Discover sun, sand, and snorkelling
Little Salmon Bay is at one of the southernmost tips of Rottnest Island. It’s a tiny stretch of beach embraced on each side by limestone rocks and grassy dunes.
These shelters protect it from strong winds, making the bay a calm and relaxing place to spend time and admire the beautiful blue water.
While the beach may be small, you can enjoy plenty of activities, including the Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail, which hides under the waves.
All you need is a bike (bus and segway options are also available), and away you go. Join us for the ultimate guide to Little Salmon Bay.
How to get to Little Salmon Bay
Little Salmon Bay is just far enough away from the main settlement to feel like its own little world and is easily one of our favourite beaches on Rottnest.
Just over five kilometres from Thomson Bay, it may be a little far to walk (unless you enjoy a long stroll).
However, it’s not that far when you’ve got two wheels. An easy 25-minute bike ride takes you along the island’s east coast (even quicker if you’re renting an ebike).
To get there faster, the Quokka Coaches Island Explorer bus service runs all around the island. You can hop on and off as you like. Get on at your nearest stop, then hop off at Stop 6.
Discover the Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail
With its clear water, soft sand, and abundant underwater life, Rottnest Island has plenty of snorkelling opportunities.
The Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail is around 700 metres long, arcing across the bay and back again. Along the trail, you’ll find a series of 10 buoys secured to the ocean floor by chains and heavy concrete blocks.
A series of signs hang from chains and attach to concrete blocks. They give information about the sea life nearby. They cover everything from seagrass to the varied fish species you might see.
The calm waters of Little Salmon Bay are never very deep. This makes it an excellent place for snorkellers of all levels to dive down and see a variety of fish.
There’s a lot to see when you’re down there, so allow about an hour to complete the whole thing.
Exploring the trail
The Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail starts and ends on the white sandy beach. The trailhead begins on land, and from there, swim out on the left side of the bay to find the first aquatic trail marker.
The snorkel trail winds across the bay to the right, where you can swim back across its length.
It’s a relaxing way to explore the different environments under the water. Start by swimming among the shallow limestone reef, then tour the seabed through algae forests and coral reefs.
Thanks to the interpretive plaques, you’ll learn about the colourful marine life around you and the schools of fish that roam around the trail.
You’ll see black scalyfins, colourful Green Moon Wrasse and Western King Wrasse, stripey and Western Buffalo Bream. You may even spot some Western Rock Lobster sneaking around the seagrass.
The vegetation is just as eye-catching. You’ll find pops of vibrant purple coral among the sizeable pink coral. While smaller, they create a stunning contrast to the more subdued colours elsewhere around the island.
The Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail is in the Parker Point Marine Sanctuary. It is home to many types of sea life and bright underwater colours.
If you enjoy freediving, try using a snorkelling weight belt with a wetsuit. A weight belt lets you get closer for better pictures and to see under ledges. The weight helps you move around with less physical effort, so you don’t run out of breath as quickly when exploring.
Little Salmon Bay is one of five Marine Sanctuary Zones along the coast. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions established these Sanctuary Zones to support the underwater ecosystem and create a healthy environment for future generations.
The best time to swim The Little Salmon Bay snorkel trail
It’s a good idea to arrive at Little Salmon Bay early. There is much less wind earlier in the day, and the water is usually much calmer.
The beach can become crowded later in the day as more people visit the island.
So get there when you can, claim your space on the beach, and enjoy the beautiful underwater adventure that awaits you.
Facilities at Little Salmon Bay
While Little Salmon Bay is a family favourite, many facilities are not available in the area. The nearest toilets are at Parker Point, just a few minutes stroll up the nearby track, among the scrub heath.
No facilities means that you’ll also need to bring any swimming, snorkelling, and diving equipment with you, too.
You can hire a snorkel set from Pedal & Flipper on Bedford Avenue within the main settlement if you need to buy your own.
No food or drink facilities exist, so bring enough water, drinks, and food for the day. Keep our wildlife safe and take any rubbish with you.
Beaches near Little Salmon Bay
Despite its distance, Little Salmon Bay is in good company, and there are several nearby beaches to hop between.
Parker Point is only a three-minute bike ride from bus stop 5. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling and has a snorkel trail similar to Little Salmon Bay.
This trail is a 200-metre loop that meanders out into the bay. It features more interpretive plaques that teach visitors about the surrounding sea life.
Heading west, another three-minute ride or eight-minute walk, you’ll find the expansive white sand of Salmon Bay (bus stop 7). It’s a great place to set down a towel and spend the day enjoying island life.
There is no snorkel trail here, but it is still beautiful. Salmon Bay is a favourite for exploring the seabeds that surround the inlet.
Discover Little Salmon Bay for yourself
Rottnest is an island paradise. And with 63 beaches, there’s a lot to explore.
To take advantage of the beaches and bays, book a room at Samphire and spend your time on the island in style.
