BEST SNORKELLING SPOTS IN PORT STEPHENS
Just a short 2.5hr drive North of Sydney, the sheltered waters of Port Stephens are perfect for beginner and experienced snorkelers alike. With bays and inlets of vibrant sea life and protected marine sanctuaries, Port Stephens often crystal clear water makes it the ideal location for your next snorkelling adventure.
. For those looking to take their snorkelling experience to the next level, Port Stephens has plenty of options. From guided tours to private charters - there's something for everyone!
We’ve rounded up our top picks so be sure to add these to your itinerary before your next visit.
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Image Broughton Island - Adrift Ocean Tours & Salty Pilgrims Freediving
BROUGHTON ISLAND & CABBAGE TREE ISLAND
Broughton island is an easy relaxed day trip that you should definitely add to your itinerary while in Port Stephens. With an array of beautiful bays, clear blue water, amazing underwater marine life and set behind the stunning cliff lined backdrop and white sandy beaches, it is without a doubt one of NSW's biggest gems.
One of the best things about the islands is that no matter the wind conditions, there is always a beach and a cove that's protected and beautiful to swim in. Snorkelers and divers most often see Blue Gropers, loads of fish, turtles & maybe even the friendly local grey nurse sharks!
Charters depart from Nelson Bay Marina (just a 5 minute drive from our door). You will be commonly joined by dolphins on the short 35 minute boat ride out to the islands which makes it a great way to tick a few items of your Port Stephens Bucket List. There’s a number of local charters that run day trips to the islands, but our personal favourites are the team at Adrift Ocean Tours & Salty Pilgrims
Broughton Island // Image - Kenndall Rose Photography
Broughton Island & Cabbage Tree Island // Image - Salty Pilgrims Freediving
Broughton Island // Image - Salty Pilgrims Freediving
FLY POINT - Halifax MARINE PARK
Fly Point is a protected aquatic sanctuary that offers some of the best shore diving and snorkeling in the State. Lush sponge gardens and kelp forests are just a few metres from the beach and home to pineapple fish, blue groupers, octopus, wobbegong sharks and even elusive seahorses. In Summer, juvenile tropical fish appear including butterfly fish, damsel fish, wrass and butterfly cod. The reserve extends from the high water park to 500 metres offshore. Fishing is banned as well as the collection of any marine organisms, including shells, so bring an underwater camera to capture the memories.
The aquatic reserve is a haven for divers and is one of the most visited dive sites in NSW. The area is now part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and is protected within a sanctuary zone. To access the aquatic reserve, travel along Victoria Parade to Neil Caroll Park and walk down the staircase opposite the amphitheatre.
Fly Point // Image - Salty Pilgrims Freediving
Fly Point // Image - Salty Pilgrims Freediving
Fly Point // Image - @jezzeka.brown
Fly Point // Image - @jezzeka.brown
Fly Point // Image - @jezzeka.brown
Fly Point // Image - @jezzeka.brown
Shoal bay
We may be biased but we think Shoal Bay Beach is the best beach in Port Stephens. The epic mountain backdrop of Tomaree and Yaccaba Headlands make you feel like you’ve just stepped onto a beach in Hawaii and only 2.5hrs North of Sydney. Snorkel over Shoal Bay’s extensive seagrass meadows and you might be surprised to see how many species call it home. It's a great place to find cuttlefish, seahorses and pipefish, and over summer, large flathead hide out, waiting for prey. Snorkle around Shoal Bay Jetty to spot small schools of fish or venture out to the deeper sections of the bay to spot the occasional stingray or swim with the many pods of dolphins. You may even spot the friendly resident fairy penguin that has been known to paddle right up to the shore to play with swimmers.
Shoal Bay // Image - @bowenbagnall
Shoal Bay // Image -@kurtbauerphotography
Shoal Bay // Image - @shoalbaycountryclub
Shoal Bay // Image - @bowenbagnall
Shoal Bay // Image -@changingtides__
Shoal Bay // Image @troy.a.sullivan
Anna Bay Rockpools
One of the hidden gems of Port Stephens are the Anna Bay Rockpools. Take a short 15 minute drive from Salt and head to Iris Moore Reserve to explore the rockpools along the coastline of Anna Bay. There is so much to see in this microhabitat of sealife in the rocky ledges amongst the bright green bed of seagrass. From schools of fish and stingrays, to lobsters, crawfish, crabs starfish and sea urchins. Exploring this beautiful underwater haven around the rocks is best on a calm day. The bays on this side of the peninsula lead out into the open ocean so check the swell before you go. On low tide small pools of seawater form along the coastline to create rockpools to explore on foot.
Anna Bay // Image -@saltatshoalbay
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