Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways for families to explore Perth’s incredible coastline together. With just a mask, snorkel and a bit of confidence in the water, kids can peek into a whole underwater world of fish, seaweed forests and reefs. Perth and the wider WA coast have plenty of child‑friendly snorkel spots with sheltered bays, shallow reefs and easy beach access, as well as a few more adventurous sites better suited to confident teens and adults.
Always check conditions before you go, choose calm days with lighter winds, and keep children within arm’s reach in the water. Where beaches are patrolled, swim and snorkel between the flags, and consider buoyancy vests or pool noodles for younger or less confident swimmers.
Snorkelling Sites in Perth and WA
North Leighton / South Cottesloe
The stretch of coastline running from North Leighton down to South Cottesloe is a lovely option for families who want an easy entry into snorkelling without venturing too far from the city. This long sandy beach sits just south of the Cottesloe Groyne and has patches of reef and seagrass close to shore, so kids don’t have to swim far to see something interesting.
Because it’s more exposed to swell and wind, this area is best on calm days with light offshore or easterly winds. When conditions are right, the water can be beautifully clear and relatively gentle, giving older children and teens a chance to practise snorkelling in a “real ocean” environment while still being close to car parks, grassed areas and cafes.
Address / location: Coastal strip between North Fremantle and South Cottesloe, WA (access via car parks off Curtin Avenue and Marine Parade)
Omeo Wreck, Coogee (Coogee Maritime Trail)
The Omeo Wreck at Coogee is a real winner for families, combining an easy beach entry with a fascinating shipwreck and an underwater art trail. The wreck lies only a few metres from the sand, with parts of the old iron hull visible even from the shore. Once you’re in the water, you can follow the Coogee Maritime Trail, which features selfie portholes, interpretive plaques and underwater sculptures that help keep kids engaged as they explore.
The shallow depth and proximity to the beach make it a great place for school‑aged children and beginners, as long as conditions are calm. It’s important not to climb on the wreck itself to protect both the site and your family’s safety, but there’s still plenty of adventure to be had floating quietly over the structure and spotting fish weaving in and out of the metal ribs.
Address / location: Just offshore from Coogee Beach, North Coogee WA (south of Coogee Beach Jetty)
Ammo Jetty and Woodman Point
Ammo Jetty is popular with divers and fishers, but the shallower areas around it can also be a fun snorkelling option for families. When the sea breeze is light, the water close to shore can be relatively calm, with seagrass beds that shelter small fish, crabs and other marine creatures. It’s the kind of place where kids can practise putting their faces in the water and learn to move slowly to spot shy sea life.
The key here is timing: aim to visit early in the morning before the seabreeze arrives, as the area can become quite choppy later in the day. After your snorkel, you can wander back to nearby Woodman Point to enjoy a picnic on the grass and let the kids burn off any remaining energy at the Playground, turning it into an easy half‑day outing.
Address / location: Ammo Jetty, Cockburn Road, near Woodman Point Recreation Reserve, Munster WA
Yanchep Lagoon
Yanchep Lagoon is one of the most family‑friendly snorkelling spots near Perth. The reef forms a sheltered “pool” close to shore, creating a natural lagoon that usually offers good protection from swell and allows for better visibility. On a calm day, the clear, shallow water is ideal for younger children and beginner snorkellers, who can float over sandy patches and low reef while spotting fish and other small marine creatures.
Because it’s a bit of a drive north, Yanchep Lagoon lends itself well to a day trip – you can combine snorkelling with sandcastle building, beach games and even a visit to nearby Yanchep National Park if you want to turn it into a full family adventure. As always, stick to calm days, keep an eye on tides, and stay within your family’s comfort level.
Address / location: Yanchep Beach Road, Yanchep WA (lagoon in front of main beach car park)
Burns Beach
Burns Beach may be small, but it rewards families who are looking for a quieter spot with some interesting reef. A short swim from shore brings you to rocky reef formations where fish and other sea life shelter, and the area is often reasonably protected from the elements compared with more open beaches.
This is a better option for confident swimmers and older children, as you need to head out a little further and be comfortable around reef. On a good day, it’s a lovely place to explore with tweens and teens who are keen to progress beyond “just” splashing in the shallows and want a bit more of a sense of exploration.
Address / location: Burns Beach Foreshore, Ocean Parade, Burns Beach WA
Mettams Pool and Marmion Marine Park
Marmion Marine Park runs along a big stretch of Perth’s northern coast and offers many places to snorkel, but Mettams Pool is the star for families. This little natural rock pool is fringed by reef that creates a mostly sheltered, shallow basin with usually gentle conditions close to shore. Kids can often stand or float over sand and low reef, making it a brilliant first snorkel spot.
Because the water is relatively protected, there’s often good visibility for spotting fish, starfish and colourful seaweed gardens. More experienced snorkellers in the family can explore a bit further out in the marine park to look for deeper reefs and a wider range of sea life, while younger children stay closer to the beach with another adult. It can be very popular on hot days and during school holidays, so an early start is often the most relaxing option.
