Standup Paddleboarding in Nelson Bay , Port Stephens NSW
Nelson Bay is the heart of Port Stephens. The area around the marina area, particularly in the summer months, is busy with tourists and local residents alike all eager to soak up the atmosphere.
The marina offers a nice sheltered area to learn to SUP but can be affected by boat traffic especially the large dolphin watch cruises. Hence, the area between the marina and fly point is a popular place to SUP as well as being safer and less crowded with boat traffic.
Around dusk the bay is frequented by dolphins which normally aren't too spooked by people on SUP's, and you can often get quite close to them - I have even had them swim right under my board!
 Parking near the Marina is metered but futher up towards Fly Point it is free. Once in the water you can head west around through the Fly Point marine reserve towards Little Beach or east past the breakwall to Dutchman's Beach (Dutchie's to the locals!). The Breakwall is a greast local fishing spot and its great to SUP past and watch the anglers taking in their catch.
Ducthies Beach is a lovely little spot where you can pull your board ashore and use the toilets or get a drink of water. Free BBQ's along th3e Nelson Bay foreshores mean if you are felling like a SUP adventure you can stop off for a BBQ as you explore the coast and bays. Take care in the summer months when paddling west as often the nor-Easter picks up quickly and this, together with an incoming tide can make it a bit of an effort to get back to Fly Point.
Resident to Port Stephens is Shaolin Charters, who operate a beautiful, authentic 3 masted Chinese Junk, the only one within Australian Waters. It is an interesting boat to observe from the water.
Near the tip of the point can be affected by strong current so on an oncoming tide it may be advisable to take a wide route around the channel marker on the corner. Local wildlife includes green turtles, sting rays and wobbygong sharks, the later making their home in the kelp beds. Little Beach also has a great little takeaway cafe and pulling ashore for a cappucino and a late is one of our must do's when we are out for the day.
All in all the Nelson bay area is a great place for a SUPing. We look forward to sharing this beautiful place with you.
Shoal Bay SUP located near the boat ramp at Shoal Bay offers day hires that means even if you dont have your own SUP you can try all of the SUP places in Port Stephens. If you haven't paddleboarded before the accredited instructors at Shoal Bay SUP will get you on your board and doing it the right way.