Nestled within Tasman National Park on the Tasman Peninsula, Canoe Bay is a sheltered cove reached via a scenic walk from Fortescue Bay across a rocky headland. The bay's calm, clear waters are home to the historic William Pitt shipwreck — deliberately sunk in the 1950s as a breakwater — which now serves as a fascinating snorkelling feature. The white-sand beach, dramatic dolerite cliffs, and temperate reef environment make this a rewarding and secluded temperate-water snorkel spot on Tasmania's wild southeast coast.
Canoe Bay
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 8.7 knPrecipitation 1.8 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Uneven walking track
Access requires a moderate walk over a rocky headland with uneven sections and short climbs.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Tasmanian waters are temperate year-round; wetsuit recommended to avoid cold shock.
Low risk: Rocky shoreline entry
Entry into the water involves scrambling over rocks rather than a sandy beach slope.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Port Arthur, drive approximately 20 minutes south to Fortescue Bay within Tasman National Park. Park at the Fortescue Bay carpark, then walk the length of Fortescue Beach, scramble around the rocky headland, and descend into Canoe Bay.
Parking & facilities
Available at Fortescue Bay carpark (within Tasman National Park). Park entry fees apply.
toiletspicnic_tables
Tasman National Park entry fees apply (vehicle fee or Parks Pass required).
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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