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.

Opossum Bay is at the end of the South Arm peninsula, about 40 km (45 minutes) south-east of Hobart via the Tasman Bridge and South Arm Highway. The Marine Life Network guide describes Glenvar Beach as reached by a hidden beach access south of the point, with suburban street parking. Park considerately and walk down the access path to the beach; the sandstone terrace slopes gently into the water.

The South Arm peninsula and Iron Pot sit at the junction of the Derwent and Storm Bay. Western shores and the lee sides of the islands are sheltered from easterlies; eastern and southern faces are exposed to southerly swell rolling in from Storm Bay. Strong southerly winds and swell close the exposed sites; northerly and light westerly winds give the best conditions.

Visibility varies widely, from 3 m after Derwent floods to 15 m in clear marine water after a dry spell and a flood tide. Afternoon sea breezes can make the boat ride back choppy.

Enter off the terrace, follow the narrow reef fringe along the headland in 2-3 m, then swim out over the sand to look for rays. Return along the reef.

No operator trips; independent shore divers and snorkellers.