10 Best Snorkelling Spots in Perth: A Local’s Guide to Underwater Adventures
You don’t need to drive for hours for an incredible underwater experience – you can find amazing snorkelling spots in Perth. The coastline around Perth is home to some incredible and easily accessible snorkel spots.
As Perth locals who love exploring our own backyard, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best snorkel spots in Perth – from calm lagoons perfect for beginners to breathtaking reefs and shipwrecks for the more adventurous.
We’ll share our top 10 snorkel spots in Perth in this guide. Let’s dive in (pun intended).
Beginner-Friendly snorkel spots in perth
Mettam’s Pool – Trigg
If you’re new to snorkeling, Mettam’s Pool is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly snorkel spots in Perth.
Located along West Coast Drive in Trigg, this sheltered reef lagoon offers calm, crystal-clear waters and plenty of marine life close to shore.
With multiple entry points and easy access from the car park, Mettam’s Pool is ideal for families, beginners, and anyone wanting to explore Perth’s underwater world without venturing far from the city.
Early mornings are generally best for visibility before the sea breeze picks up but we recommend checking the forecast before venturing out.
The Basin – Rottnest Island
A short ferry ride from Fremantle or Hillarys brings you to The Basin, one of the best snorkelling spots near Perth.
This shallow, turquoise lagoon is ideal for beginners thanks to its calm waters and easy entry from the beach.
The Basin is just a 10-minute walk from Geordie Bay on Rottnest Island and offers a safe, stunning environment to snorkel among coral outcrops and schools of fish.
If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early to avoid crowds.
Make a day trip out of it and explore the rest of the island, check our full day trip guide here or our list of the best things to do on the island.
Check ferry availability here
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park – Rockingham
Just 47 km south of Perth, the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is one of Western Australia’s most spectacular places to snorkel.
With its protected bays, seagrass meadows, and nearby Penguin and Seal Islands, it’s perfect for those wanting to combine snorkeling with wildlife encounters.
Keep an eye out for Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and a variety of fish species – all within this easily accessible marine park.
If you want to take the wildlife encounter to the next level, head to Jurien Bay and join a tour to swim with the sea lions there. Check our full guide here.
Parker Point – Rottnest Island
Parker Point is another must-visit on Rottnest Island and consistently rated among the best places to snorkel in Perth.
The crystal-clear waters and coral gardens here are teeming with marine life.
Accessible by bike or the Island Explorer bus, Parker Point’s calm bay and underwater reef trails make it a favourite for both beginners and confident snorkelers.
Check our full Rottnest Island Guide here.
Find all Rottnest Island tours here
Omeo Wreck – Coogee Beach
For something truly unique, head to Omeo Wreck, one of Perth’s most famous underwater trails.
Located just 25 metres from shore at Coogee Beach, this historic shipwreck has been transformed into an artificial reef featuring sculptures and marine habitats.
It’s easily one of the best snorkelling spots in Perth for history buffs and underwater photographers.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for calm conditions and to avoid the crowds as this place gets very busy in summer.
Advanced Snorkel Spots in Perth and Beyond
Busselton Jetty Snorkel Trail
Not technically in Perth but Busselton Jetty is still worth a mention.
Stretching 1.8 km into Geographe Bay, this is one of WA’s most iconic snorkel and dive trails.
With calm conditions and depths from 1 to 3 metres, it’s perfect for intermediate snorkelers wanting to explore vibrant marine life beneath the jetty pylons.
Walk the jetty to the snorkel entry point and check live webcams before visiting to gauge visibility.
If you’re staying around Busselton, check our list of the best things to do here.
Best Busselton tours to join
Boyinaboat Reef – Marmion Marine Park
Located within the Marmion Marine Park, Boyinaboat Reef is one of the most rewarding snorkelling spots in Perth.
The reef’s shallow limestone structures attract an abundance of colourful fish and coral, just metres from shore.
With parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour and calm conditions most mornings, it’s a great option for confident snorkelers seeking a quick city escape.
North Cottesloe Reef
One of Perth’s most loved local reefs, North Cottesloe offers calm conditions and rich biodiversity, making it a great shore-based snorkel spot near Perth.
The natural bay provides shelter, allowing snorkelers to explore the coral and fish species close to shore.
It’s a great spot for families as you’ll find facilities, change rooms and cafes nearby.
Point Peron – Rockingham
Just 45 minutes south of the CBD, Point Peron is one of the most underrated snorkelling spots near Perth.
Explore rocky reefs, kelp gardens, and vibrant marine habitats within Shoalwater Bay Marine Park.
With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins and sea lions during your swim. Check our guide to swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay if you want to go on a dedicated tour.
The calm, protected waters and easy beach access make this spot ideal for all experience levels.
MAAC Dive & Snorkel Trail – Marmion
Located off Marmion Beach, the MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail is an underwater playground with submerged sculptures and artificial reef structures.
It’s part art gallery, part marine reserve – and easily one of the most unique places to snorkel in Perth.
Essential Planning Information
Best Time to Snorkel in Perth
The best time to visit Perth’s snorkelling spots is during spring and autumn (September–November and March–May), when the water is clear and calm.
Summer is also great for swimming and snorkelling but expect more crowds, especially around Rottnest Island and Omeo Wreck.
For the clearest conditions, go early in the morning before the sea breeze picks up.
Tip: Busselton Jetty’s live webcam is perfect for checking underwater visibility before your trip.
Parking and Facilities
Each site offers different amenities.
- Mettam’s Pool: Small car park, toilets, and showers.
- The Basin: Toilets and picnic facilities near Geordie Bay.
- Parker Point: Toilets available at the entrance.
- Shoalwater Islands Marine Park: Public toilets, picnic areas.
- Omeo Wreck: Limited parking – arrive early. Toilets at Port Coogee Shopping Centre.
- Busselton Jetty: Multiple car parks and visitor facilities.
- Boyinaboat Reef: Parking at Hillarys, toilets near AQWA.
- North Cottesloe: Plenty of parking, toilets, and cafes.
- Point Peron: Two car parks; toilets located nearby.
- MAAC Trail: Street parking and public toilets opposite Marmion Beach.
Safety Tips and Responsible Snorkelling
- Always check wind and tide conditions before entering the water.
- Avoid snorkelling alone or during rough seas.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch coral or marine life.
- Respect Marine Protected Areas like Rottnest Island and Shoalwater Marine Park.
- Leave no trace – take all rubbish and gear with you.
For forecasts, visit:
- Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) – weather and marine reports
- Seabreeze – real-time wind and swell
- Windy.com – ocean conditions
Final Thoughts
Perth is home to some amazing snorkelling spots in Western Australia, from the calm waters of Mettam’s Pool to the beautiful turquoise waters at Rottnest Island.
Whether you’re new to snorkelling or an experienced explorer, there’s no shortage of underwater adventures just a short drive from the city. If you are looking for the next level snorkel experience, Ningaloo Reef offers some out of this world snorkel experience. Check our Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary here and don’t miss our top 5 snorkel spots at Ningaloo.
If you’re visiting Perth from interstate or overseas, check our full Perth itinerary here.
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our guide to Perth day trips.
💡 Did you know?
This post may include affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
It helps support this blog and allows us to keep sharing free, helpful travel guides.
Thanks so much for the support! It means the world to us!
