Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with Local Guide

Head to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, located on Sydney's northern beaches at Manly, to meet your guide and small group for your 2-hour tour.

Covering approximately 50 acres (20 hectares), Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve stretches from the southern end of Manly Beach to the northern end of Shelly Beach headland. Start your guided tour with a short 25-30min nature walk on the headland and hear informative commentary about the the region's wildlife and Australia's natural environment, along with an overview of the Aboriginal heritage and colonial history of Sydney.

After checking out the headlands, go over to the beach where you receive a safety briefing and your snorkeling gear. Your guide explains the types of marine life you are likely to see underwater, then leads you from the beach into the calm clear waters.

You can snorkel in shallow water and go deeper as you feel increased confidence. Look for fish and other critters as they swim through sea grass meadows, rocky reefs and along the sandy bottom. Your guide can assist with any questions throughout your tour.

More than 160 species of fish have been spotted in the reserve, including species that come and go, and others that rarely leave the reserve. Some of the most common species include blue groper and cuttlefish, with protected species such as seadragons, black rock cod and elegant wrasse also been found here.

With your snorkeling equipment included and the knowledge of your local guide, this 2-hour tour is a great introduction to the underwater and land-based natural world of Manly Beach.