Fortescue Bay is a sheltered, white-sand crescent on the Tasman Peninsula within Tasman National Park, offering temperate-water snorkeling straight off the shore. The calm, protected bay features a shallow sandy entry that drops to rocky reef habitat, where towering giant kelp forests rise from depths of 3–12 metres. The clear, cool waters hold abundant fish life, and a small shipwreck lies within snorkeling range for adventurous explorers. With dramatic sea cliffs and dolerite stacks framing the coastline, this site combines striking scenery with accessible underwater terrain.
Fortescue Bay 1
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 11 knPrecipitation 1.3 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures in Tasmania are cold year-round (10–16°C) requiring a thick wetsuit or drysuit for comfort and safety.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Water temperatures rarely exceed 16°C even in summer, requiring a thick wetsuit (5-7mm) for comfort and safety.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Thick giant kelp forests close to shore can entangle fins or mask underwater hazards — swim calmly to avoid tangles.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility can change rapidly after wind or swell events; best conditions follow calm weather windows.
Low risk: Dense kelp forests
Dense giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests near shore can entangle swimmers and reduce visibility in patches.
Low risk: Swell exposure
Occasional strong swells can roll into the bay during southerly winds, creating challenging conditions for snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located in Tasman National Park on the Tasman Peninsula, accessible via Fortescue Bay Road off the Arthur Highway.
Parking & facilities
Car park available at the end of Fortescue Bay Road near the campground
parkingtoiletspicnic_tablesboat_ramp
Parks pass required for Tasman National Park entry
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos
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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