What to Snorkel and What to Skip in Margaret River!

🔥 The car pulls up to the carpark and suddenly you’re standing at the edge of crystal-clear turquoise water, your heart racing with excitement as you slip on your snorkel gear. This is the magic of Margaret River’s coastline – but not all spots are created equal!

✅ Definitely Recommend These Spots

1️⃣ Hamelin Bay – Those friendly stingrays will keep you entertained for hours! The water’s usually calm and clear, making it perfect for beginners. Last weekend I was there and had about a dozen rays swimming right between my legs – bloody unreal!

2️⃣ Sugarloaf Rock – A bit of a trek but worth every step. The underwater rock formations are spectacular, and if you’re lucky you might spot some playful dolphins. I’ve seen heaps of colourful fish here, especially in the summer months.

3️⃣ Prevelly Jetty – Easy access with heaps to see. The jetty structure creates an artificial reef, attracting all sorts of marine life. It’s my go-to spot when I wanna snorkel but don’t feel like hiking too far.

4️⃣ Eagle Bay – Protected from the big waves, this spot is perfect for families and beginners. Shallow waters mean you can wade out quite far before it gets deep, and the fish are used to people so they’ll come right up to you.

❌ Skip These Spots

1️⃣ Bunker Bay – Looks beautiful from the shore, but the snorkelling is pretty average. Too many boats and not much to see underwater. You’ll be disappointed after hearing all the hype.

2️⃣ Cowaramup Bay – The name might be catchy (it’s pronounced ‘Cow-a-rump’ by the way), but the water quality can be hit and miss. After rain, it gets pretty murky and not worth the effort.

3️⃣ Gracetown – Too many surfers and not enough underwater action. The waves can get pretty big, making it unsafe for snorkelling when the surf’s up. Save this spot for surfing, not snorkelling.

🤔 Depends on Your Needs

1️⃣ Canal Rocks – Great for experienced snorkellers who don’t mind a bit of current. The rock formations are impressive, but the water can be unpredictable. If you’re a beginner, give this one a miss until you’ve built up some confidence.

2️⃣ Gnarabup Beach – Popular with families, so it can get crowded. If you prefer quieter spots and don’t mind walking a bit, head further along the beach away from the main swimming area. The snorkelling’s decent, but not as good as some of the other spots on this list.

📋 Practical Info

📍 Various locations along Margaret River coastline, WA 6285
🚗 From Perth, approximately 3 hours by car. From Margaret River town center, most spots are within 15-30 minutes by car.
💰 FREE – all recommended snorkelling spots are free to access
🕐 Best during summer months (December-February) when water temperatures are warmer. Early morning or late afternoon usually provide calmer conditions.
⏱️ 2-4 hours per spot depending on conditions and your experience level

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Always check surf conditions before heading out – some spots look calm from shore but can have strong currents just below the surface
❌ Don’t touch or stand on coral – it’s fragile and takes ages to recover, plus some species can sting!
⚠️ ⚠️ Watch out for bluebottles, especially in summer months. They’re not deadly but can give a nasty sting
✅ Do wear reef-safe sunscreen – regular sunscreen bleaches coral and harms marine life

🚀 What would you add to either list? I’m always on the hunt for new snorkelling spots in the Margaret River region 🚀

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