Nearshore macrohabitats are broadly classified into three distinct types: sedimentary (soft-bottom), reef (hard-bottom) and pelagic (open water) habitats. In addition to substrate type, their biotic compositions are controlled by environmental factors such as depth and wave exposure. These habitats are distributed in a distinctive pattern around Tasman Peninsula: the deep, exposed reef habitats along the eastern and southern coasts; the shallow, sheltered, soft-bottom habitats along the northern coast; and embayments of variable depths, exposures and substrate types. Eleven subtidal communities or groups of communities are identified from these habitats and their general features are described