Just around from the southern end of Manly, the bay has been a no take aquatic reserve since 2002, and the difference shows: blue groper, wobbegongs, cuttlefish and schools of fish in a few metres of water. Shelly Beach faces west, so the water is calm most days.
Good to know: enter from the beach or from the Fairy Bower pool end, mornings are clearest, and nothing is taken from the reserve.