Top 10 snorkeling spots in Melbourne you need to explore with friends and family
You may think that Melbourne is all about the coffee culture, sports, and street art — but all of these are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the bustling city life lies a coastline full of life, waiting to be seen.
Snorkeling at Melbourne’s beaches doesn’t require thorough planning, as most of these spots are just a short drive away, perfect even for just a half-day trip.
Plus, many of these locations are beginner-friendly and accessible. So ditch the laneways for a bit and go grab a friend or two!
1. Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
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Address: Port Phillip Bay, Beaumaris
Phone: +61 131 963
Operating hours: 24 hours
Starting with something beginner-friendly, Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary is one of the most accessible snorkeling destinations in the city. You can easily park your private vehicle close to the beach, but you can get there via public transport, too.
You’ll get to explore the rich sandstone reefs and sea caves in the area, and you might even spot a zebrafish or a Port Jackson Shark. It’s abundant in biodiversity, like crystal-clear waters, plants, and beautiful sea creatures.
On top of that, the sanctuary is adjacent to a café and a walking trail, so it’s obviously a good pick if you’re planning to have a mix of various activities for the day.
When patrolled, the beach is safe for kids to play and swim.
The best time to snorkel is during low tide and when visibility is high, typically early mornings.
Pro tip:
Wear appropriate shoes for snorkeling — reef shoes, if possible. The rock entry can be sharp in certain places.
2. Snorkel and Dive Safari – Altona Beach
– Media credit: Snorkel and Dive Safari – Altona Beach
Website: http://www.snorkeldivemelbourne.com.au/
Address: 92 Pier St, Altona
Phone: +61393171000
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
If you’re looking for a guided experience, Snorkel and Dive Safari Altona Beach is a strong choice. Aside from the beach, the place has a full dive shop and tour operator offering equipment rentals and snorkel safaris.
The instructors are PADI-certified, and the tours generally stick to the shallow areas, so it’s safe for kids and beginners.
The waters are known for their seagrass beds and reef patches, where you’ll most likely spot pipefish and rays hanging out.
And while it’s typically calm, the visibility depends on the weather, but if you manage to time your snorkeling on clear days, you may feast your eyes on the beautiful underwater scene.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to visit on weekends and public holidays, we suggest booking ahead, as walk-ins are not always guaranteed.
3. Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary
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Address: Flinders Ocean Beach Entry Rd, Flinders
Phone: +61 131 963
Operating hours: 24 hours
The Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary can be found within a village in Flinders, where it’s maintained and taken care of by the Bunurong People, an Indigenous group from Southeast Victoria.
The sanctuary was named after its mushroom-like reef platform that reveals itself during low tide.
The place is compact yet rich in biodiversity, such as sponge gardens, sea urchins, brittle stars, and more, making it the perfect destination for snorkeling.
And because of the unique structure of the place, it’s easy to spot marine life in rock pools and crevices close to the shore.
It’s best to snorkel during low tide and calm weather, so you’ll want to check the tide chart before heading out. It’s also important to keep in mind that the area can be slippery, so always be cautious.
Pro tip:
If you plan to explore tidal pools, we recommend wearing gloves. Some surfaces have sharp barnacles and algae that can scratch you.
4. Simple Dive Melbourne
– Media credit: Simple Dive Club
Website: http://www.simpledive.com.au/
Address: 21 Indra Rd, Blackburn
Phone: +61414144231
Simple Dive is an operator that offers snorkeling across Melbourne’s bayside and Mornington Peninsula areas. They’re a strong choice if you prefer a guided tour that’s customized according to your skill level.
The best part is, their instructors can take you to underrated local spots if the tide and weather allow it.
Some of their snorkeling locations include Portsea and Black Rock, which are commonly known for frequent encounters with sea dragons and friendly seals.
They also offer packages for specialty diving courses, which might help you discover your diving aptitude.
Pro tip:
If you want to keep some memories from your snorkeling experience, we suggest looking up their packages, as some of them include underwater photography.
5. Diamond Bay
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M8qubygXG8XrkwhQ9
Address: Diamond Bay Rd, Sorrento
Operating hours: 24 hours
If you want a spot with fewer crowds compared to the beaches in the city, Diamond Bay is the place to go. It’s pretty secluded, so you might even get the chance to enjoy its natural beauty all to yourself.
The entry here can be steep. You’ll have to go down a staircase on a cliff to get to the beach. And once you’re in the water, it’s best to stay near the edge where most of the reef structures are.
While the snorkeling zone is narrow and marine life here isn’t as rich as the others, you’ll have a fair chance of spotting wrasse, small reef fish, and rays during the activity.
