Meet the site
Glenvar Beach is a secluded little beach on the South Arm peninsula near Opossum Bay, hidden below a sandstone headland and reached by an inconspicuous beach access. The Marine Life Network guide calls it a great beginner dive: the sandstone sea terrace slopes gently into the water, a narrow fringe of reef runs along the headland, and the depth is only about 3 m. Its standout feature is stingrays – large smooth rays that the guide describes as relatively common, curious but not aggressive – and it suggests that netting bans may have boosted their numbers. Smooth stingrays can have a disc more than a metre across, and gliding over the sand beside one is a memorable experience for a new diver or snorkeller. The reef fringe hosts small critters such as sea stars, crabs, nudibranchs and small fish, with weed and sponges on the sandstone. It is a gentle, shallow site suited to snorkelling and to long, relaxed dives. Visibility depends on conditions in the Derwent and Storm Bay. Treat the rays with respect: stay above and beside them rather than in front, and never block their path or touch them. Because it is shallow, sheltered from the east and accessible without a boat, Glenvar Beach suits families and snorkellers, and it can be a pleasant night snorkel when rays and crabs are active. Visiting divers should respect the residential setting: keep noise down, change discreetly and take all rubbish home. The site combines well with a boat dive at the Iron Pot from the nearby South Arm ramp.
What you might see
Smooth stingrays (large, common), sea stars, crabs, nudibranchs, small reef fish, weed, sponges
Location
Small hidden beach below a sandstone headland at Opossum Bay on the South Arm peninsula, with a sloping sea terrace and narrow reef.
Facilities nearby
Street parking only; store and toilets at Opossum Bay/South Arm; fills in Hobart.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.