Six Of The Best Snorkelling Spots With Kids

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Make this summer one of adventure and natural beauty by taking your kids snorkelling to one of Sydney’s best snorkelling spots!

Kids will gain a great appreciation for the ocean and marine life at these gorgeous locations, full of wondrous creatures and calm water. Make the most of the natural beauty Sydney has to offer.

1. Clovelly Beach

Clovelly is reknowned for its family-friendliness, with an onsite playground, shaded BBQ huts, ocean pool, cafe kiosk, and its amazing snorkelling opportunities. The calm water can be easily accessed with Clovelly’s many in-water ramps, various steps and platforms, or from the sand. It was once home to the locally famous “Bluey” the groper, so look out for his dazzling relatives and other schools of friendly fellows.

Image Credit: Jakob De Zwart

2. Little Bay

Little Bay Beach is beloved for its consistently calm waters, and its cleanliness. You will likely spot schools of smaller fish, sea anemone and other delicate marine life. This spot is ideal for beginner snorkellers.

 

 

3. Bare Island

This gem is a no-brainer, particularly for Mission Impossible lovers (Bare Island was where the finale scene of the sequel was shot!). The islet is located about 16 kilometres south east of the CBD, connected by a footbridge to the suburb of La Perouse. It’s also a great scuba diving spot, but appropriate for beginners too. We’ve heard a turtle lives there, so keep an eye out! We’re sure you’ll enjoy colourful sea sponge and interesting looking types of fish (like the Red Gurnard).

 

 

Image Credit: Flickr

4. Cabbage Tree Bay

Cabbage Tree Bay is found between Manly and Shelly Beach, and has one of the most impressive and diverse ranges of marine life on this entire list. From stingrays and wobbegong sharks to the much less frightening flathead and cuttlefish, Cabbage Tree will impress any snorkeller, beginner or advanced.

 

5. The Basin

The Basin in Ku-Ring-Gai is home to loads of starfish and seahorses. The Basin has a camping ground if you want to make a getaway of it, and you can only get to it by water so maybe a ferry from Palm Beach is the best option. There’s also awesome snorkelling tours held here if you need a little guidance.

Image Credit: ecotreasures

6. Oak Park

Explore the crevices and hideouts along this curved wall in this Cronulla park pool. The gropers are friendly, and sea horses and turtles are frequently spotted. Divers have said that schools of fish can be so large its hard to see through them!

Image Credit: Frogdive

And a Bonus One – Snorkel with the Sharks

Sydney Sea Life Aquarium’s is offering a thrilling face-to-fin meeting with some of the ocean’s most amazing creatures, including sharks, sawfish and an array of tropical fish that call the Great Barrier Reef home.

Best of all, Shark Reef Snorkel takes place in a safe, see-through enclosure and no diving experience is required, making it the perfect experience for the whole family! Kids from 5 years old can take part in this exciting snorkel experience.

For more info visit the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium website.

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Just a reminder to always be careful during snorkelling. Some marine life can be dangerous and harmful, and be mindful of rips and unpatrolled water. Snorkelling is really better suited to older children and experienced swimmers.

Like the sound of an adventurous snorkel? Maybe try visiting one of Sydney’s best waterfalls or rockpools this Summer for more fun things to do to get out of the heat.