Our Picks For The 6 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Exmouth

Few places match Exmouth’s unique appeal for marine adventures. With its proximity to Ningaloo Reef, an underwater wonderland teeming with marine life, it’s no surprise that boat tours here are top-notch. Whether you’re eager to spot whales, explore underwater coral structures without getting wet, or cruise through dramatic gorges, Exmouth has a lot to offer. We particularly enjoy the Sunset Cruise Wildlife Watching for its stunning sunsets and whale sightings (when in season), and the Yardie Creek Boat Tour for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters. These experiences showcase the region’s natural beauty and provide memorable moments in a relaxed setting.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—we’ve rounded up the six best cruises and boat tours in Exmouth, with details on what makes each one special. From semi-submersible reef tours to private transfers, this guide helps you pick the right adventure for your trip.

1. Sunset Cruise Wildlife Watching

This sunset cruise offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and wildlife sightings. It’s a two-hour journey off the coast of Exmouth, ideally fitting into a day of sightseeing. During the cruise, you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales (August through mid-October), dolphins, turtles, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. The timing around sunset makes for a breathtaking backdrop, with the sky turning fiery colors as the boat calmly drifts through the waters.

The crew is praised for their friendly and informative approach, making the trip both enjoyable and educational. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The reviews highlight the spectacular whale breaches and the tranquility of the experience. One traveler noted, “The awesome display of breaching whales and the warm serenity of the reef waters was indeed a joyful experience.” Although some found the finger foods less appealing post-COVID, the overall experience remains highly rated.

Bottom line: Ideal for nature lovers and sunset chasers, this cruise offers a compact, beautiful experience packed with wildlife and scenic views. It’s especially recommended from late July to mid-October for whale sightings.

2. Exmouth: Ningaloo Semi-Submersible Glass Bottom Boat Tour

This unique semi-submersible tour provides a perfect way to see Ningaloo Reef without getting your feet wet. It’s Western Australia’s only semi-submersible glass bottom boat trip, lasting about an hour. You’ll cruise through the Tantabiddi Sanctuary, observing coral formations, fish, and marine life directly beneath the water’s surface.

What makes this tour stand out is the educational component — marine biologists onboard share insights about the reef’s ecosystem, making it suitable for families or those interested in marine science. The clear views from the semi-submersible allow for great photo opportunities, and it’s a comfortable way to experience the reef if snorkeling isn’t your thing. Reviews praise the unparalleled underwater views and the knowledge of the guides.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those who want an accessible, informative reef experience with excellent underwater views, especially if snorkeling doesn’t appeal to you.

3. Exmouth: Yardie Creek Boat Tour

At number 3, the Yardie Creek Boat Tour offers a scenic cruise through one of Exmouth’s most striking natural features. Over an hour, you’ll glide along Yardie Creek, a dramatic gorge carved by ancient waters. The boat provides a fully shaded environment, making it comfortable even on hot days.

This tour isn’t just about scenery; it’s also about wildlife. Keep an eye out for black-flanked rock wallabies and various bird species as your guide shares insights on the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the area. The highlight is the spectacular colors of the gorge, which change with the light, and the chance to snap stunning photos. The one review available calls it “a perfect way to see the area’s natural beauty in comfort.”

Bottom line: For travelers seeking a peaceful, informative journey through a rugged gorge, this boat tour offers natural beauty and wildlife spotting in a relaxed setting.

4. Private Transfer from Exmouth City Hotels to Exmouth Cruise Port

Sometimes the journey matters just as much as the activity. This private transfer service provides a hassle-free way to get from your hotel to the cruise port, avoiding long taxi queues or shared shuttles. For around $63.96 per person, a professional driver will meet you at your hotel, with a door-to-door service that’s prompt and comfortable.

While not a tour in the traditional sense, this service ensures your trip starts smoothly and ends conveniently. It’s ideal for travelers who value comfort and efficiency, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group. The reviews note the clean cars and professional drivers, though this isn’t a scenic tour—just a practical, well-reviewed transfer.

Bottom line: If seamless transportation is your priority, this private transfer makes getting to and from the port effortless and reliable.

5. Exmouth: Snorkel and Eco Boat Half Day Tour

For those eager to get in the water, this half-day snorkel tour explores Ningaloo Reef’s vibrant marine life. Over approximately three hours, you’ll visit the outer reef, where manta rays, dolphins, and possibly breaching whales put on a show. Later, the tour returns to reef shallows teeming with turtles, stingrays, and shy reef sharks. The vessel is purpose-built for comfort, ensuring a smooth ride.

This tour offers a closer look at coral gardens and marine creatures, making it ideal for snorkelers and ocean enthusiasts. The itinerary emphasizes the biodiversity of Ningaloo, and the experience of swimming alongside sea turtles and rays is unforgettable. The reviews aren’t detailed but suggest a positive experience for those interested in active marine adventures.

Bottom line: Great for snorkelers and eco-minded travelers, this tour delivers a hands-on experience of Ningaloo’s underwater world in a manageable half-day trip.

6. Private Transfer from Exmouth Cruise Port to Exmouth city hotels

Like the earlier private transfer, this service provides effortless transport from the cruise port back to your hotel. It’s a quick 10-minute ride for around $63.53 per person and is perfect when your cruise ends and you want to skip long taxi lines. The drivers are professional, and the service is door-to-door, ensuring your journey ends on a stress-free note.

This isn’t a sightseeing tour but a practical, comfortable way to wrap up your cruise day. The reviews are silent, but the service’s reputation for reliability makes it a popular choice for smooth logistics.

Bottom line: For cruise travelers, this private transfer guarantees a quick and comfortable ride from port to accommodation without the hassle.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Exmouth

When planning your boat adventures, consider your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you want. Want to see whales in the late season? The Sunset Cruise Wildlife Watching is your best bet. Looking for an undersea view without diving? The semi-submersible reef tour is ideal. For a scenic, wildlife-filled cruise through a gorge, the Yardie Creek Boat Tour hits the mark. If convenience matters most, the private transfers will make your logistics seamless. And if marine life is your passion, the snorkel and eco tour offers a more active, immersive experience.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak whale season from August to October. Think about what kind of day you want—relaxed sunset, educational reef viewing, or active snorkeling—and pick the tour that best suits your trip style.

Final Thoughts

Exmouth’s boat tours cover a surprising range of experiences — from whale watching and reef exploration to scenic creek cruises. For those seeking a relaxing sunset vista with wildlife sightings, the Sunset Cruise Wildlife Watching is a clear favorite. If underwater vistas without getting wet appeal more, the semi-submersible reef tour is unbeatable. Nature lovers will appreciate the Yardie Creek Boat Tour for its stunning landscape and wildlife.

For travelers prioritizing convenience, the private transfers make logistics simple and stress-free. Whatever your interests, booking your chosen tour early will ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to see Exmouth from the water. With a little planning, your boat adventure here will be one of the highlights of your trip.