Coral Bay Ecotours Coral Viewing and Snorkeling

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Two hours on the glass bottom boat Nhanya-Ku over the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay. Watch the coral pass under the glass, then snorkel at two sites among hundreds of tropical fish.

Days

2 hours

Group size

Shared glass bottom boat

Start / finish

Coral Bay / Coral Bay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Glass bottom boat Nhanya-Ku from the beach at Coral Bay

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Coral Bay Ecotours Coral Viewing and Snorkeling

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Included experiences

Ningaloo Reef — view coral gardens through the glass floor
Snorkel stops — swim at two reef sites
Reef fish — snorkel among hundreds of tropical fish

Coral Bay Ecotours Coral Viewing and Snorkeling

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING ON THE BEACH AT CORAL BAY

Check in at the shop in the middle of Coral Bay, then walk two or three minutes to the beach where Nhanya-Ku waits. Her name comes from the Baiyungu people's language and means "to gaze upon". The town sits on Bills Bay, where the reef starts a few steps from the sand, so there's no long ride out to the coral. Pack your swimmers and a towel, and a wetsuit of your own if you feel the cold, because wetsuits aren't supplied on this trip.

THE REEF THROUGH THE GLASS

Once you're under way, the glass floor shows the reef sliding past beneath you. This is the Ningaloo Reef, World Heritage-listed since 2011 and one of the largest fringing reefs on earth, with more than 200 kinds of hard coral. Watch for the branching staghorn thickets, flat table corals and round brain corals, and the fish darting between them. The boat draws so little water that she can float right over the shallow coral gardens, close enough to pick out single fish.

TWO SNORKEL STOPS

The boat anchors at two snorkel sites, with more coral viewing from the boat in between. Snorkel gear is handed out on board, and you slip in among some of the more than 500 kinds of fish that live on Ningaloo: parrotfish crunching coral, schools of fusiliers and, now and then, a turtle or a reef shark cruising past. Prefer to stay dry? You can stay on board and keep watching through the glass while the others swim.

BACK TO THE BEACH

About two hours after you left, the boat runs back in to the beach at Coral Bay, a few minutes' walk from the town's cafés.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coral Bay Ecotours shop, People's Park shopping village, Robinson Street, next to Fins Cafe. Check in 15 minutes before; the boat leaves from the beach in front of the shop.
Departure time: Your departure time is confirmed when you book.
Suits: Families and anyone who wants to see the reef up close. Children 4 and under travel free; anyone 15 or under must stay with a parent or guardian on the boat and in the water.
Please note: Snorkellers should be competent swimmers, and the crew can keep anyone in the boat who they feel is not. Tours depend on weather and tides, so times are approximate and the boat may be changed.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Your own wetsuit if you want one
Sun protection
Any medication you need, such as an asthma puffer or EpiPen

What is included

Two hour tour on the glass bottom boat Nhanya-Ku
Coral viewing through the glass
Snorkelling at two sites
Snorkel gear

Not included

Wetsuits (not supplied on this tour)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.