

Little Nook Bay is a gentle shore dive into Tasmania's cool, clear waters, making it a great starting point for newer divers. Depths stay between 1 and 10 metres, so you can take your time and explore without pressure. Visibility commonly reaches 15 to 35 metres, which means you can actually see where you're going. The reef is draped in kelp forest, and once you slow down you'll start noticing weedy seadragons tucked among the fronds. Colourful sponges, jewel anemones, and yellow zoanthids cover the rocky surfaces. Currents are generally mild, though surges can pick up, so stay aware of your surroundings near the reef.
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Winter through early spring (June to September) brings the best visibility, when cold, clear water settles in. Wear a thick wetsuit of at least 7mm, as Tasmanian waters are genuinely cold year-round.
Access is via the shore at Bicheno. The lodging "The Nook at Cod Rock Point" has private access to the ocean.
Water is cold year-round. While the bay is sheltered, be aware of currents and swell, particularly further from shore.
Depth
1-10m
Visibility
15-35m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
12-18°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Little Nook Bay in Tasmania hosts weedy seadragons, southern rock lobster, and colourful invertebrates including jewel anemones, yellow zoanthids, and vibrant sponges amongst kelp forests. Snorkellers may also encounter dolphins and seals in the bay. The site's depth range of 1 to 10 metres makes these cold-water species accessible from the shore.
Little Nook Bay is suitable for beginner snorkellers with its shallow 1 to 10 metre depth range and shore entry on Tasmania's East Coast. However, beginners should be aware of cold water temperatures (12-18°C), mild currents, and occasional surge conditions. The site requires no certification and operates without entry fees or facilities.
Water temperatures at Little Nook Bay range from 12°C to 18°C throughout the year, requiring a wetsuit or drysuit for snorkelling. The coldest conditions occur during winter months, whilst temperatures peak during the Tasmanian summer. These cold-water conditions support the bay's unique marine ecosystem including weedy seadragons and kelp forests.
The best months to snorkel Little Nook Bay are June through September, during Tasmania's winter season. During these months, visibility ranges from 15 to 35 metres, providing excellent conditions for observing the site's weedy seadragons and colourful invertebrate life. Mild currents during this period make shore entry manageable for beginners.
Little Nook Bay is accessed via shore entry from Tasmania's East Coast, with no boat required. The site has no facilities, so snorkellers must arrive fully equipped and self-sufficient. There is no entry fee to snorkel the bay.
Snorkellers at Little Nook Bay should prepare for cold water (12-18°C), strong currents, surge conditions, and periods of limited visibility. The combination of mild to strong currents and surge requires reasonable water confidence despite the beginner classification. Appropriate thermal protection is essential due to Tasmania's cold-water environment.
Diving at Little Nook Bay in East Coast requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Little Nook Bay in East Coast. Water temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C.
Little Nook Bay in East Coast has depths ranging from 1 metres to 10 metres.
Little Nook Bay in East Coast offers snorkelling with a rating of 1 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 1 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.