Marine Care Ricketts Point

2010 - 2011 Snorkelling Program has only two dives to go!

(Article Peter Dedrick - 24/09/10)

Marine Care Ricketts Point runs a snorkelling program for beginner and experienced snorkellers on Saturday mornings from November to March.  The program is for Marine Care members but prospective members are also welcome.

 Snorkels usually take place at 9am on Saturday mornings at various locations within the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary as well as other sites, such as Blairgowrie Marina, Rye Pier and Flinders (Weedy Sea Dragons!).

 The location depends on the prevailing conditions, principally the wind direction.  Generally speaking, Sanctuary snorkelling conditions are best early in the day or when the wind is from the north or east

 Details are advised to Marine Care members by email on the Wednesday night preceding each snorkel.  Bring mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and some morning tea (thermos, biscuits etc) to share afterwards.  Water temperatures vary from about 17 degrees Celsius in November to 23 degrees in February/March.

 The most commonly visited sites in the Sanctuary are -

 McGregor Rock, Quiet Corner (Melway Map 86 A6) - Park in Central Avenue Black Rock, cross beach Road and descend the steps to the beach.  There are no public toilets in this area.

 Beaumaris Yacht Club (Melway Map 86 B8) - Parking (fee payable) is available in car park beside the Yacht Club.  Public toilets available.

 Wheel chair access is available via the access ramp at the Beaumaris Yacht Club site.

 South Signal Reef, Ricketts Point (just north of Beaumaris Life Saving Club) (Melway Map 86 C9) - Parking (fee payable) is available in car park.  Public toilets are available. 

 Table Rock Point (Melway Map 86 E11) – Park in Rennison Street, cross beach Road and descend the track beside the Sea Scouts boat shed. Public toilets available.

 Note that parking in Beach Road may not be available because of the creation of a clear way for cyclists.

 Sessions begin with a safety briefing (emphasising the ‘buddy’ system) and a boat is often available to provide support for snorkellers.

 The 2010 -2011 program will commence with an Introduction to Snorkelling session and demonstration of snorkelling gear at the Marine Care members meeting at the Beaumaris Life Saving Club (Melway Map 86 C9) on 19 October.  Further details of this meeting will be circulated to members.

 We have plenty of experienced snorkellers who will be happy to advise you about what gear to buy.

 To join Marine Care Ricketts Point, go to www.marinecare.org.au and follow the links.  Annual membership subscriptions, which support the Sanctuary, are $20 (single) and $25 (family).

 Contact Peter Dedrick 9584 3414 (AH) or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like further information