Forster Offshore Reefs lie within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park on NSW's Mid North Coast, reached only by boat-operated snorkel and dive tours from Forster/Tuncurry. The offshore pinnacles and rocky reefs are celebrated for a year-round resident population of grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus), a protected species that gathers at sites like The Pinnacle. Snorkellers also encounter giant rays, jewfish, wobbegongs, and colourful subtropical reef fish drifting through clear oceanic waters. Tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf, with PADI-certified guides leading small groups to the best reef and shark encounters.
Forster Offshore Reefs (snorkel/dive tours)
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 7.4 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Open ocean swells
Exposed offshore sites can experience sudden swell increases, making conditions challenging for less experienced snorkellers.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal flows around offshore pinnacles and reefs can be moderate to strong, requiring good fitness.
Low risk: Marine stings
Bluebottles and box jellyfish may be present, especially in warmer months.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Shared dive/snorkel zones with vessel traffic in the marine park.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf, Forster (near the bridge to Tuncurry). The offshore reefs are a 15-30 minute boat ride east into the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available near Fisherman's Wharf on Wharf Street, Forster.
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Tour fees vary by operator (Dive Forster / Forster Dive Centre); expect $80-$150 AUD per person for a guided snorkel tour including gear.
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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