Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a small coastal town on the Ningaloo Coast, a World Heritage-listed area on the remote western coast of Australia. The Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, is home to whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, coral gardens and over 500 species of fish. Nowhere does the reef come closer to the shore than at Coral Bay, where you can wade just a few metres into the water to see coral formations and swim amongst the fish. From modern dining locations to shopping, guided tours and beachfront accommodation, Coral Bay is a tiny oasis amongst vast natural wonders.
Glass Bottom Boat Coral View & Snorkel with Coral Bay Eco Tours
This two-hour snorkel and coral viewing tour takes place on board the Nhanya-Ku, a glass bottom boat designed specifically to cruise the shallow reef systems of Coral Bay. The name of this glass-bottomed boat is derived from the Yamatji languages of the Baiyungu people (the traditional occupants of the beautiful Exmouth, Coral Bay and Ningaloo region). It means ‘to gaze upon’, which you will be doing as you witness the stunning reef passing beneath you on board the boat, but also as you stop to snorkel at two beautiful reef sites. Here you can get up close with the hundreds of tropical fish and magnificent coral gardens of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Marine Eco Tour with Coral Bay Eco Tours
This full-day, action-packed tour encompasses an amazing day on board the purpose-built eco-tour vessel, Kurni-Ku. Its large upper deck viewing area makes it perfect for observing the tropical reef and spotting its inhabitants. On this six to seven-hour adventure, you will have the opportunity to snorkel on the magnificent Ningaloo coral reef, seeing hundreds of types of reef fish and exciting aquatic life such as reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and octopus. The highlight of this special tour is the chance to swim with the gentle, awe-inspiring manta ray. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, research involvement means that they are expected almost daily and your professional guides will do their best to deliver.
Humpback Whale Snorkel Safari with Coral Bay Eco Tours - Includes Lunch
Humpback whale season in Coral Bay begins at the end of June and runs through to mid-October. During this time it is estimated that around 30,000 whales pass through the Ningaloo Reef on their annual migration, making it the perfect opportunity to interact with them in their natural environment. This full-day tour begins with a snorkel on the beautiful reef where you may encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and other colourful fish. You will then make your way out to the open ocean where a spotter plan and drone are used to search for whales frolicking in their playground. Under the instruction of your guides, you will take turns entering the water and waiting at a safe distance for the whales to approach you on their own terms. You will then go on to return to the reef for lunch and a final snorkel before your return trip back to the jetty where you will be offered champagne and a fruit platter to wind up your exciting day in style.
Humpback Whale Watching Tour with Coral Bay Eco Tours
Sit back, relax and take in the sights on this leisurely 3-hour cruise on board the multi-level boat, Thunder. Humpback whales migrate through Coral Bay from June to October every year. This tour of the whales' playground is the perfect opportunity to view these inquisitive mammals playing and breaching in their natural environment. The local waters in Bateman Bay are a safe haven for migrating whales and resting mothers can often be seen with their calves. You will also likely encounter turtles, dolphins, dugongs and other whale species such as Minke's, Southern Rights, and even Orcas. Your highly knowledgeable crew will offer information about the Ningaloo Reef and its marine life throughout your tour, and also provide complimentary champagne and finger food.
Whale Shark Snorkel Safari with Coral Bay Eco Tours - Lunch Included
Whale shark season in Coral Bay begins in March and runs through to the end of June. The whale shark is the world's largest fish, which congregates along the Ningaloo Reef - one of the only places on the planet where they appear regularly in large numbers - making it the perfect opportunity to interact with them in their natural environment. This full-day tour begins with a snorkel in the beautiful coral gardens of the Ningaloo Reef where you may encounter turtles, reef sharks, and other colourful fish. After this, you will have morning tea on board, and then make your way out to the open ocean where a spotter plan and drone are used to search for the whale sharks. Once your crew have spotted them and the boat has made its way there, you will take turns in groups at entering the water to swim with these gentle giants. To ensure that the natural habits of the whale sharks remain undisturbed, there will be a 1 hour maximum swimming time with them. After lunch you will head back in towards the reef for another snorkel at a second site, then go on to celebrate your exciting day with champagne and a fruit platter as you head back in towards Coral Bay.
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