There’s no denying the Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s number one spot for seeing some of the best marine life in the world. But if you’re in Sydney, there are still plenty of sensational snorkeling spots to uncover. 

People usually come to Sydney for the numerous, beautiful, and heavily explored beaches. But what’s just as good, if not better, is the stunning snorkeling sites that rest under the ocean just a short swim away. 

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Our guide of Where to Snorkel in Sydney will usher you towards this underwater world of vibrant fishy beauty – with each site completely free, accessible from the beach, and not too far off the beaten track. 

But before you get started – here are the fish you should have on your mind when flippering your way around Sydney’s fantastic reefs and ocean beds: Amberjacks, Australian Bass, Bass Gropers, Black Breams, Blue Gropers, Bonitos, Carp, Cuttlefish, Dolphin Fish, Eastern Reef Scorpionfish, Eels, Flathead, Golden Perch, Hairtails, Leatherjackets, Mangrove Jacks, Marlins, Octopus, Sailfish, Wobbegongs, and so much more!

Bare Island

Located in La Perouse, Bare Island is one of the city’s calmest, most tranquil snorkeling sites. It’s a popular snorkeling and diving destination, centred around a huge fortress. And it was even featured in Mission Impossible II! Discover massive amounts of marine life under the rock platforms, including Puffer fish, Sponge Crabs, seahorses, Red Indian fish and so much more. Not to mention the stunning beds of seagrass themselves and other soft coral. More information, Bare Island.

The Basin

Located in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is a beautiful snorkeling spot completely immersed in nature. This spot is far from the hustle and bustle of the city with popular beach camping and water sports also available. The Basin is an estuary – so snorkeling here is a little different! Glide above the seagrass bed, rocks, sand and mud flats. You’ll find cuttlefish, stingrays, sea stars, leather jackets, stingarees and even some tropical fish. Access the snorkeling site from The Basin campground. If you don’t have any snorkeling equipment, EcoTreasures is a snorkeling tour company nearby with plenty of gear for rent. More information, The Basin.

Cabbage Tree Bay

Located from South Manly Beach to North Shelly Beach is Cabbage Tree Bay – an aquatic reserve with some of the city’s most healthy sea life and best snorkeling. With over 400 species of sea life to witness, you’ll want to stay all day, and come back the next! Cabbage Tree Bay is a great spot to snorkel for its protection from swells and winds – perfect for beginner snorkellers and kids. Look out for goatfish, old wives, blue gropers, wobbegongs, flounders, stingrays and more! During the cooler months you might see whale sharks hanging around the nearby Fairy Bower Beach. More information, Cabbage Tree Bay.

Clovelly Beach

Located in Clovelly, Clovelly Beach is one of the city’s most popular snorkeling destinations. Especially for beginner snorkelers who want a little more reassurance. The calm enclosed pool is home to some sea life, but the best snorkeling is on the other side of the pool – the ocean! See heaps of sponges and giant cuttlefish, as well as the resident blue gropers and varied underwater topography. This is a great spot for families with young children who want to take their time getting into the ocean with the option of an enclosed space. If you’re a confident snorkeller, head out further from the shore and head towards Gordons Bay, witnessing heaps of marine life along the way. More information, Clovelly Beach.

Gordons Bay

Located in Coogee, Gordons Bay is just on the other side of Clovelly Beach. This spot is a small and hidden wonder where you’ll witness catfish, combers, horsefish, pufferfish and so much more. Surrounding this stunning spot are giant cliffs and boulders, keeping the bay peaceful and picturesque all year round. If you want to add a little bit of structure to your snorkeling experience, there is a self-guided Underwater Nature Trail that you can follow. The trail offers an abundance of information about the local marine life. Get to Gordons Bay by taking a coastal walking track from Clovelly or Coogee Beach. More information, Gordons Bay.

Kurnell Beach

Located in Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Beach is where Captain Cook first landed in Australia. At this stunning snorkeling location, there are so many different species of fish and sea life. Explore the rocky peninsula, which is one of Sydney’s quieter beaches, and swim with giant cuttlefish, moray eels, Port Jackson sharks and a stack of weedy sea dragons. If you’ve got kids with you, there’s a tidal pool with shallow waters on the north side of the beach to keep them busy. More information, Kurnell Beach.