How is the snorkeling at Manly beach( Sydney)?

[calicakes]

Are there large fish to see?  Trying to decide if a trip advisor snorkeling and walking tour is a Must do.  We are heading out on a GBR cruise on Feb 25th, we're in Sydney for 4 days prior. 

[yarramar]

On 12/20/2023 at 6:37 AM, calicakes said:

Are there large fish to see?  Trying to decide if a trip advisor snorkeling and walking tour is a Must do.  We are heading out on a GBR cruise on Feb 25th, we're in Sydney for 4 days prior. 

If you are snorkeling the GBR, why would you want to snorkel on a surf beach? They will probably walk you to Clovelly, which is suitable but not awesome like the GBR, along the Bondi to Coogee walk which is worth doing. 

My suggestion is to do it yourself as you don't need a tour. Go to Bondi by Uber, do the walk, pick up some fins, snorkels and masks from Kmart for very little money and if you can't keep the snorkeling gear, donate it to a charity shop. The total cost will probably be less than half of a tour.

 

[calicakes]

58 minutes ago, yarramar said:

If you are snorkeling the GBR, why would you want to snorkel on a surf beach?

Because we enjoy snorkeling a lot.  We're not museum people.  We prefer water activities.  We have 4 days in Sydney before the cruise.   We also have our own snorkel gear.  

[yarramar]

19 minutes ago, calicakes said:

Because we enjoy snorkeling a lot.  We're not museum people.  We prefer water activities.  We have 4 days in Sydney before the cruise.   We also have our own snorkel gear.  

I actually misread Manly for Bondi. Not sure why but Manly probably has good opportunities for fish, etc. again no comparison to GBR but it is likely to be a fun day. Again, with all your own gear, Sydney is a very easy place to DIY. Great transport and there is a gazillion apps and websites to help find your ideal snorkeling spot. 
You could also check out one of the snorkeling clubs, e.g. https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/sydney-snorkeling-meetup/

[sleepingcat]

on a 2 day cruise ship stop in Sydney we had a do it ourselves day out in Manly.  took the commuter ferry from circular quay to Manly (so you see the whole harbour), had a swim then had fish and chips at one of the many pubs/cafes near the beach. just fab and easy to do.  cant comment on the snorkelling. 

[BINDY31]

There is a walk from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach. It’s called Fairy Bower walk.

you can snorkel from near to Shelley beach in calm waters… not the surf like Manly.

it seems to be very popular with local snorkelers.

[aussielozzie18]

Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve - accessed via the scenic pathway along the waters edge from the  southern end of Manly Beach to Shelley Beach Headland.   Popular spot for snorkeling.  Approx 160 species of fish, blue groper, wobbegong sharks, cuttlefish etc.  You don’t need to pay for a tour.  Catch ferry to Manly from Circular Quay.  Get off ferry and walk straight down the Corso which will bring you to Manly Beach.  Head to the Southern end.  Follow the scenic walkway around and you will spot the snorkelers in the water or continue on and snorkel off Shelley Beach.

[calicakes]

26 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve - accessed via the scenic pathway along the waters edge from the  southern end of Manly Beach to Shelley Beach Headland.   Popular spot for snorkeling.  Approx 160 species of fish, blue groper, wobbegong sharks, cuttlefish etc.  You don’t need to pay for a tour.  Catch ferry to Manly from Circular Quay.  Get off ferry and walk straight down the Corso which will bring you to Manly Beach.  Head to the Southern end.  Follow the scenic walkway around and you will spot the snorkelers in the water or continue on and snorkel off Shelley Beach.

Thank you so much. 

[aussielozzie18]

Dive Centre Manly - at Fairy Bower -it’s located along the scenic walk - do guided snorkeling tours.  Something to you could look into doing

Edited January 3 by aussielozzie18

[calicakes]

13 minutes ago, aussielozzie18 said:

Dive Centre Manly - at Fairy Bower -it’s located along the scenic walk - do guided snorkeling tours.  Something to you could look into doing

We're both experienced snorkelers.  We are bringing our own masks/snorkels but not fins so we might have to rent those.  Will we need stinger suits?  We do need those at the GBR. 

[aussielozzie18]

4 hours ago, calicakes said:

We're both experienced snorkelers.  We are bringing our own masks/snorkels but not fins so we might have to rent those.  Will we need stinger suits?  We do need those at the GBR. 

Yes for GBR

No for Sydney