When you think of a holiday in Australia, there are probably some very stereotypical sights that come to mind like the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, and Sydney’s signature skyline. What you may not know is that you can holiday in Sydney, see all of the cityscape and highlights but also do some amazing snorkeling and get to experience the marine life. Today we will be highlighting Sydney and covering five of Sydney’s top spots for snorkeling.

Sydney is a great city to visit. There is so much to see and do. Of course, the city has some of the most iconic sights in the world including Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.; however, there is much more than just that. You can visit some of New South Wales’ national parks – all within a short drive from Sydney, you can even see the mountains, they are just about a 30 minute drive west of Sydney’s CBD. Then, there are Sydney’s beaches and snorkeling spots, which are great, some are even perfect for children and beginners. So, hire a car from Budget Car Rental Sydney and you will be able to take yourself around to see all these amazing Sydney attractions.

1. Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is located in Manly in the Cabbage Tree Bay protected marine reserve. That means that there is an abundance of unique fish to see there thanks to the protected status. The maximum depth is just about 12 metres, so it is shallow and the waters are calm. Swim with schools of mullet, trevally, hawksbill turtles, and smaller shark species like wobbegongs and dusky whalers. There are other things to do at Shelly Beach too like surfing or exploring the nearby walking tracks.

2. Clovelly Pool

Clovelly Beach has a lot going for it that makes it a top spot for snorkeling. It is a small beach at the end of a narrow bay so the water is very calm. There is even a ramp for handicap access. The beach is home to one of Australia’s first lifesaving clubs in the world. The Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1906. When the waters are calm, you can even venture out over the pool’s edge where you can find some of the “locals”, fish that are always found hanging around the pool edge including Bluey, the 1.2 metre blue grouper, giant cuttlefish, and sponges.

3. Fairlight Beach

Fairlight Beach is where the locals go for snorkeling. This little “insider’s secret” is literally located inside Sydney on the harbour side of Manly. That means a shallow reef and calm waters for easy swimming and great visibility. Look for marine life like kelp fish, John Dory, sea slugs, and many other varieties. In addition to the snorkeling, there are a host of other things to do and see here and also in nearby Manly Wharf including:

• Tidal Rock Pool
• Toilets: including disabled toilet and access
• Ocean lap pool
• Kayaking
• Safe swimming for kids
• Parking
• Lighting
• Bench Seating
• Water
• Fairlight Walk
• Paddle Boarding
• Nearby accommodations

4. The Basin Campground at Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park

This is your chance to really get in touch with nature so close to Sydney. The Basin Campground is in Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park which is less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. The Campground is close to the beach where you will find a host of smaller sea creatures to explore. The estuary upstream has a shark net in place, so there are not any larger fish to worry about. The campsite facilities are open to swimmers, so even if you aren’t camping there, you will have access to the picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water, public phones, showers, and toilets. One of the highlights of Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park are the walking trails, so don’t miss out on an opportunity for some Australian bushwalking in the beautiful nature this park has to offer.

5. Kurnell

Located in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell is one of the best loved snorkeling spots in Sydney. It has earned this popularity because it is where the largest population of weedy sea dragons in Australia live. They look like magical creatures right out of a fairy tail and swim around so gracefully, they are fascinating and fun to watch! Of course, they aren’t the only sea creatures you’ll find in Kurnell, you might also spot moray eels, Port Jackson sharks, Antarctic fur seals, and plenty of other colourful fish. In addition to all that, there is a good bit of history here, as this is the spot where Captain Cook landed in 1770.

We’d like to throw out there some possibly overlooked and underrated destinations for your next Mexican vacation. Mexico is a huge country with lots of spectacular beach destinations, and the level of service at Mexico beach rentals as about as good as it gets, but often we found ourselves sticking to the same few places. So here are some other options

-Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is on Mexico’s Pacific side, in the state of Jalisco, close to Guadalajara, which is in and of itself a great destination. It has a nice balance, we consider, between the full-on party atmosphere of, say, Cancun, or some of the other destinations listed here, which are more on the tranquil side. Puerto Vallarta can be tranquil, on the other hand, but also has excellent nightlife destinations and experiences waiting for you.

