Best Snorkel Spots in Perth: Mettams Pool and Shoalwater

If you’re chasing crystal-clear water, lively marine life, and accessible snorkeling close to Perth, you’re in luck. Western Australia’s capital sits beside a coastline brimming with sheltered bays, kelp forests, and tidal pools that make snorkeling easy for beginners and rewarding for seasoned divers alike. Among the standout locations are Mettams Pool, a sheltered paradise on North Beach, and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to Penguin Island and a string of snorkeling-worthy coves. This guide dives into what makes these two spots special, practical how-tos, best times to visit, and tips to make the most of your Underwater Perth adventure.

Introduction

Perth’s beaches are famous for sun, surf, and endless coastline, but not all snorkeling spots require a boat or a complicated day trip. Mettams Pool offers a family-friendly, low-effort option right near the city, where calm tides and a protected setting invite kids and first-time snorkelers to explore a microcosm of Perth’s marine life. Shoalwater expands the horizon with broader marine environments, lush kelp beds, and access to Penguin Island within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. If you dream of gliding above shimmering fish, watching little penguins waddle along the shore, and feeling the warm Western Australian sun on your back, these two spots deserve a place on your travel list.

Mettams Pool: A Perth Snorkeling Classic

What makes Mettams Pool special

• Protected, shallow tidal pool: Mettams Pool is a sheltered water area formed by a rocky breakwater at North Beach. The calm water and gently sloping entry make it ideal for kids, beginners, and those who want a relaxed snorkel without battling waves.
• Easy visibility: The pool often offers clear to turquoise water during sunny days, which helps you spot small reef fish darting among seagrass beds and rocky outcrops.
• Close to Perth: Just a short drive from the city centre, Mettams Pool is a convenient option for a half-day escape or a spontaneous afternoon of snorkel time.

Getting there and accessibility

• Location: Mettams Pool sits along North Beach, near the western edge of Perth’s northern coastline, close to the suburb of City Beach.
• How to reach it: A car is the easiest way to access Mettams Pool. There is convenient parking near the beach, and you can walk the short distance to the tidal pool from the car park.
• Accessibility: The pool is designed for easy entry, with steps and a gentle slope into the water. The surrounding area is popular with families, so facilities like toilets and shaded picnic spots are usually nearby.

What you’ll see (marine life)

• Common reef residents: Tiny damselfish, wrasse, and blennies glide through the rock patches and seagrass beds.
• Invertebrates: Crabs and small sea stars are often visible along the rocky edges.
• Seasonal visitors: In warmer months, you might spot silver trevally and bigger schooling fish in or around the pool.
• Underwater scenery: The combination of rocky outcrops and seagrass creates a dynamic micro-ecosystem that’s entertaining to explore, especially for first-time snorkelers.

Best time to snorkel

• Tides: High tide is typically the best for deeper water and easier entry at Mettams Pool. Check local tide charts to plan your snorkel window.
• Seasonality: Perth’s water tends to be warmer in late spring through early autumn, but a bright, calm day can make any time rewarding.
• Weather: Sunny, glassy-smooth mornings yield the best visibility and moisture-friendly air temperatures.

Practical tips for snorkeling at Mettams Pool

• Gear: Bring a mask, snorkel, and fins. If you’re prone to fogging, a quick rinse and anti-fog spray helps.
• Gear rental: If you don’t own snorkel gear, local beach rentals or nearby surf shops often offer daily rental options.
• Safety and etiquette: Stay within the pool’s designated snorkeling zone, avoid touching marine life, and respect the rocks to prevent slips.
• Sun protection: Apply reef-safe sunscreen, wear a UV shirt, and bring a hat for after-snorkel time.
• Footwear: Water shoes can protect feet from sharp rocks and shells when entering or leaving the water.
• What to bring: Towel, water, snacks, a lightweight dry bag for valuables, and a small underwater camera if you want to capture the moment.

