Rottnest Island is home to numerous shipwrecks, about 20 species of coral and 360 species of fish, including 97 species of colourful tropical fish, making the island a snorkeller’s paradise. It is an underwater wonderland of life and colour and the diversity of snorkelling trails in the various bays around the island suit both novice and experienced snorkellers.
If you’re keen to explore the waters on your own, a great starting point is the extremely comprehensive #Snorkellers’ Guide to Rottnest, which can be purchased for $5.50 from the island gift shop next to Dome coffee shop. It covers the bays of the island in detail, giving a star rating for each dive trail and advising if the trail is suitable for a novice snorkeller, moderately experienced snorkeller or a snorkeller with extensive experience. It also advises the best weather conditions for each trail.
If you’re going on your own, the best method to reach the snorkelling trails is by bike. If you don’t bring your own wheels, you can hire some in the settlement at Thomson Bay. Alternatively, the Bayseeker Buses also carry passengers to many of the snorkelling hot spots. You’ll need a mask, snorkel and fins, which can be hired for $16.50 per day from Malibu Dive, located underneath Dome. Or, if you want to buy your own set, prices start at $79.95.
For novice snorkellers, there’s a fantastic and diverse selection of excellent trails. The Basin and Green Island provide the safest snorkelling spots for kids and novices because of the shallow, calm water and other suitable sites for novices are scattered around the island.
Pocillopora Reef at Parker Point is one of the top novice sites, showcasing colourful tropical fish such as moon wrasses, sergeant majors and parrotfish, large colonies of the pinkish Pocillopora coral and a very old and large brain coral. Underwater plaques are a unique feature of this snorkelling trail, providing information on the inhabitants of the area.
For strong swimmers with extensive snorkelling experience, the Offshore Reefs trail at Longreach Bay passes through one of the most interesting underwater areas at Rottnest. Caves and swim-throughs are scattered along the sheer-sided cliffs that form the northern edge of the lagoon, offering spectacular views. You will find large brown Montipora plates, lots of small heads of the pink Pocillopora coral and numerous species of fish.
For those looking for a little more direction, Malibu Dive can arrange group snorkelling tours, taking you to the most appropriate sites depending on weather conditions. Full-day tours from the mainland cost $80 per person and include island transfers, snorkelling gear, lunch and guided snorkelling tours. There are cheaper rates available for large groups. Contact Malibu Dive in Perth on (08) 9225 7555 or in Rotto on (08) 9292 5111.

Best sites for novices snorkellers
Pocillopora Reef at Parker Point, Nearshore Reefs at Little Salmon Bay, Coral Patch and Surfers Lagoon at Salmon Bay, Green Island, Inshore Reefs at Mary Cove, Fish Hook Bay (boat dive only), Eagle Bay Gutter at Cathedral Rocks, Little Armstrong Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, Nearshore Reefs at Longreach Bay and #Uribes Shipwreck at Natural Jetty.

Best sites for experienced snorkellers
Jeannies Pools at Parker Point, Firefish Bend, Cathedral Rocks Lagoon, The Maze at Celia Rocks, Sloping Rock at Little Armstrong Bay, The Grottos at Little Parakeet Bay, Offshore Reefs at Longreach Bay and #Denton Holme and #Macedon Shipwrecks at Kingston Reefs (boat dive only).

Getting to Rottnest:
Rottnest Express/Boat Torque Cruises, Barrack St, Perth, (08) 9221 5844; Northport, Fremantle, (08) 9430 5844; C Shed, Fremantle, (08) 335 6406.
Oceanic Cruises, Barrack St, Perth, (08) 9325 1191 and B Shed, Fremantle, (08) 335 2666.
Hillarys Fast Ferries, Hillarys Boat Harbour, (08) 9246 1039.
Rottnest Air Taxi, Jandakot Airport, (08) 9292 5027 or 1800 500 006.