Snorkeling Port Stephens: Dolphins, Island & Marine Life

Snorkel an offshore island while dolphins cruise the same bay

Snorkeling in Port Stephens combines a sailing cruise through the bay with a guided snorkel at an offshore island, led by a qualified guide who enters the water with you. The catamaran keeps group numbers small; snorkel equipment and a guide are included, along with tea or coffee. Swimming ability is required to enter the water, though snorkeling itself is optional.

The Experience

The morning starts with a sail through Port Stephens on a boutique catamaran called Imagine, where you'll stop to watch bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat then heads out to an offshore island location where the snorkeling begins. A trained guide goes in the water with you to point out the marine life — fish, rays, soft corals and sea urchins — so you're not searching alone. The diversity of what lives there means the reef changes depending on the season and the conditions, but the guide knows what to look for.

Snorkel equipment is provided and fitted for you; the guide stays close by throughout. If you'd rather stay on deck, that's fine — snorkeling is optional, not compulsory. On the return journey, the crew hoists the sails while you relax and watch the NSW coastline pass. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours from start to finish.

Small group numbers are deliberate — the operator keeps capacity low so the experience doesn't feel crowded. Tea and coffee are available onboard. Bring your own towel and wetsuit if you have one; the boat provides neither, though the water temperature in Port Stephens varies by season.

What’s included

• A qualified snorkel guide in the water with you.
• snorkeling equipment.
• tea and coffee onboard.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Imagine Cruises

Is this one for you?At three and a half hours, this fits a morning or early afternoon without eating the whole day — the sail, the dolphins and the snorkel island all happen in one outing, leaving the rest of your schedule open. The guide in the water beside you means you don't navigate the reef alone, and small group numbers mean the boat never feels crowded.

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Top questions

What kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling at the island?

The offshore island location holds fish, rays, soft corals and sea urchins, along with other vegetation. A guide in the water with you will point them out, though what you encounter depends on the season and water conditions.

Do I have to be a strong swimmer to go snorkeling?

You need to be able to swim if you want to enter the water, but snorkeling itself is not compulsory — you can stay on the boat and watch instead. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.

What's included in the price?

The snorkel guide, snorkeling equipment and tea or coffee are all included. You'll need to bring your own towel and wetsuit if you want one.

How long is the whole experience?

The activity runs about three and a half hours from departure to return, including the sail through the bay, the dolphin stop and the snorkeling at the island.

Will I see the dolphins up close?

You'll stop in the bay to watch bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat as part of the cruise, though how close you get depends on where they are that day.