Facilities and convenience

• Amenities: Public toilets and outdoor showers are typically available near the beach car park. There are often shaded areas for a post-snorkel picnic.
• Food and beverages: Several cafés and snack spots along North Beach offer coffee and light meals to fuel your snorkeling adventures.
• Crowd factor: Mettams Pool can get busy on weekends and school holidays, especially during calm mornings.

Who should snorkel here

• Families with kids who want a gentle introduction to snorkeling.
• Beginners seeking a low-stress environment with minimal waves.
• Those who want a quick, city-adjacent snorkeling experience without a long drive.

Shoalwater: Snorkeling in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

Overview: Penguin Island and beyond

The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is a string of protected coastal areas southwest of Perth, anchored by Penguin Island. This region offers more expansive snorkeling opportunities, with clearer water, more diverse habitats, and the possibility of glimpsing wildlife ranging from kelp-dwelling fish to playful penguins on shore. The park encompasses several islands and coves, each with its own underwater character.

Getting there and accessibility

• How to reach: Drive to the Shoalwater area and then take the short ferry ride to Penguin Island (the island is within easy reach for day-trippers from Perth).
• Parking and access: The mainland access point has parking and a visitor area; a regular ferry runs to Penguin Island, usually with timed departures, depending on the season.
• Island experience: Penguin Island provides a blend of land and sea adventures. The underwater landscapes around the island include kelp forests, sandy shallows, and rocky outcrops that attract a range of marine life.

What you’ll see (marine life)

• Diversified habitats: The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is known for its kelp beds, shoals of small reef fish, and crabs scuttling along rock crevices.
• Penguin Island highlights: While penguins are a key attraction on land, snorkeling around Penguin Island often reveals schools of fish and glimpses of the island’s protected shoreline below the surface.
• Seasonal wildlife: Dolphins occasionally cruise the shallows, and sea birds are a constant backdrop as you snorkel in sheltered coves.
• Gentle currents: Some spots near the island can have mild currents, making certain snorkel routes more engaging for experienced snorkelers while still being safe with proper supervision.

Best times to snorkel at Shoalwater

• Weather windows: Calm mornings with light winds typically yield the clearest visibility and most comfortable snorkeling conditions.
• Tides and currents: Like Mettams Pool, the best snorkeling around Penguin Island often aligns with mid-to-high tides, which bring deeper water and more marine life into view.
• Seasonal considerations: Warmer months tend to offer better visibility and more vibrant life, but snorkeling can be enjoyable year-round if you handle cooler water with a wetsuit.

Practical tips for snorkeling in Shoalwater

• Tidal planning: Check local tide charts and ferry schedules to align your snorkel window with favorable water depth and access.
• Gear options: Many travelers bring their own masks, snorkels, and fins. You can also arrange guided snorkeling tours that include equipment.
• Safety and wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, avoid chasing or feeding animals, and never touch penguins or seals if you encounter them.
• Jellyfish awareness: WA coastlines can have jellyfish during certain seasons. Consider a stinger suit or check local advisories in the weeks leading up to your trip.
• Entry points: Some snorkel spots near Penguin Island are rocky; wear water shoes to prevent scrapes and provide extra grip when entering and exiting.

Facilities and convenience

• On-island amenities: Penguin Island offers cafes, restrooms, and shaded areas. The island’s facilities make a day trip comfortable, especially for families.
• Mainland conveniences: The Shoalwater area has access to shops and eateries in nearby towns, making it easy to pick up snacks or rent gear before or after your snorkel.

Best snorkeling spots within Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

• Penguin Island coves: Sheltered bays and shallow lagoons near the ferry landing provide approachable snorkeling in clear water.
• Island-ring coves: Other small coves around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park offer quiet, less-crowded snorkeling options for a more intimate experience.
• Seasoned snorkelers’ routes: For those who are comfortable with a more adventurous entry, some rocky sections offer interesting underwater terrain with more varied life.

Mettams Pool vs Shoalwater: Which spot is right for you?

