What To Expect​

Step into the future of Marine Eco-Tourism aboard our quiet, fully electric vessel and discover one of Australia’s most extraordinary marine environments — the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Coral Bay Exclusive is a boutique snorkelling experience designed for small groups, offering a relaxed, immersive journey through some of the reef’s most vibrant and untouched inner reef sites.

As we silently cruise through the calm, turquoise waters of Coral Bay and Batemans Bay, you’ll have the chance to encounter a spectacular array of marine life. From colourful reef fish and coral gardens to turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even the elusive dugong, each day brings a new opportunity to experience something unforgettable.

While Manta Rays are sighted almost daily in this region and remain one of the many highlights of the tour, their presence is never guaranteed. With the help of a spotter aircraft, our crew will do their best to locate any Manta Rays in the area — but this tour is about so much more than a single species. It’s about embracing the natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and magic of the Ningaloo.

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Your Day on the Reef

Begin your adventure with complimentary pick-up and drop-off aboard our modern, air-conditioned bus. Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour journey from Exmouth to Coral Bay, or, if you’re already in Coral Bay, we’ll collect you on the way to the jetty.

On arrival, step aboard our custom-designed electric vessel and cruise smoothly and quietly into the heart of the southern Ningaloo Reef, enjoying a light continental breakfast as you go.

Our day starts with a visit to a range of carefully chosen snorkel sites — each one unique, from coral gardens and bommies teeming with fish to tranquil turtle cleaning stations. After your first snorkel and a morning tea break, we’ll take things up a notch. Logging on with a dedicated spotter aircraft, we begin the extraordinary search for marine wildlife.

If Manta Rays are located, our experienced in-water guides will brief you and lead you into the water for a respectful and safe swim alongside these intelligent and truly graceful giants of the ocean.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet lunch on board. In the afternoon, depending on conditions, you may have time for a second snorkel or simply relax as we explore the sheltered lagoon. Keep an eye out for passing dolphins, dugongs, reef sharks, turtles, and — during the season — majestic Humpback Whales.

There’s nothing quite like gliding home in near silence, watching the sun over the reef as you enjoy a complimentary beer, sparkling wine, or soft drink to toast the day.

Throughout your experience, our passionate crew will be there to assist, share their knowledge, and ensure your day on the Ningaloo is one to remember.

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Who Can Take Part

This tour is suitable for swimmers of most ages and experience levels. We provide quality snorkelling equipment, flotation aids, and coaching for those who need extra support. However, all participants must be comfortable swimming and using a snorkel in open water.

If you prefer not to snorkel, you’re still welcome to join the cruise and enjoy the reef from above. Your comfort and safety is always our top priority, and we tailor the day to suit the conditions and the needs of our group.

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How Likely Are Manta Rays?

The Coral Bay coastline is home to a resident population of Manta Rays, giving us an excellent chance of encounters. We also work with a dedicated spotter aircraft to maximise our opportunities to find them and other wildlife.

Our fully electric vessel operates in ECO SILENT mode, minimising disturbance and noise pollution so that interactions are as calm and natural as possible.

That said, Manta Rays are wild animals, and sightings can be influenced by conditions and their behaviour. If Mantas are scarce on the day, we adjust the itinerary to showcase the other incredible wildlife and reef highlights Coral Bay has to offer.

This tour is not solely focused on Manta Rays — it’s a “best of Ningaloo” wildlife experience, where each day we seek out the most exciting encounters the reef provides.

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