Just off the dual-lane boat ramp in Bicheno's sheltered Gulch, this shore-entry snorkel site grants easy access to the temperate waters of the Governor Island Marine Reserve. The rocky reef around the boat ramp and foreshore track is alive with macro life — expect to see weedy sea dragons, octopus, and colourful wrasse in the clear, cool waters. The Gulch is protected from prevailing winds by two small islands, making it one of the most reliable east-coast snorkel entries. After your swim, follow the scenic foreshore trail past the historic Wauba Debar grave site to the Bicheno Blowhole.
Bicheno Snorkel Site (near the boat ramp / Foreshore)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 3.4 knPrecipitation 2.1 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Boat traffic at ramp
The dual-lane concrete boat ramp is active with trailered vessels launching and retrieving. Snorkelers must stay clear of the ramp channel and be vigilant.
Moderate risk: Hard south-easterly swells
Exposed in hard south-easterly weather, causing surging seas and reduced visibility at the Gulch entrance.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Tasmanian east-coast waters range from 12–18 °C year-round; cold-water shock and hypothermia risk without a wetsuit.
Low risk: Strong outgoing tide current
Tidal flow through the narrow Gulch can create a swift outgoing current, particularly around the boat ramp and channel.
Low risk: Uneven foreshore rocks
Entry and exit over slippery, uneven rocks along the foreshore — care needed when climbing in and out of the water.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Tasman Highway (A3) turn onto Gordon Street in Bicheno and follow it to the end at the Gulch. The boat ramp and foreshore snorkel entry are on your right.
Parking & facilities
Gravel car park adjacent to the boat ramp on Gordon Street, Bicheno. Space for cars and boat trailers.
parkingboat_ramp
No fee for snorkelling or parking.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports