Take the family snorkelling! It’s a fun, outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy. It’s also inexpensive as you don’t need loads of expensive equipment. There’s also no need to travel too far from home, as the Newcastle region has some beautiful spots perfect for beginner snorkellers.
Read our tips below for snorkelling with kids, then pick one of our suggested spots. Know another good snorkelling spot? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
Tips for snorkelling with kids:
Ensure your kids are ready to snorkel. According to Decathlon.com.au: Snorkelling isn’t about hitting a specific age; it’s about readiness and comfort. Most kids are ready around age 5 or 6, as they can handle a mask and spend some time in the water. For younger kids or beginners, life vests and patience are key.
Use the correct equipment. You don’t need heaps of expensive equipment to go snorkelling, but it is important to have a few essentials. Swimwear, a good quality mask and snorkel, a buoyancy/life vest and fins are must haves. Water shoes and wetsuits will provide warmth and protection.
Check the tides. Be aware that some spots are better to snorkel at high tide, others at low or slack tide. Here’s a link to NSW Tide Tables.
Emphasise safety. Make sure everyone is clear on the safety rules before you head out snorkelling. Staying close to shore, sticking with a friend, looking up regularly to get your bearings and staying a respectful distance from, and not touching, marine life.
Plan short sessions. If your family is new to snorkelling, keep your sessions short until everyone gets more used to it.
Practice in the pool first. If the kids aren’t too sure about clearing a mask or snorkel, practicing in a pool first will give them more confidence.
Consider taking a flotation device. If you have one, consider taking a stand-up paddleboard or similar. Kids can get tired quickly, so they can use it to rest on, or you can paddle them out to the snorkelling spot.
Beware of stingrays. Stingrays don’t normally attack unless they feel threatened. If you plan on wading in sandy areas, teach your kids to shuffle their feet as they walk to avoid accidentally stepping on a stingray.
Six places to snorkel with kids
The following snorkelling spots are close to shore and most have a calm current. The water visibility is clear as well, so there’s more chance of spotting some underwater creatures.
Bogey Hole (Newcastle)
Take masks and snorkels with you to the Bogey Hole on a calm swell and low tide. Intertidal sea life washes in at high tide. Look out for fish, starfish, crabs and anemones. They’re often camouflaged so tell the kids to take their time and look closely. There’s also rumour of a resident octopus! Since there’s no lifeguards on duty at the Bogey Hole, it’s important to always exercise caution.
Fly Point (Port Stephens)
Fly Point, a popular diving spot in Port Stephens, is also a gem of a spot for snorkelling. To find it, park along Victoria Parade in Nelson Bay and walk down the stairs opposite Neil Caroll Park. Fly Point is part of a protected marine sanctuary, so you can expect the fish and other marine life to be quite friendly. Look for interesting sea sponges, kelp forests and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a seahorse or a wobbegong shark.
The steps down to the water are steep and the edge of is rocky, so it’s a good idea to wear water shoes. For the best snorkelling experience, visit Fly Point at high tide. Since this is a marine sanctuary, fishing and the collection of any marine organisms (including shells) is prohibited. Bring an underwater camera to capture the amazing sights or simply leave with great memories.
Little Beach (Port Stephens)
The marine sanctuary at Fly Point, Nelson Bay extends all the way along Little Beach to Halifax Point, making Little Beach another great spot to snorkel. With its shallow, calm and clear waters, Little Beach is a great place for kids to gain confidence snorkelling. You can expect to see seagrass meadows and a variety of fish and rays. Maybe even a seahorse or turtle, if you’re lucky.
Entering from the sandy shore, you can snorkel at any point along the beach, but marine life tends to congregate around the jetties. The best time to snorkel is at high tide when the water is clearest and there’s less chance of strong currents. Note that Little Beach is unpatrolled and car parking is metered.
Naru Beach (Lake Macquarie)
Naru Beach, with its crystal-clear water and shallow swimming areas, is a lovely spot for a swim. Its calm conditions also make it an excellent place for kids to practice using their snorkelling gear. The northern side of the point, which faces Swan Bay, features a shallow swimming area that’s particularly ideal. Please note that blue-ringed octopus have been sighted at Naru. It’s also important to be mindful of currents and marine craft here.
Pelican Foreshore (Lake Macquarie)
There’s a gentle, lakeside beach located near Pelican Foreshore Park, which is a nice spot for a relaxed dip and a bit of exploring. It’s a good spot for kids to feel comfortable and safe while getting used to their snorkelling gear. They can easily stand up and take a break if needed. There’s also great facilities, with parking, amenities, a playground and barbecues all nearby. It’s a great introduction to the underwater world, with the chance to spot small fish.
Please note that blue-ringed octopus have been sighted in this area. Also, Lake Macquarie Council advises that the current can get quite strong coming from the edge of Swansea channel and the beach can drop off suddenly in parts, so it’s best that kids are supervised at all times.
Soldiers Baths (Newcastle)
At the southern end of Nobbys Beach, beneath Fort Scratchley, are the Soldiers Baths, believed to be the first ocean baths built in NSW. Look for the semicircle of rocks that mark the edge of the baths. When the rock pool is exposed at low tide (0.5-1.2m), it’s a perfect spot for kids to go snorkelling and spot fish and starfish.
Being near Nobbys Beach – one of the safest swimming beaches in the Newcastle area and patrolled year-round by council lifeguards – makes Soldiers Baths a great spot for beginner snorkellers. It’s also convenient to the showers, toilets and food available at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club.
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