Address / location: West Coast Drive, Trigg / North Beach WA (Mettams Pool access off West Coast Drive)
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Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is one of WA’s absolute snorkelling gems and a fantastic family destination in its own right. Once you’ve hopped over on the ferry, you’ll find bay after bay offering calm, clear water and beautiful snorkel sites. Many of these spots are perfect for children, with sandy entries and shallow reefs just offshore. Places like The Basin, Little Parakeet Bay and Little Salmon Bay are especially popular with families.
Beneath the surface, Rottnest’s marine life is incredibly diverse thanks to the Leeuwin Current bringing warm water down the coast. Kids can spot everything from bright fish and seagrass meadows to, occasionally, rays and friendly wrasse. It’s easy to combine snorkelling with bike rides, beach picnics and quokka spotting, making it one of the best multi‑activity day trips or short breaks you can do from Perth.
Address / location: Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), 19 km off Fremantle, WA
Carnac Island Nature Reserve
For families with older kids or teens who are confident in the water, Carnac Island offers a special kind of snorkelling adventure. Reached by tour boat from Fremantle, this nature reserve is home to dolphins, sea lions and plenty of bird life. Out on the tour, you can often watch sea lions basking and playing, and sometimes see dolphins cruising past the boat.
Snorkelling here is usually done under the guidance of tour operators, which helps keep things safe and respectful around wildlife. It’s a memorable way to introduce children to the idea of marine conservation and give them a chance to see larger animals in their natural environment, without having to travel too far from Perth.
Address / location: Offshore nature reserve between Fremantle and Garden Island, WA (access via licensed tour operators from Fremantle and surrounds)
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Boyinaboat Reef, Hillarys Boat Harbour
Boyinaboat Reef sits about 75 metres off the sea wall at Hillarys Boat Harbour and is packed with fish and marine life. Underwater plaques guide you around the sanctuary zone, turning it into a bit of a treasure hunt for older kids who like following a “trail”. The reef sits in about six to seven metres of water, and there are rocky ledges, caves and reef outcrops to explore.
Because of the depth and access, Boyinaboat Reef is best suited to confident, experienced snorkellers and is not ideal for very young children or beginners. If you do go as a family, it’s safer with an organised group, a buddy system and older kids who are strong swimmers. For many families, this becomes a great “next step” goal once children have outgrown lagoon‑style snorkelling.
Address / location: Sanctuary zone approximately 75 m off the seaward wall of Hillarys Boat Harbour, Hillarys WA
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Point Peron and Mushroom Rock
If your family loves a bit of adventure, the Point Peron area near Rockingham has plenty to offer. Surrounded by Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Point Peron is dotted with limestone cliffs, little coves and underwater caves and crevices. Confident snorkellers can weave through swim‑throughs and explore the rocky reef, feeling like underwater explorers.
Mushroom Rock, a distinctive limestone formation, is another favourite snorkel spot nearby, with more chunky reef and sea life to discover. These areas are better for older children and teens who are strong swimmers and comfortable in deeper water, as conditions and currents can change. On calm days, though, they’re magical places to explore together, with dramatic scenery both above and below the surface.
Address / location: Point Peron Road, Peron WA (within Shoalwater Islands Marine Park near Rockingham); Mushroom Rock accessed from the same coastal area
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Penguin Island
Penguin Island is a long‑time favourite for families and a lovely spot for a snorkel. The stretch of water between the island and the mainland can be glassy and calm on the right day, with plenty of fish and other sea life to see. Families often combine snorkelling with wildlife watching, as the broader area is home to dolphins, sea lions and, of course, little penguins.
Address / location: Penguin Island, off Shoalwater Bay, Rockingham WA (access by ferry or licensed operators from Shoalwater)
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, just off Rockingham, is a fantastic Playground for ocean‑loving families. The park includes the waters around Penguin Island, Seal Island and other small limestone islands, as well as sandy beaches and shallow reefs along the mainland. Families can snorkel over sheltered reefs, join kayak tours, or simply float above seagrass meadows while keeping an eye out for fish and rays.
The park is also known for its wildlife: you might see Australian sea lions lazing on rocks, dolphins cruising past, or seabirds wheeling overhead. The WA Parks and Wildlife Service provides detailed information about the marine park, including maps, suggested paddle trails and safety tips on the official page for Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
Address / location: Offshore from Shoalwater and Rockingham, WA, including waters around Penguin Island, Seal Island and Cape Peron
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Busselton Jetty
Busselton Jetty is a bit of a drive from Perth, but it’s a brilliant family day out if your crew is keen on marine life. The jetty sits in the warm Leeuwin Current and is surrounded by an astonishing variety of tropical and sub‑tropical species, with more than 300 marine species recorded around its pylons. Snorkelling alongside the jetty lets kids see colourful fish, sponges and corals clinging to the timber piles.
Families can also explore the famous Underwater Observatory or ride the little train out to the end of the jetty, making it easy to tailor the day to different ages and comfort levels in the water. The official Busselton Jetty website is the best place to check current opening times, tour options and any seasonal changes.
Address / location: Busselton Jetty, 3L Queen Street (Foreshore), Busselton WA
If you’re looking to enjoy some of Perth’s most popular snorkelling, you have to check out the great places listed above for some of Perth’s best snorkelling spots.
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
