Coral Bay is a small idyllic holiday town on the edge of Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia). The UNESCO-listed Ningaloo coastal region is famed for its stunning and easily accessible coral reefs. Join us while we explore the top things to do in Coral Bay!
Date visited: Dec-2018
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Ningaloo Coast (Western Australia)
The UNESCO listed (Jan2011) Ningaloo Reef is one of the longest-fringing coral reefs in the world. And the only large reef positioned very close to shore. Much of the reefs are mere footsteps from the beach, making them one of the most accessible coral reefs in Australia.
We flew into Perth and collected our campervan before making the long 1200 km drive (over two days) to Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Coast. After spending three days in Exmouth, we drove south to the nearby picturesque Coral Bay.
Coral Bay is more crowded than Exmouth because the beach and snorkelling areas are right on the edge of the town.
Things to do in Coral Bay
- Day 4
- Arrive at Coral Bay (check-in Coral Bay Bayview Caravan Park)
- Reef Shark Sanctuary (MUST SEE!)
- Day 5
- Manta Ray snorkelling tour (full-day)
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Reef Shark Sanctuary review/notes
- A MUST-SEE while in Coral Bay!
- From October to March, up to 200 reef sharks will shelter in the shallow waters off the northern end of Bill’s Bay. The reef sharks typically congregate a few metres off the beach, making them easily observable from shore.
- Approximately 2km walk from the bay (town centre). Allow 20-30min walk per way along the beach.
- See our pin-drop in Google map for the exact location
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Manta Ray Snorkelling Tours review/notes
- The coast around Ningaloo Reef (including Coral Bay) is famed for its Humpback Whale, Whale Shark and Manta Ray tours.
- The typical season for Whale Sharks is mid-March to June/July, while the Humpback Whale season is July to October. Manta Rays tours in the area typically run all year round as there is a Manta Ray sanctuary near Coral Bay.
- The few companies (in Coral Bay) that offer Manta Ray tours differ in pricing mainly due to their respective tour durations.
- All the companies offer the same probability of spotting Manta Rays. This is because they go to the same area (at the same time) to spot the Manta Rays. The companies pooled to share the cost of engaging a spotter plane to ensure their clients would not leave disappointed.
- During our trip, we booked an “8am to 3pm” Manta Ray tour. The tour consists of 2 snorkelling sessions plus a Manta Ray session. All equipment and lunch are included.
- Unfortunately, a major weather system swept through the area barely a week before our trip. Thus, the usual crystal clear water has its visibility drastically reduced. It also meant that we had a hard time spotting the Manta Rays and other marine life.
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Coral Bay BayView Caravan Park review/notes
- During our trip, we stayed in a powered campervan site at Coral Bay BayView, the largest accommodation operator in Coral Bay.
- The campervan sites are of good size. However, the sites are only equipped with bore water taps. (Note: These on-site bore water can be VERY HOT!)
- The ablution blocks (e.g. showers) are free and use bore water.
- Freshwater taps are available throughout the campsite free of charge.
- It is a beautiful campsite with a large playground and jumping pillow. And is conveniently located next to the bay and shopping arcade.
- From what we gather, their snorkelling tours are the cheapest in town and there’s a discount for their guest.
- During our trip (Dec 2018), there was a discount (for campervan powered site) for 2 nights (20%) and 3 nights (30%).
Our 9 days Western Australia self-drive campervan trip (Dec-2018)
- Day#1-3 (Ningaloo Coast, Exmouth),
- Day#4-5 (Coral Bay)
- See above
- Day#6-7 (Shark Bay)
- Day#8-9 (Pinnacles, Lancelin Sand Dunes, Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake))
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Our other travel blogs on Western Australia:
Related posts:
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Western Australia
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