-Riviera Maya

This is a good one for sightseers. Located just on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya is close to things such as Chichen Itza and the Coba ruins. The snorkeling is also world class, as is the famous local cuisine. This destination is popular with retirees, but in all honesty it holds something for everyone, so don’t think you’re going to get bored here!

– Riviera Nayarit

This area is actually the greater area that encompasses Puerto Vallarta, on the Nayarit river. Since the area is so vast, it’s hard to talk about one thing in particular. But you will find historic colonial towns, great surfing in various parts all up and down the coast (especially Sayulita beach) amazing food, sailing and fishing, ATV tours, turtle releases, and if you are in season (middle of the year usually), you can even get some whale-watching in.

-Los Cabos

Los Cabos is located at the very very bottom of Baja California, at the very end of the long and rocky peninsula; it’s actually in the state of Baja California Sur. People from the Los Angeles area frequently drive here as the drive is a fairly short and pleasant one. Although Baja California is famous for its rocks, and is a really top notch hiking destination, there are also good beaches here, and beautiful properties to rent.

-Punta Mita

Punta Mita is located north and west of Puerto Vallarta, on a small peninsula jutting out into a particularly gorgeous part of the Pacific Ocean. This is a private and exclusive village for people who just want to relax. Amenities are not lacking, but this is just to say that Punta Mita is much more of a tranquil destination than a party destination, which of course may be exactly what you are looking for. If so, you have found the right place.

So with these maybe un-thought-of options, you can now open up a whole new world of tourism for you in Mexico. Mexico is really a spectacular place to be a tourist, so don’t hesitate to mix it up on your next vacation and get a whole new experience at the same high level you are used to!

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Mauritius is a beautiful and mountainous island that even Mark Twain felt was worthy of his admiration. Because of its many wondrous places and areas to explore and discover, it can be difficult to decide what to see and where to go. Below, we’ve put together a list of attractions and activities you should consider when visiting the island.

Black River Gorges National Park

A phenomenal haven of thick rainforest, protected wildlife species and undulating hills, Black River Gorges NP captures the essence of the island. The park is home to many species including endangered icons such as the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel, as well as introduced animals like the macaque monkey.

Visitors are urged to keep a keen watch as sightings of these animals, and many others, are common. According to UNESCO, the park is of pivotal importance to Mauritius’ commitment to conserving their population of endangered flora and fauna and this importance is only underlined by its stunning natural splendour.

Diving and Snorkelling

As the island is bordered by shallow waters and coral reefs, before disappearing into the depths of pristine ocean water, it is an ideal location for diving and snorkelling. There are a myriad of options to choose from due to the island’s topography such as Pointe aux Piments and Ile aux Cerfs – a 100-hectare oasis island boasting white sand and an aquamarine lagoon.

However, a real highlight is Blue Bay Marine Park. Found on the south-west corner of the island, this beach offers up easy access to the water, allowing you to navigate the coral reef straight from the shore. As it is only a maximum of six metres in depth, the waters offer excellent visibility and are perfect for first-time snorkelers and children.

Volcanoes

Mauritius is a volcanic island, but there is only one that is dormant: Troux Aux Cerfs. It is at least 600 metres high, and its vantage point offers up excellent views of the town of Curepipe below. The crater area is decorated with beautiful flora making for a picturesque walk, or you could follow in the footsteps of the local tradition and meet at the base at sunrise and jog your way to the top.

Wondrous Landscape

Mauritius has a plethora of striking places to visit that capture its natural beauty and wonder. In the Riviere Noire District – an area late to tourist development, which offers a vestige of traditional Mauritian life – there is a geographical wonder known as Seven Coloured Earths. Holidays in Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this formation set within the popular and fascinating Chamarel plain. Over millennia, the rocks were pulverised into sands whereby the tropical climate stripped them of all water-soluble elements, creating black iron and aluminium oxides that present a rainbow of seven brilliant hues of colour.

While there is an abundance of places to see and go for tourists having holidays in Mauritius, one thing is certain – you won’t be disappointed!