Explore Cabbage Tree Bay on a private, family-friendly snorkel from Shelly Beach. This two-hour eco tour combines guided marine interpretation with all gear and a safety-first approach — ideal for first-time snorkelers and families.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The water at Shelly Beach is cool and clear, fringed by pale sandstone and a thin ribbon of sand where palms cast quick shadows. Step past the Boat House Café and the guides will send you through a crisp safety briefing; then the bay opens like a living map beneath you — rocky reefs, seagrass meadows and pockets of sand where fish gather.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate level of fitness — comfortable in open water and able to swim short distances with buoyancy aids
Wildlife
History
Cabbage Tree Bay was declared a no-take aquatic reserve in 2002 to protect local reefs and seagrass and sits on coastline long used by Indigenous communities and later charted by colonial explorers.
Conservation
The reserve’s no-take rules and guided tours help reduce disturbance; visitors should use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching marine life, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Sydney Family Snorkelling Eco Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Calm Water
Mornings typically have the best visibility and gentler currents — aim to arrive before the scheduled start time.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen before entering the water to protect marine habitats.
Footwear for the Walk
Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes for the short rocky walk to the sand and return — flip-flops can be slippery on wet rock.
Practice Mask Clearing
If anyone in your group is new to snorkeling, practice mask clearing and gentle finning in shallow water first.
Wetsuit (provided)
Keeps kids and adults warm during cooler months and improves buoyancy.
winter
Mask and Snorkel (provided)
Good fit reduces leaks and fog; guides supply high-quality, fitted gear.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the aquatic reserve’s sensitive organisms.
summer
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky entry points and makes the walk to the sand easier.