A SOUTH WEST GUIDE TO SNORKELLING
by Graeme Olsen
It's free, it's easy, and it's
lots of fun. And you can get into snorkelling all
along our beautiful coast.
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Snorkelling has been around for centuries,
being recorded as far back as the ancient
hieroglyphics. The swimmer would use reeds
to breathe through while swimming under water.
The main reason for snorkelling was to hunt
or collect things that had fallen into the
water, but over time snorkelling has developed
into a very popular leisure activity.
You'll never realise what's under the waves
until you put on the goggles and have a look
around. You'll be amazed at what's been underneath
you all along.
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For those of you who snorkel, you
know what I'm talking about. But for those who haven't
tried it out yet, here's the lowdown on where and
how you can get into it and what you'll see.
What you need:
Goggles and snorkel are pretty much
essential. It won't be too much fun if you don't
have these. You can pick up a cheap pair from around
$30, but the more expensive pairs will be more comfortable
and less likely to leak. Another good investment
is a $10 bottle of "anti-fog" which will
ensure that you can snorkel longer without having
to constantly clean the fog out of your mask. Flippers
are optional, and are simply used to propel you
through the water quicker. Flippers are really a
matter of personal preference and pretty much all
do the same job.
Wet suits or "rashies" are
sometimes are good idea, but definitely not necessary.
It depends on your physical makeup a lot. If you're
the sort of person who gets cold easily (like me),
then wearing some sort of suit is great because
it reduces heat loss and lets you stay in the water
longer. It also provides some sun protection. Each
to his own though.
Where you can go:
Anywhere! Head south, or west, or
both, until you hit water. Find a section of clear
and preferably calm water and dive in! However,
some of the best known spots for snorkelling are
as follows:
Eagle Bay, west of Dunsborough - this
is a great spot because of it's shallow waters.
At around 2-3 metres deep it allows great viewing
from the surface and is an easy dive towards the
bottom. It's very sheltered from the afternoon breeze
and therefore the waters are usually flat and clear.
There is a range of granite boulders that run down
the beach and into the bay. These have been covered
in algae and seaweed. Marine life abounds and it's
great viewing!
Busselton Jetty - the jetty in Busselton
is a popular snorkelling spot because the waters
are clear and the jetty itself offers great views
of marine life. There is a large amount of coral,
sponges, and seaweed around the jetty pylons, and
a lot of fish tend to congregate under the shade
and relative security of the jetty. Fishing lines
are not usually a worry for snorkellers, because
you normally don't go out that far.
Kilcarnup Beach, Margaret River -
Unfortunately you need a 4WD to get to this one,
but it's worth it. There is a limestone reef in
water up to 6 metres deep that has been eroded and
shaped into caves and other formations. The reef
is home to a variety of fish and other marine life.
Gannet Rock, west of Dunsborough -
close to Eagle Bay, this area is accessed by an
unsealed track which comes off the Eagle Bay - Meelup
Road. The rock itself is an 80 metre swim from shore
but it lies in water that is around 3-4 metres deep
which makes it perfect for snorkelling. It is also
protected from the weather and current.
Greens Pool, Denmark - Everyone raves
about this one. Situated in a sheltered bay west
of Denmark, Greens Pool provides clear sheltered
water on white sand with granite rocks. Perfect
for snorkelling and swimming.
What will you see when you're snorkelling?
Fish! Big fish, small fish, schools
of fish. You will be amazed at the size and number
of fish that hang around very close to the shore.
Don't think that you need to go far out to them.
Even in waist deep water you can see quite large
fish, especially around rocks or jetties.
You'll also see other sea creatures
such as crabs, jellyfish and starfish. Depending
where you are you will also probably see a lot of
shells and rocks. There are some fantastic rocks
and shells of all shapes, colours and sizes, all
for the taking. Then there's the coral, seaweed
and plants. Even seaweed has a special beauty about
it if you look hard enough. And finally, there's
the rubbish and other treasure. Rubbish? Yes, even
things that have been thrown in the sea by litterbugs
can later become small treasures as they become
eroded by the sea (eg. glass) or encrusted with
sea life.
What else?
Like scuba diving, it's important
to let people know where you're going. And although
snorkelling has far fewer risks than scuba diving,
you should always swim with other people where you
can. Besides, it more fun that way! Other basic
safety points include the need to be aware of your
own level of fitness and limitations. Pay attention
to your body and if you feel tired, sick or very
cold, you should come in to shore for a while.
Snorkelling is a great, relaxing activity
that is freely available all along our coastline.
Keep a spare set of equipment in the boot of the
car and you'll always be prepared next time you
come across that section of flat, aqua blue water
that offers a fantastic view into the underwater
world.
January 2002
