Manly Snorkel Tour Sydney: Cabbage Tree Bay & Headland Walk

One Hour Underwater at Cabbage Tree Bay, Then a Walk Above It

You swim for an hour in a protected marine reserve off Manly Beach with a local guide and small group, spotting fish and reef life in calm water. After drying off, you walk the headland above the bay for 30 minutes, learning about the ecosystem and getting views across the Northern Beaches. The tour includes all snorkel equipment, wetsuits, binoculars, and a guide. You just need to be a confident swimmer and book your preferred time slot online.

Step-by-step itinerary

Manly snorkel and nature walk tour

• Meet local expert guide
• Snorkel at Cabbage Tree Bay
• Observe diverse marine life
• Receive beginner snorkel lessons
• Use foam floating noodles for safety
• Walk on headland for views
• Learn about marine life and culture

The experience

Hands grip the edge of the boat as it pushes off from Manly Beach, and then you're in the water (mask on, fins already working), and the seagrass meadows of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve open up below. This is a small group snorkel tour in Sydney's Northern Beaches, limited to 8 people, so there's no crowd noise, no jostling for position. Your local guide is in the water with you, pointing out the fish moving through the rocky reefs, the way the light changes as the seafloor drops. One hour of actual snorkeling time, which sounds short until you're down there and realize how much there is to see: wrasse, bream, the occasional larger fish moving through the kelp. Beginners get foam noodles if they need them, and the water at Cabbage Tree Bay stays calm most days, which is why the reserve exists in the first place.

After you've dried off and peeled the wetsuit away, the group walks up onto the headland for 30 minutes. Your guide talks about the wildlife and habitats as you move along the path: the birds, the plants that hold the cliff together, how the reserve protects what's underneath. The views of the Northern Beaches stretch out from up there, and you can see the water you were just in, which somehow looks different from above. The whole thing (snorkel, walk, equipment, guide) takes 2.5 hours, offered in morning or afternoon slots, so it fits into a Sydney day without eating the whole thing.

What matters before you book: you have to be able to swim 150 meters unassisted and float comfortably. That's not negotiable, and it's there because the bay is a real ocean, not a pool. Wetsuits come in three options (rash shirt, short spring suit, or full steamer), so you choose what works for the water temperature on the day. Binoculars are provided for the headland walk, and all the snorkel gear is included. You bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and closed-toe shoes for the walking part. There's a waiver to complete online 24 hours before, and if you have any medical conditions, you declare them once the booking is confirmed.

What’s included

• Your 2.5-hour tour includes snorkel mask, fins, and foam noodles.
• a choice of wetsuits (rash shirt, short spring suit, or full steamer).
• binoculars for the headland walk.
• one hour of snorkeling in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve with a local guide.
• a 30-minute guided nature walk on the headland with views of the Northern Beaches.
• and instruction on marine life and habitats. You arrange your own transport to Manly Beach, bring swimwear, sunscreen, hat, towel and closed-toe walking shoes, and complete the online waiver 24 hours ahead.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (8 to 14 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by EcoTreasures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a confident swimmer who wants to see Sydney's marine life without arranging your own boat or gear: the small group size and protected bay mean you spend the time actually looking at fish, not managing logistics or crowds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 14 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need snorkel experience to join?

No. Beginners are welcome, and foam noodles are available if you need flotation support. You do need to be able to swim 150 meters unassisted and float comfortably.

What's included in the price?

Snorkel mask, fins, wetsuits (choice of three styles), foam noodles, binoculars for the headland walk, local guide, and all instruction. You bring swimwear, sunscreen, hat, towel and closed-toe shoes.

How long is the actual snorkeling time?

One hour in the water. The full tour is 2.5 hours, which includes the 30-minute headland walk and time to get in and out of wetsuits.

Can I do this tour if I'm pregnant?

No. Pregnant travelers cannot participate in this tour.

What if the water is cold?

Full-body wetsuits (steamers) are available, along with short spring suits and rash shirts. You choose on the day based on water temperature.

How many people are in the group?

Maximum 8 people, which keeps the group small and manageable in the water.

Do I need to complete paperwork before the tour?

Yes. You must complete an online waiver 24 hours before the tour date. Any medical conditions must be declared to the operator once you book.