Little Beach is regularly named among Western Australia's most beautiful beaches: a small crescent of very fine white sand between rounded granite boulders, with water so clear and blue it looks tropical. It lies on the eastern side of Mount Gardner within Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, about 40 km from Albany, and its neighbour Waterfall Beach, reached over the rocks at the northern end, is smaller, quieter and named for a seasonal stream that spills over the granite.

The diving and snorkelling here are shallow and simple, and that is their charm. The granite boulders at each end of the beach continue underwater, forming ledges and gutters in 2-8 m covered in kelp, coralline algae and sponges. Local guides describe the lagoon area as a snorkeller's paradise brimming with marine life. Expect herring, sweep, old wives, wrasse, scalyfin, leatherjackets and schools of juvenile fish, with stingrays and eagle rays over the sand. Visibility over the white sand is often 15 m or more in calm conditions.

This is not a deep or challenging site for scuba divers, and experienced divers may prefer the reefs of Two Peoples Bay proper or King George Sound. But for snorkellers, families and photographers wanting split shots of granite and turquoise water, it is outstanding on a calm day. The logistics are the limiting factor: a small car park, steep steps, and no facilities beyond a drop toilet.

Because the beach is exposed to easterly weather and unpatrolled, conditions can change quickly – a calm morning can become a surf beach with rips by afternoon in a south-easterly.

From Albany take Lower King Road and Nanarup Road east, then turn onto Two Peoples Bay Road (about 35 km, 30-35 minutes). Continue past the visitor centre turn-off to the Little Beach car park at the end of the sealed road (about 40 km from Albany). The car park holds only about 25 vehicles and fills early on summer days.

A short but steep path with steps leads down to the beach – carry gear rather than trolley it. Waterfall Beach is reached by walking to the northern end of Little Beach, up the stairs and along a path over the granite; it involves some rock scrambling. Park entry fees apply.

Little Beach faces north-east into Two Peoples Bay and is sheltered from westerly and south-westerly weather, which is why the water is often glassy and very clear. It is exposed to easterly and south-easterly winds and swell, which bring surf and rips onto the beach. The beach is not patrolled and local guides warn of strong currents and unpredictable waves on rougher days.

Visit on a calm summer morning with a westerly or north-westerly breeze.

Snorkel or dive along the granite boulders at either end of the beach, following the rock edge out to 5-8 m, then return over the sand. Scuba divers can combine the southern boulders with a swim toward the headland on very calm days.

No operator – independent snorkelling and shore diving; popular with snorkellers in summer.