It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Bushrangers Bay (BB), Shellharbour for snorkelling. It’s protected, both from the extremes of the ocean and from fishing, so the area is thriving with an abundance of marine life. It’s also no secret that many people are fans of Bushrangers Bay which can make for a somewhat chaotic snorkelling experience, often starting in the carpark. 

So, last Monday I started to explore areas closer to home and snorkelled at the old boat ramp at Bellambi. This spot is just south of the current metal boat ramp, a spot I have spent many hours at, watching the enormous stingrays circling, waiting for scraps. I was joined by some of the lovely ladies from Wild Women of Wollongong, because you always need a buddy in the water and who doesn’t love starting the day chatting with friends?

I was nervous because I’m not the most confident of swimmers but the swell forecast was looking good (I use Willy Weather for tides and swell checks) and the sun was shining.

Our plan was to snorkel around the exposed rock shelf north towards the pool and over the sandy stretches and see what the day brought. 

The first thing I noticed was just how different the underwater landscape looked, made up of coral-covered multiple rock ledges and areas of sea grass. There were lots of fish, including schools of whiting in the shallows and a blue groper closer to the pool. There were also plenty of common stingarees shuffling about in the sand but without a doubt the highlight was having one of the huge rays, which I have only ever seen from above, glide quietly past us. 

This animal dwarfed me and trust me you can squeal with excitement and surprise even with a mouth full of snorkel! 

My tips for snorkelling Bellambi

Always check the swell forecast before heading out and plan your entry and exit before getting in the water.

Wear reef shoes and shuffle through the sand on the way in; there are lots of rays in this spot.

Be mindful of boats and jetskis. This is a busy area and you should avoid the metal boat ramp area entirely, sticking close to the shoreline.