Coolum Beach offers excellent shore-entry snorkeling right off the sand, particularly around Point Arkwright and the rocky headlands at First Bay and Third Bay. A shallow, sheltered reef system hugs the coastline, making it one of the few places on the Sunshine Coast where you can snorkel straight from the beach without a boat. Calm winter days deliver peak visibility, and the clear turquoise waters are a regular haunt for green sea turtles. The beach is patrolled, family-friendly, and backed by parklands and a boardwalk, making it an easy, rewarding snorkel destination for all ages.
Coolum Beach (off the beach snorkeling)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 4.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (seasonal)
Box jellyfish and other stingers may be present during warmer months (November to April). Swim at patrolled areas and consider wearing a stinger suit.
Low risk: Surf conditions on exposed days
Coolum is an open beach that can pick up swells. Snorkel only on calm, clear days — winter offers the flattest conditions.
Low risk: Rocky headlands at First Bay and Third Bay
The best snorkeling is around rocky points. Care needed entering and exiting over rocks and avoiding sharp oyster-encrusted surfaces.
Low risk: Strong currents near headlands
Tidal currents can run around the rocky points. Swim with caution and stay aware of changing tide direction.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Sunshine Motorway, take the Coolum Beach exit and head east towards the coast. David Low Way runs parallel to the beach with multiple access points. The main patrolled area is at Tickle Park near the Coolum Surf Life Saving Club (beach access point 77). For snorkeling, head to the rocky headlands at Point Arkwright (south end) or the northern end near First Bay and Third Bay.
Parking & facilities
Multiple parking options including Tickle Park carpark (beach access 77), Stumers Creek car park (north end, beach access 68), and street parking along David Low Way. Disabled parking available near the lifesaving club.
toiletsparkingdrinking_watershowerspicnic_tables
Free. No entry fees.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Queensland
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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