Green Head is a small coastal town at the northern end of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, and its trio of bays – Dynamite Bay, Anchorage Bay and South Bay – are linked by the Three Bays Walkway. Dynamite Bay, in the township, is almost circular and protected, making it a great family snorkelling spot, with toilets, gazebos and showers right by the beach. Anchorage Bay has an old jetty once used by the Department of Transport and crystal-clear water, and Point Louise to the north offers what the tourism guide calls deep blue holes in the reef that are clear on most days.

The limestone reefs have ledges, overhangs and small caves with sponges and anemones, and the Leeuwin Current brings a mix of temperate and tropical fish – buffalo bream, western king wrasse, harlequin fish, sweep and herring, with western rock lobster in the ledges. Offshore, Fishermans Island hosts one of the largest Australian sea lion colonies on the coast, and the offshore islands and reefs are described as great for scuba diving from a boat.

Green Head is quieter than Jurien Bay and suits families and independent snorkellers. Other listed snorkel spots in the area include Herring Point, Billy Goat Bay, Milligan Island and South Leeman. For boat divers, the reefs around the Green Islands sanctuary zone offshore offer ledges and caves in 5-15 m, reached from the Green Head boat ramp. Bring your own gear; there is no dive shop in Green Head.

Green Head is about 290 km (3.5 hours) north of Perth, 30 km north of Jurien Bay via the Indian Ocean Drive. Dynamite Bay is in the township with parking, toilets, gazebos and showers beside the beach. Anchorage Bay (with an old Department of Transport jetty) and Point Louise are linked by the Three Bays Walkway just to the north; each has its own small car park.

Enter from the sand.

The Turquoise Coast is protected by a line of offshore limestone reefs and islands that break the prevailing south-westerly swell, creating a lagoon of calm, clear water inshore. The main enemy is wind: the strong southerly sea breeze ('Fremantle Doctor') blows most summer afternoons from about 11 am, and winter north-westerly fronts bring storms and poor visibility. Mornings from October to April are best.

Dynamite Bay's near-circular shape makes it sheltered from most prevailing winds, and locals note there is usually a sheltered bay somewhere at Green Head even on windy days. Point Louise is more exposed but very clear on calm days.

In Dynamite Bay, snorkel along the limestone edges of the bay; at Point Louise, explore the deeper 'blue holes' in the reef on calm days, returning to the beach before the sea breeze.

No local operator; Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience (30 km south) for air, gear and sea lion tours.