Coral Bay Ecotours Glass Bottom Boat Tour

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An hour over the coral gardens of Coral Bay's inner lagoon on the Ningaloo Reef, looking down through the glass floor of a shallow boat. You see the coral and fish up close without getting wet, which makes it a good pick for small children and non-swimmers.

Days

1 hour

Age

All ages; under 5s travel free

Group size

Shared boat tour

Start / finish

Coral Bay / Coral Bay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Glass bottom boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Coral Bay Ecotours Glass Bottom Boat Tour

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Included experiences

Inner reef lagoon — coral gardens seen through the glass floor
Nhanya-Ku — shallow-draft glass bottom boat over the coral
Crew talk — what lives on the reef below

Coral Bay Ecotours Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING ON THE BEACH AT CORAL BAY

Check in at the shop in the middle of Coral Bay, then walk down to the sand where Nhanya-Ku waits. Her name comes from the Baiyungu people's language and means "to gaze upon", which is exactly what you'll be doing. Coral Bay is one of the few places on earth where a major reef starts a few steps from the beach, so there's no long ride out. Babies and toddlers are welcome, prams can come on board, and nobody needs to own a swimsuit. Find a seat near the glass and settle in.

AN HOUR OVER THE CORAL GARDENS

The boat draws so little water that she can float right over the shallow coral of the inner lagoon. This is the Ningaloo Reef, World Heritage-listed since 2011 and, at around 300 km, one of the longest fringing reefs in the world. More than 200 kinds of hard coral grow here. Look for the branching staghorn thickets, the wide flat plates and the round brain corals, each with its own fish. The crew talk you through what slides under the glass, and you can watch through the windows at your feet or lean over the side.

BACK TO THE SAND

When the hour is up the boat turns for Bills Bay, the sheltered sweep of white sand that the town sits on, and you step off where you started. Coral Bay is small enough to walk end to end, so a coffee or a swim off the same beach is only a few minutes away. If the hour leaves you wanting to get in the water, the crew can tell you about their longer glass bottom trips with snorkelling.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coral Bay Ecotours shop, Peoples Park Shopping Village, next to Fins Cafe, Robinson Street, Coral Bay. Arrive before departure; your check-in time is confirmed when you book.
Departure time: Several departures a day; exact times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Duration: 1 hour on the water.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children 4 and under travel free; children 5 to 15 pay the child rate. Under-18s must be with a parent or guardian at all times.
Fitness: Suits all fitness levels. You stay on the boat the whole time.
Please note: Prams and strollers are fine; babies sit on an adult's lap. The tour needs a minimum number of people to run; if it doesn't, you are offered another time or a refund.

What is included

One hour glass bottom boat tour of the inner reef lagoon
Commentary from the crew

Not included

Snorkelling (offered on the longer 2 hour and 3 hour glass bottom tours)

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.