Best Snorkeling Spots on Rotto

Little and Big Salmon Bay

It wouldn’t be a list of some of Rotto’s best snorkeling spots without Salmon Bay, from turquoise, crystal-clear waters to white sand as far as the eye can see it’s a no brainer making a stop here. Throw on your snorkeling gear and jump under the water to discover an abundance of marine life, native corals and meadows of seagrass. Located on the Southern Side of Rottnest Island, Salmon Bay is just a short 30-minute bike ride from the main settlement. Here the entire family can enjoy the day soaking up the sun and exploring this underwater paradise. What’s more, Salmon Bay is home to Rottnest Island’s very own snorkel trail complete with underwater plaques to guide you on your journey across the seabed. Cruise for 700m along some of Western Australia’s best reef, ideal for those who want to learn more about what they see under the surface.

With Salmon Bay comes Little Salmon Bay, considered the younger and even more popular sibling Little Salmon Bay is a small, secluded bay perfect for beginner snorkelers. Located on the on the Southern Tip just past Parker Point on Parker Point Loop Road, Little Salmon Bay lends itself to great snorkeling and surfing off the break. With its sheltered lagoons and rockpools at only 1.5 metres deep it’s the perfect spot for small children to explore at their own pace, spotting tropical coral species and playful fish darting around the coral.

Henrietta Rocks

Nestled in gorgeous Porpoise Bay is Henrietta Rocks, home to the famous Shark shipwreck the only shipwreck on Rottnest Island that can be explored just by snorkelling. Visible from the road, the Shark wreck is a popular calling card for the adventurous type wanting to take a glance into Rottnest’s past.

Little Parakeet Bay

If the Northern side of the island is more your style, why not check out Little Parakeet Bay, just a hop and a skip from the popular Geordie Bay. Offering a sheltered cove behind a rocky outcrop, the perfect place to escape the wind, Little Parakeet Bay boasts pearly white sand and even more underwater paradise just waiting to be discovered. Keep your eyes peeled for a stingray cruising along the ocean floor in these warm waters.

The Basin

Synonymous with Rottnest Island, The Basin is one of the most popular attractions that tourists flock to see. A stretch of 200 metres of reef, rockpools and calm swells The Basin makes a great spot to pitch the beach umbrella for the entire day. Home to the island’s safest waters, take a dip with the family and have peace of mind that everyone will have fun time here. Only 10 minutes from the main settlement, on the north-west side of the island, The Basin has onsite toilet facilities, barbeque and picnic area and is just a short walk from a number of lunch options. Whether you’re here to make sandcastles or go for a dive beyond the beach – The Basin has it all.

Visiting from interstate or overseas? Add mask, snorkel and flipper hire to your ferry ticket and get ready to explore!