A small group snorkel tour at Shelly Beach, Manly, in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve — part of the Great Southern Reef — with a local guide, a headland walk and all snorkel gear, wetsuits and photos included. Runs year-round, max 8 people.
Days
- 2.5 hours
Group size
- Small group, max 8
Start / finish
- Shelly Beach, Manly / Shelly Beach, Manly
Return
- See itinerary for details
Transport
- None — meet the guide at Shelly Beach and walk and snorkel from there
Meals
- No meals are listed as included
Route
Included experiences
- Shelly Beach headland — 30 minute guided eco walk
- Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve — 1 hour guided snorkel
- Marine life — blue groper, weedy sea dragons and giant cuttlefish
- Winter — migrating whales from the headland
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
5.0
Based on 85 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 85 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the guides' knowledge, patience and friendliness, along with the quality and variety of marine life encountered, including fish, turtles, sharks, rays and occasionally dolphins or cuttlefish. The combination of a short nature walk through the reserve followed by snorkelling in Cabbage Tree Bay or Shelly Beach stands out most often, with reviewers particularly noting the guides' ability to make first-time snorkellers feel comfortable and safe whilst pointing out wildlife and explaining the local ecosystem. The main caveat mentioned occasionally is that water temperature and visibility can vary with season and weather conditions, though this rarely diminished overall satisfaction.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Just perfect!”
As a solo woman I felt safe, and I'd recommend it to solo travellers, couples and teens. We saw the local green turtle and much more. Take the pool noodle if offered, and there's a great spot for lunch nearby.
“Gorgeous reef”
An amazing snorkel, and we learnt a lot from our excellent guide Lara. Cabbage Tree Bay is stunning and we'll definitely be back.
“Nature in the heart of Sydney”
Abundant sea life, and seeing a giant cuttlefish up close, calmly swimming around, was a highlight. Everything ran smoothly and on time. Thanks to Damien.
“Special Sunday in a beautiful bay”
Damien was kind, patient, knowledgeable and clearly passionate about conservation. Experiencing Cabbage Tree Bay in such capable hands felt like a gift, and we'll book again.
“Magical Experience - Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly, NSW”
A must for anyone wanting quality time with Sydney's beautiful marine life. Our guide Damien was fantastic and personable, and the sea creatures were peaceful hosts.
“Lovely guided snorkel”
A short nature walk, then a 1.5-hour snorkel in Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve where we saw several kinds of fish and even two wobbegong sharks. Damien was knowledgeable and kept everyone safe, all gear was provided and the small group never felt crowded.
