Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
W. Bulach, Wikimedia Commons
Coral Bay is a tranquil coastal village providing direct access to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It is an ideal destination for immersing oneself in marine life, offering opportunities to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales, as well as engaging in various water-based activities like snorkelling and diving.
While Coral Bay is a small and quiet settlement, Bill's Bar offers a social setting with dining and live music. For budget travellers, Ningaloo Club Backpackers provides a licensed bar, swimming pool, and communal spaces to interact with other guests.
Top 7 Things to do in Coral Bay
Coral Bay offers an array of marine encounters, including immersive swims with whale sharks and manta rays, accessible snorkelling directly from the beach, and scenic boat tours showcasing the vibrant Ningaloo Reef. Beyond water activities, opportunities for land-based adventure and relaxation are readily available.
1. Snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef
The crystal-clear waters of Bill's Bay, the main beach, provide immediate access to the Ningaloo Reef. Visitors can simply wade in and begin exploring colourful coral gardens and a diverse range of fish species just metres from the shore. This protected sanctuary offers calm conditions, making it suitable for all ages. For a different perspective, consider a drift snorkel where the gentle current guides you along a section of the reef. Many hidden gems, like the Shark Sanctuary, are within walking distance along the coast, offering glimpses of juvenile marine life at high tide. Snorkelling here is an essential way to experience the reef's abundant life.
Cost: Free (from the beach). Snorkel, mask, and fin sets can be hired for approximately $20 AUD for a full day.
Transport: Bill's Bay and nearby accessible snorkelling spots are within walking distance of all accommodation and facilities in Coral Bay.
2. Swimming with Manta Rays
Embarking on a full-day eco-tour allows for an incredible encounter with the majestic manta rays that reside in the Ningaloo Reef year-round. These tours typically utilise a spotter plane to locate the manta rays, ensuring a high chance of an in-water interaction. Beyond swimming alongside these gentle giants, tours often include stops at various outer reef sites for additional snorkelling opportunities, allowing exploration of vibrant coral gardens and observation of other marine life such as turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks.
Cost: Full-day tours generally range from $220 to $285 AUD per adult. This usually includes all necessary snorkel gear, wetsuits, and meals or refreshments.
Transport: Tours typically depart from the Coral Bay jetty, which is a short walk or shuttle transfer from the town's centre.
3. Swimming with Whale Sharks
Experience one of the world's most remarkable marine encounters by joining a seasonal tour to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. These full-day excursions, available from March to July, involve heading out to the outer reef where spotter planes assist in locating the whale sharks. Once found, small groups have the opportunity to enter the water and swim alongside these gentle giants, creating an unforgettable connection with nature. Tours also include snorkelling stops on the reef and often provide insights into the marine ecosystem.
Cost: Full-day tours typically cost between $420 and $550 AUD per adult. This includes equipment hire (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins) and often includes meals or snacks.
Transport: Tours generally depart from the Coral Bay jetty, accessible via a short bus transfer from the town.
4. Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For those preferring to stay dry or seeking a relaxed viewing experience, a glass bottom boat tour offers an excellent way to appreciate the Ningaloo Reef's beauty. These tours provide a unique perspective of the vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life through the vessel's glass floor. Knowledgeable crew members offer commentary on the ecosystem, enhancing the viewing experience. Some tours also include opportunities for optional snorkelling stops at prime reef locations, allowing a closer look at the underwater world.
Cost: One-hour viewing cruises are approximately $50 to $70 AUD per adult. Two-hour tours that include snorkelling typically cost $99 to $110 AUD per adult.
Transport: Tours depart from the Coral Bay jetty, which is a short walk from the central area.
5. Quad Biking Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating quad bike tour to explore the coastal dunes and rugged tracks surrounding Coral Bay. These tours offer a thrilling way to reach secluded beaches and stunning lookouts that are often only accessible by 4WD. Some tours combine the ride with snorkelling at remote reef spots like Five Fingers Reef, providing an active adventure both on land and in the water. Sunset tours are also available, offering picturesque views as the sun dips below the horizon.
Cost: Quad bike tours typically range from $140 to $155 AUD per person.
Transport: Tour operators are centrally located in Coral Bay, and the tours depart from there.
6. Relaxing at Bill's Bay Beach
Bill's Bay, Coral Bay's main beach, is a tranquil expanse of soft white sand and clear, calm turquoise waters. Protected by the Ningaloo Reef, it is free from strong waves and currents, making it an ideal spot for simply relaxing by the ocean. Visitors can easily spend hours swimming in the shallow waters, sunbathing, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. It is a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the serene coastal environment, especially at sunset, when the sky transforms with vibrant colours.
Cost: Free.
Transport: Bill's Bay is centrally located and easily accessible by walking from anywhere in Coral Bay.
7. Humpback Whale Watching or Swimming
During their annual migration from July to October, humpback whales visit the Ningaloo Reef, offering opportunities for both observation and in-water interaction. Whale watching tours provide a chance to witness these magnificent creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and interacting in their natural habitat from the comfort of a vessel. For an even more profound experience, dedicated tours offer the rare chance to swim alongside humpback whales, allowing for an incredibly close and respectful encounter.
Cost: Whale watching tours typically cost around $300 to $390 AUD. Humpback whale swim tours can range from $380 to $550 AUD per adult. Prices generally include snorkel gear and wetsuits if an in-water interaction is offered.
Transport: Tours depart from the Coral Bay jetty, usually involving a short transfer from the town centre.
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