Aside from snorkeling, the place is also perfect for sightseeing. If you walk east to St. Paul’s lookout, you’ll have a stunning view of the Bay of Islands.
Pro tip:
The areas around Diamond Bay are protected Aboriginal midden sites. There are formed tracks that you must strictly follow to avoid disturbing these fragile areas.
6. Flinders Jetty
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Address: The Esplanade, Flinders
Phone: +61 131 963
Operating hours: 24 hours
Flinders Jetty is a popular spot for divers because it’s the easiest spot in the world to find weedy sea dragons. These beautiful and leafy-looking creatures are often seen drifting along the sea plants in pairs.
For the best chance to see them in action during the mating season, consider visiting between June and January.
However, weedy sea dragons aren’t the only things to see here. The Jetty is also surrounded by colorful sponges, soft corals, and other marine life.
Aside from snorkeling, the place is pretty popular for sailing, fishing, and other water sports. Pets are also allowed here, but just make sure you keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
It’s also best to check the weather conditions before heading out, as swells and wind can stir up the water.
Pro tip:
Jumping and diving into the water is strictly prohibited. Some areas are shallow, and there are risks of submerged sharp objects.
7. Half Moon Bay Beach
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Directions:
Expect to see zebrafish, morwongs, and stingrays when snorkeling along Half Moon Bay Beach. You might even spot a small shark if you get lucky.
The water is less likely to experience swells, so it’s clear most of the time, which makes snorkeling easy for beginners and kids.
Just around 200 m away from the shore is the famous HMVS Cerberus, a sunken naval ship from 1926. It’s visible from the surface and has become a famous spot for shipwreck diving.
It also acts as a breakwater and an artificial reef teeming with various marine life.
After the activities, you can visit the Cerberus Beach House Café, where you can indulge in fresh seafood dishes and refreshing beverages.
Pro tip:
If you plan to snorkel slightly offshore or towards the wreck, wear bright colors or bring a dive flag to increase your visibility to boats and jet skis in the area.
8. Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve
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Address: 29 Sandpiper Pl, Williamstown
Phone: +61 131 963
Operating hours: 24 hours
Jawbone offers a quieter snorkeling experience as it’s relatively less known to the public. It’s less crowded, so you’ll definitely enjoy the peace this place brings.
Snorkeling here is best done at high tide. You won’t find coral reefs, but you’ll get a closer look at the thriving marine life that they work hard to preserve and take care of.
You’ll also see a pretty garden of green and pink coralline algae in the rockpools.
If you’re up for a challenge and willing to go deeper, you can dive below the water to see some remnants of historic shipwrecks.
And since Jawbone is part of a nature reserve, there are also various spots for birdwatching.
Pro tip:
Let everything stay exactly where it is. Jawbone has strict regulations: no fishing, collecting, or disturbing marine life. Even empty shells can be important habitats.
9. Blairgowrie Pier
– Media credit: Brooke Pyke Photography
Directions:
Address: 2900 Point Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie
Operating hours: 24 hours
Snorkeling in Blairgowrie is best for confident adventurers or those who are willing to float slowly and examine every part of the area. Note that there is a specific entry point for scuba diving and snorkeling — it’s about 150m away from the jetty on the right.
While you won’t find big fish here, you’ll be greeted with a colorful world hidden below the waters — thanks to the healthy population of soft corals, colorful marine life, and unique invertebrates.
Many local divers recommend night snorkeling, as it will open a completely different view due to bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal shrimps. From May to June, on the full moon, you may get the chance to see spider crabs gather for their breeding season.
Needless to say, it’s an underwater photography dream, whether you go during the day or at night.
Pro tip:
The pier’s structure and maze of pylons can confuse solo or beginner snorkelers. It’s best to bring a snorkeling buddy or have a shore spotter.
10. Point Addis Beach
– Media credit: Laura Hill
Address: Point Addis Boardwalk, Bells Beach
Phone: +61 131 963
Operating hours: 24 hours
Point Addis Beach is a special spot for snorkeling due to its blend of rocky reefs, kelp forests, and a thriving ecosystem that comes alive on calmer days. Near shore, snorkelers can enjoy the Jarosite Reef, which can be accessed via Southside Beach.
For the best snorkeling experience, choose the spot around the eastern end of the beach. This is where the reefs reveal themselves first during low tide.
The site is more suitable for confident swimmers, though, as there are no lifeguards on duty and the waves can be strong. If you’re not sure, it would be best to just stick closer to the shore.
The walk down to the beach is a bit steep, so pack light, but bring all the essentials. It’s a bit of a hike back up if you forgot anything.
Pro tip:
Reef shoes are strongly recommended. The entry can be slippery and sharp with barnacles and shells.