UPDATE: Tourist plunges to death on Sydney's northern beaches while trying to get better view

Police believe the man who plunged almost 100m to his death over a cliff on Sydney's northern beaches this morning was a tourist trying to get a better view.

The man, believed to be aged between 20 and 30, climbed over a fence at North Head Park, near Manly, about 6.45am.

Police said the man then slipped and fell over the cliff’s edge while his four friends looked on in horror.

He fell about 90m onto rocks and officer from the NSW Police Rescue Unit are now attempting to make their way to the man's body.

The retrieval operation is making use of ropes and ladders and PolAir is also assisting.

Police said the incident appeared to be an accident and believe the man may have clambered out over the fence to get a better view of Sydney Heads.

The dead man's four friends are speaking with investigators.