7 Top-Rated Coral Bay Western Australia Tours & Experiences

Coral Bay in Western Australia offers some of the most accessible and impressive marine experiences around. With its prime location on Ningaloo Reef, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore the vibrant underwater world without necessarily getting wet—especially with options like glass-bottom boat tours. We particularly like the Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks for its chance to meet the biggest fish in the sea, and the Coral Bay: Full Day Ningaloo Reef with Manta Rays for a full immersion with gentle giants. Both tours showcase the incredible marine biodiversity that makes this part of Australia so special. Plus, the availability of knowledgeable guides, comfortable boats, and all-inclusive packages mean you can focus on enjoying the experience without fuss.

If you’re pressed for time, the Coral Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is perfect for a quick peek at the reef, while the Ningaloo: Snorkelling & Coral Viewing Semi Submersible Tour offers a more relaxed, family-friendly way to see marine life from a semi-submersible vessel. Each of these options highlights Coral Bay’s standout feature: its dense coral coverage and marine diversity. Whether you want a short, scenic trip or an all-day adventure swimming alongside manta rays, Coral Bay delivers.

Quick Overview

Coral Bay is a hub for marine tours and experiences that emphasize both accessibility and adventure. From glass-bottom boats to full-day snorkeling with manta rays, there’s something suited for every level of enthusiasm and fitness. Many tours highlight marine life education with onboard marine biologists, making your trip both fun and educational. To see what’s available and decide what suits your style, check out the options below.

1. Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef 3-Hour Turtle Ecotour

At number 1, this 3-hour Turtle Ecotour offers a relaxed way to experience Ningaloo Reef without getting wet. The tour features a glass-bottomed boat that takes you over coral gardens, giving you a clear view of the underwater life—without the need for snorkel gear if you prefer to stay dry. What makes this tour standout is the opportunity to visit a Turtle Sanctuary and observe turtles feeding, which adds a compelling conservation angle. The crew’s expertise ensures you learn a lot about marine species as you glide over the reef, spotting turtles, rays, and other marine creatures in their natural environment.

Guests consistently rate this tour highly, with a solid 4.7 out of 5 based on 175 reviews. Many appreciate the informative commentary and the chance to see wildlife in a sustainable way. Snorkeling is available at two different sites for those who want to get in the water, but the main draw remains the relaxed, scenic ride. The tour is best suited for families, older visitors, or anyone preferring a comfortable boat experience.

Bottom Line: This tour balances ease and education, making it perfect for travelers who want to see coral and marine life without strenuous activity or full immersion.

2. Coral Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

At number 2, the Coral Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Tour offers a one-hour journey through Ningaloo’s most dense coral coverage. This is the ideal choice if you’re short on time but still want a representative glimpse of the reef’s brilliant coral formations and vibrant marine life. The custom-built glass-bottom boat is designed to access even the shallowest parts of the reef, making it suitable for all ages and mobility levels.

The knowledgeable crew provides insights into the marine and coral ecology, enriching your experience with interesting facts. Many travelers highlight that this tour is very family-friendly and offers excellent value for the quick nature of the trip. The brief duration makes it perfect for those with tight schedules or who prefer a relaxing, less strenuous outing.

Bottom Line: For a quick, comfortable overview of Ningaloo’s coral gardens, this tour is a top pick—especially if you’re keen to avoid longer excursions but still want an authentic reef experience.

3. Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks

Number 3 on our list is the Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks tour, which is a true bucket-list experience. This 9-hour adventure takes you out to explore Ningaloo Reef and swim alongside the world’s largest fish, whale sharks, between March and June—an awe-inspiring event. The tour includes full-day boat excursions with opportunities to see turtles, rays, and other marine life, making it a comprehensive marine encounter.

What sets this tour apart is the chance to actually swim with whale sharks, accompanied by a spotter plane that helps locate these gentle giants. The experience is fully catered, with delicious lunch, morning tea, and afternoon snacks, adding value for those on a long day. The reviews, with a 4.8 rating based on 103 reviews, praise the professionalism and enthusiasm of the crew, as well as the incredible wildlife encounters.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, capable swimmers, and those eager for a full-day immersion. It’s a pricey option but offers unmatched exclusivity and excitement.

Bottom Line: If swimming with whale sharks is high on your list, this is the tour to book—remember, it’s seasonal and best booked well in advance.