• Proximity and convenience:
  • Mettams Pool is ideal for a quick, city-adjacent snorkel that fits into a morning or afternoon at North Beach.
  • Shoalwater is better for a full day, a weekend getaway, or when you want the island experience plus snorkeling.
• Experience level:
  • Mettams Pool suits families, beginners, and travelers seeking a low-risk, low-effort snorkeling session.
  • Shoalwater appeals to those who want more diverse underwater habitats, kelp forests, and a broader marine park experience.
• Wildlife and scenery:
  • Mettams Pool offers intimate encounters with small reef fish and seagrass life.
  • Shoalwater provides a wider variety of wildlife and underwater landscapes, including kelp beds and potential dolphin sightings.
• Accessibility:
  • Mettams Pool is a straightforward beach swim with quick access.
  • Shoalwater often involves a ferry ride to Penguin Island, which adds a touch of adventure and planning.

Planning a Perth snorkeling itinerary that includes both

• Day trip approach:
  • Morning: Snorkel at Mettams Pool to ease into your day with calm water and minimal crowds.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Shoalwater, take the ferry to Penguin Island, and snorkel around sheltered coves before heading back.
• Weekend approach:
  • Day 1: Mettams Pool morning snorkel, then a coastal walk and lunch at North Beach.
  • Day 2: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park exploration, Penguin Island snorkel, and perhaps a sunset view back on the mainland.
• Family-friendly option:
  • Focus on Mettams Pool for a short, gentle snorkel and finish with a relaxed beachside picnic. If a longer day appeals, add a short ferry ride to Penguin Island with kid-friendly activities.

What to pack for a Perth snorkel adventure

• Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) or a well-fitting rental plan.
• Wetsuit or rash guard depending on the season and water temperature.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for after-snorkel time.
• Water bottle, snacks, and a light lunch.
• Dry bag for valuables (phone, keys) and a small towel.
• Dry clothes for after snorkeling and a change of footwear.
• Camera or waterproof action cam if you want to capture the underwater world.

Safety considerations to keep in mind

• Always snorkel with a buddy and let someone know your plan.
• Check weather and sea conditions before you go; Perth coast can shift quickly.
• Be mindful of jellyfish seasons in WA; plan accordingly with protective gear.
• Respect wildlife; observe penguins, seals, and other animals from a safe distance.
• Avoid entering unsafe areas or becoming entangled in kelp or rocks.
• Follow local rules for the marine park and respect protected areas.

Sustainable snorkeling habits

• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect underwater ecosystems.
• Don’t touch, chase, or feed wildlife.
• Take your trash with you; leave no trace to protect the fragile coastal habitats.
• If you’re visiting multiple spots, keep your footprint small by minimizing equipment usage and staying on designated paths.

Conclusion: Your Perth snorkeling adventure awaits

Whether you’re chasing a quick, family-friendly swim or a broader marine exploration, Perth offers snorkeling options that suit every itinerary. Mettams Pool delivers an ideal, low-stress introduction to underwater life, with easy access, calm water, and a gentle entry into the world beneath the waves. Shoalwater invites you to extend your adventure into a marine park that blends island life, kelp forests, and diverse sea life, all within reach of a day trip or a relaxed weekend escape.

If you’re planning a trip to Western Australia, consider weaving both experiences into your itinerary. A morning at Mettams Pool can gently wake the senses, followed by an afternoon ferry ride to Penguin Island for a more immersive underwater experience. The result is a balanced, unforgettable snorkeling itinerary that showcases the best of Perth’s coastal treasures.

Key takeaways

• Mettams Pool is a sheltered, beginner-friendly snorkeling spot close to Perth with easy entry and calm water.
• Shoalwater Islands Marine Park offers broader underwater habitats and access to Penguin Island, delivering a more varied snorkeling experience.
• Plan around tides, weather, and seasons to maximize visibility and safety.
• Bring or rent essential gear, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and follow wildlife etiquette to protect these coastal ecosystems for future visitors.

If you’re ready to dive into Perth’s snorkeling scene, start with Mettams Pool for a gentle, city-adjacent adventure, then set your sights on Shoalwater for a broader coastal exploration. Either way, you’ll discover why snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience Western Australia’s remarkable marine world. Book your gear, map your route, and prepare to fall in love with the underwater beauty just a short drive from Perth.