did let me use his goggles.

    Having written all this: I’ve done diving in The Great Barrier Reef, as well as a lot of snorkelling in the Red Sea; Shelley Beach is nothing compared to those spots, so keep that in mind.
    Written 12 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    I don't know how to respond but I will. Firstly our staff are great, experience, highly skilled and a pleasure to tour with. We actually had another customer complain about you. The other customer inform us you were very rude to our staff. Please be kind to people and treat our staff with respect especially in front of kids. I could go on and on but your comments are actually funny. My favourite was you were upset you were in a group tour but you booked a group tour. Also you are an experienced diver but you arrived with a full beard and then got upset your masks leaked, swimming away from the group and not following your guides instructions. This behaviour can compromise group safety. Please if you are a grump grouch please don't infect a group tour and behave like a toddler and throw your toys out of the cot. I don't know what you had for breakfast that day but I would suggest to not have it again. I like all you 0/5 review across this platform. My tip to you is try be happy mate and don't bash small business online and behave as you did on group tours. Or maybe if you don't like group tours don't go on them. I'll leave you with one thought??? if you or one of your family (kids) got into trouble and our staff trained in water safety saved them, would you then value our service of providing safety of our clients as tour guides. Maybe yes I think.
    Written 20 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    p p
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Solo
    Thank you very much to the wonderful friendly instructor Krystina who guides us through the entire snorkelling trip and watches over the group. Cabbage Bay aquatic reserve is a paradise for anyone looking to start snorkelling and is teeming with marine life. With the added supply of wet suits, masks, snorkel and fin, it's a trip well worth for the price they offer. Keep up the great work Krystina and team:)- Peter
    Written 23 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kenneth K
    Cottekill, NY3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Christina was great. We had a walk along the highlands where she gave a brief tour and information on the plants and animals, history and on the marine life.

    We did an hour of snorkeling, very adequate time. She had prepped us about the marine life and how the trip would proceed. It felt very safe, there was an incredible amount of fish and kelp. The gear was fine.

    Even as a fairly serious diver, it was a great trip. The inexperienced folks in the group also loved it and felt well taken care of.
    Written 20 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Great to hear an experienced diver appreciated how much wildlife there is in the cabbage tree bay. Yes we have done this for 14yrs now and 1 hour snorkelling seems to be perfect number for most people. We add the walk and extra content so you get a more in depth experience and learn more about the eco system. Thank you for review and support
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide provided by Ecotreasures

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