4. Coral Bay: 2-Hour Coral Viewing and Snorkeling

Number 4 offers a short but sweet 2-hour adventure that combines coral viewing and snorkeling at two different sites. This tour is perfect if you want to see marine life in a limited time frame, with the added convenience of riding in a glass-bottom boat that cruises between reefs, providing a view of coral gardens from above.

Participants can snorkel at two sites, bringing them close to turtles, sharks, and rays. The tour is praised for its ease of access and the opportunity to see marine ecosystems without the need for deep dives or long hours. The boat’s design allows even less experienced swimmers to enjoy the reef.

Rated at 4.7 based on 134 reviews, this trip appeals to travelers who want a quick, guided snorkeling experience with minimal fuss. It’s well-suited for families, casual snorkelers, and those with limited time but a desire to see coral.

Bottom Line: This is the go-to tour for a quick, family-friendly reef experience that balances comfort with marine viewing.

5. Coral Bay: Full Day Ningaloo Reef with Manta Rays Tour

Number 5 is a full-day tour dedicated to exploring Ningaloo Reef and swimming with elegant manta rays. This 7.5-hour adventure offers a comprehensive look at the reef’s marine ecosystem. It includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and the chance to snorkel or dive with manta rays, guided by a PADI dive master.

What makes this tour stand out is the use of a spotter plane to help locate manta rays, making your chances of swimming with them much higher. The large, stable boats and professional crew ensure your comfort and safety during this long day. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 34 reviews, it’s recommended for those who want an in-depth experience and don’t mind spending most of the day on the water.

Best suited for enthusiastic snorkelers and divers who want to witness manta rays in their natural habitat, the tour offers excellent value for the all-inclusive experience.

Bottom Line: For passionate marine enthusiasts who want a full-day experience with manta rays, this tour delivers both excitement and comfort.

6. Coral Bay: Half Day Ningaloo Reef Adventure with Manta Rays

Number 6 is an excellent half-day option for those wanting to snorkel with manta rays without dedicating an entire day. This 5-hour tour includes snorkeling at multiple sites and allows you to explore Ningaloo Reef’s stunning marine life with a PADI dive master. The spotter plane again enhances the chance of seeing manta rays.

The tour’s highlight is swimming with manta rays, which are gentle giants that often visit the reef. Many reviews note the quality of the equipment and the knowledge of the crew, making it suitable for varied experience levels. This tour is perfect if you’re after a more flexible schedule but still want a memorable marine encounter. It’s also a good choice for travelers with limited time but a strong interest in marine wildlife.

Bottom Line: A flexible, half-day adventure ideal for those who want to see manta rays and marine life without a full-day commitment.

7. Ningaloo: Snorkelling & Coral Viewing Semi Submersible Tour

Finally, number 7 offers a semi-submersible tour, providing a unique perspective on Ningaloo’s coral gardens. This 3-hour experience is perfect for families or anyone who prefers not to snorkel but still wants an up-close view of marine life. The vessel is the only semi-submersible glass bottom boat in Western Australia, making it a rare experience.

Led by a marine biologist, the tour offers detailed commentary on the reef’s ecology and a chance to spot sharks, turtles, rays, and even a Queensland grouper. The guided nature of the tour makes it especially educational and engaging, with a focus on reef conservation. Many families and less confident swimmers appreciate the steady, clear views from below.

Bottom Line: This tour provides an unmatched, educational reef experience suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a tour in Coral Bay, consider your interests, physical activity level, and time availability. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational overview, the Coral Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is a great starting point. For those eager to swim with whale sharks and have a full-day adventure, the Swim with whale sharks is unmatched, but be sure to book well in advance.

Family travelers or those preferring less strenuous options will find the semi-submersible tour appealing, while snorkelers who want quick access to manta rays may prefer the half-day reef tour. Budget, time, and your specific wildlife interests should guide your choice.

Final thoughts

Coral Bay offers a rich variety of marine tours that cater to different interests and stamina levels. For sheer excitement, the swimming with whale sharks tour is hard to top—but it does require planning and the right timing. For a relaxed, family-friendly outing, the glass-bottom boat tours provide a memorable glimpse of Ningaloo Reef’s beauty without requiring heavy effort.

Whatever your preference, booking early is advisable, especially for the popular whale shark trips. Consider what kind of experience suits your travel style, and you’ll be sure to find a Coral Bay tour that leaves you with lasting memories of this spectacular part of Australia.