The southern gateway to the world renowned Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is a marine paradise. Its dazzling underwater gardens start just metres from the pristine white shores, bringing this underwater fantasia within reach of even the youngest swimmers. That's why Coral Bay has been such a favourite with holidaying families for years.
There's so many ways to explore the reef and all its wonders at Coral Bay. Watch from the comfort of a glass bottom boat or sea kayak or grab your snorkelling or scuba diving gear and immerse yourself in the nature's underwater beauty. You can also explore the beaches with four-wheel motorbike hire and tours or be amazed at the reef's beauty from a scenic flight above.
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What to see and do
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Feed the snapper
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Enjoy a wildlife cruise |
The gentle giants of the deep, the whale sharks, congregate near Coral Bay from late March to June. Several tour operators offer tours allowing you to swim with these amazing creatures. Whale sharks grow up to 18m in length but are filter feeders and are therefore harmless to humans.
Another year round interactive animal experience is the manta ray tour. It really is spectacular to watch these beautiful animals as they glide elegantly through the water with wingspans several metres wide.
Its not just whale sharks at Coral Bay but the mighty humpback whale too! While you can't swim with these marine giants, annual migration from June to November. Opportunities exist to see this spectacle from the sea and the air.
On any trip to Coral Bay, a snorkelling or dive experience is a must. Check out the incredible coral gardens near the beach or join a tour to see some of the best diving hotspots. Snorkel and dive equipment is also widely available for hire.
You can see all the underwater wonders at Coral Bay without even getting your feet wet on board a glass bottom boat. Marvel at the changing colours of the coral and the parade of tropical fish, turtles and rays as you snap photographs as a permanent reminder of the experience.
See Coral Bay from an excitingly different perspective by quad bike. A self drive adventure like no other, you'll explore the beaches, bush tracks, pristine bays, dunes and cliff-lines with a back drop of picture perfect sunset.
In March and April divers and snorklers can witness an amazing spectacular. Coral spawning occurs when coral releases eggs and sperm into the surrounding ocean approximately 10 to 12 days after the full moon.
A reef shark nursery can be found just 20 minutes walk from Main Beach. From October to March watch as up to 200 reef sharks frolic in the shallow waters.
With a mixture of sub-tropical and tropical fish species, Coral Bay offers some of the best game in the world. Go in search of red emperor, nor west snapper or cod. Both deep sea bottom fishing and light game fishing are offered.
There are also many good opportunities for beach fishing away from the main swimming beach.
Each day head down to the beach at 3:30pm to feed the schools of norwest snapper that swim into shore. Be sure to bury your toes in the sand!
A range of accommodation including motel accommodation, self contained units, backpacker facilities, camping and caravan parks are available.
For more information, contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre.
