## 1. Jervis Bay Marine Park
Jervis Bay Marine Park offers some of the most incredible snorkeling in New South Wales. With over 100km of stunning coastline, the park is home to diverse marine life including eastern blue devil fish, pipefish, and cuttlefish. Lucky snorkelers may even spot dolphins, seals, penguins, or the elusive weedy sea dragon[5].
## 2. Lord Howe Island
Located 350km off the NSW coast, Lord Howe Island boasts the world's southernmost coral reef. With over 90 coral species and 500 fish species, the island's crystal-clear waters offer exceptional visibility for snorkeling. Popular spots include Lagoon Beach, Erscott's Hole, and Ned's Beach[5].
## 3. Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, Byron Bay
Julian Rocks is a premier snorkeling destination near Byron Bay. The marine reserve is teeming with tropical fish species and unique coral formations. Snorkelers have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, manta rays, and leopard sharks. During migration season, you might even spot dolphins and whales[1][2].
## 4. Manly, Sydney
Manly offers excellent snorkeling opportunities close to Sydney. The Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk is a popular tour that combines snorkeling with a guided nature walk, allowing visitors to explore both the underwater world and the coastal environment[4].
## 5. Cook Island, Tweed Heads
Cook Island, located off the coast of Tweed Heads, is a small rocky outcrop that provides a fantastic snorkeling experience. The island is surrounded by diverse marine life and coral formations[1].
## 6. Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay offers a 3-hour kayak and snorkeling experience, combining two water activities for an exciting adventure. Snorkelers can explore the bay's underwater ecosystem while also enjoying the scenic coastline[4].
## 7. Port Stephens
Port Stephens is known for its Marine Discovery and Snorkeling tours. These excursions allow visitors to explore the rich marine life of the area while learning about the local ecosystem[4].
## 8. Clovelly Beach, Sydney
Clovelly Beach, with its calm and protected waters, is an ideal spot for beginners and families to enjoy snorkeling. The beach is known for its diverse marine life, including the famous blue groper fish.
## 9. Bare Island, La Perouse
Located in Botany Bay, Bare Island offers excellent snorkeling opportunities with its rocky reefs and abundant marine life. The area is particularly known for its seahorses and colorful nudibranchs.
## 10. Montague Island, Narooma
Montague Island, off the coast of Narooma, provides a unique snorkeling experience. Visitors can swim with playful seals and observe a variety of fish species in the clear waters surrounding the island.
These top snorkeling spots in New South Wales offer diverse underwater landscapes and marine life, catering to both beginners and experienced snorkelers. From the world-renowned Lord Howe Island to the easily accessible beaches near Sydney, there's a perfect snorkeling destination for everyone in NSW.
Citations:
[1] https://www.visitnsw.com/articles/best-snorkelling-in-nsw
[2] https://ninjashark.com.au/blogs/topic/top-spots-to-snorkel-in-australia
[3] https://www.reefranger.au/nsw/
[4] https://www.viator.com/en-AU/New-South-Wales-tours/Snorkeling/d120-g17-c58