Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Where to Snorkel

This is part 2 of a number of posts about Fieldwork - Reef Surveying.
Read the other posts:
Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Preparation
Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Student Activities
Fieldwork - Reef Survey - Curriculum Links

Where to snorkel?

A good spot for a first snorkel is Clovelly because it is directly in front of the Surf Life Saving Club, it is a fairly contained area, and in most cases in is quite calm. You can pretty much count on seeing a groper. This is a good introduction site. 

A couple of other good sites around Sydney where you are likely to see a variety of aquatic organisms are Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve (entry via Shelley Beach or Fairy Bower), Gordon's Bay and Chowder Bay.  Outside of Sydney you might like to try:
- the  rockpools at Norah Head,
- Shelley Beach at Toowoon Bay,
- Sharknet Beach, Huskisson
- Plantation Point, Vincentia
- Greenfield & Blenheim Beaches, Vincentia

There are obviously lots of other sites, but for ease - consider finding places where you can snorkel straight off the beach.

You might like to read:
- Best Snorkelling in Jervis Bay

Below: Image of the Rock Polls at Norah Head (left). Image of Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay (right)

Cabbage Tree Bay

Cabbage Tree Bay has a great variety of organisms, but keep in mind that there is no guarantee of seeing anything. In the past few months there have been dolphins, turtles, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegong sharks, squid, fiddler rays, a variety of stingrays, cuttlefish, many large gropers, huge schools of yellow tail and a wide range of small fish. ​

Gordon's Bay

Gordon's Bay tends to have quite a few gropers, rays, squid and occasionally a turtle. Although a lot of people get into the water near the carpark, I would strongly advise getting in and out on the beach if you are there with a class. 

Below: Image of Gordon's Bay from the Carpark (left). Image of Gordon's Bay from the footpath (right).

Chowder Bay

Chowder Bay is known as the home of the White Seahorse and Pot-bellied seahorses. The seahorses are know to attach themselves to the nets, and under the jetty and pylons are also good spots for snorkelling. You may see rays, cuttlefish, sea horses, sea hares, oysters and anenomes at Chowder Bay. 

Below: Images of Chowder Bay

You might like to read: The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling