Western Australia, AU
Explore Australia's largest fringing coral reef. Snorkel straight from the beach or book a boat tour to swim alongside whale sharks and manta rays.
5.0 from 23 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Find half-day snorkel trips, sea kayak adventures, and full-day wildlife encounters.
Small groupDiscover the majestic whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef on this unique adventure in Coral Bay. This unforgettable expedition invites you to snorkel with the world’s largest...
Most bookedFor those who really want to experience the best of what the pristine Ningaloo Reef has to offer. With crew who've called this reef home for over 20 years, you're in the...
Top ratedSea kayaking is a great way to experience the magic of Ningaloo. Join us for a half day sea kayak and snorkel adventure in Ningaloo Reef's nursery, the wildlife-rich...
Explore
The reef stretches along the coast, accessed primarily from two towns.
Swim with gentle marine giants.
Whale sharks visit from March to August. Humpback whales migrate through from August to October.
Plan your visit
Plan for at least three to four days. This allows time for a boat tour and beach snorkeling.
March to October offers the best weather. This window also aligns with peak whale shark and humpback whale seasons.
Fly two hours from Perth to Learmonth Airport. Alternatively, drive the 1,250 km Coral Coast Highway.
Marine park access is free. Cape Range National Park entry costs AUD 17 per vehicle per day. Tours vary.
Ningaloo Reef is Australia's largest fringing coral reef. It spans roughly 300 kilometres along the western coast. The site received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011.
The traditional Indigenous name for the reef and coast is Nyinggulu. Unlike other major reef systems, the coral sits just metres from the shore. You can wade in and snorkel directly from the beach.
The marine park is famous for massive marine life. Check our Whale Shark Tours guide to see when they arrive. Choose a base in either Exmouth & Cape Range or Coral Bay to start your visit.
We only list tours with high traveler ratings.
See exactly what gear and food is included.
We highlight common warnings from actual customer reviews.
From Viator
23 reviews of the snorkel with giants on Viator
A small number tour that allows a personal touch. Plenty of time in water. Plenty to see. A real feeling that the operator wants you to have a good time
Lovely and personal. Ken and his two lovely ladies made this a wonderful experience for my husband and I. Extremely knowledgable with alll species. We were fortunate to see rays, turtles and dolphins and when snorkelling ‘Yin’ one of the ladies was in the water with us and able to give us info on fish we saw that were unfamiliar to us. Plenty of time, not rushed. Highly recommend this great team.
Amazing tour, with a really patient and personable guide. The reef is amazing!
That was awesome! Thanks Jules for everything . We swam with turtles, we saw while kayaking, small sharks , turtles and stingrays and so many fish. The snack at the end was délicieux and your explanations always clear and interesting. It was an excellent tour . To recommend!
This day trip was amazing. There was great scenery, excellent snorkeling, delicious food and was topped off with a boat trip along Yardie Creek to see rock Wallabies with champagne and prawns. Ash was an awesome guide - super friendly with great knowledge of the area. I highly recommend this day trip!
Highlights of the day. Watching humpbacks and dolphins while having morning tea. Snorkeling with turtles (yes plural), fishes of all shapes, sizes and colours. Cruising on the creek with rock wallabies and osprey. Plus a very knowledgeable local guide who knew his plant life and where the early wildflowers were. An overall great experience to see much of what Ningaloo has to offer. Thank you team
This was an amazing tour, we got to snorkel at Maze reef and the staff take you on a bit of a snorkel tour and then went to see mantra rays at their cleaning station and then to big blue and had another snorkel. The staff were so friendly and accommodating, as it was my husband, myself and 3 kids 9,6 & 4 and we all got to swim and swap when we needed to. It was amazing and such a great day.
Absolutely lovely tour and amazing, knowledgable crew. We learned a lot about marine wildlife and of course the mantas <3. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. We loved the whole day on board. Burgers for lunch were very tasty. Group size was perfectly balanced and value for money is excellent.
Wow another tick off the bucket list. This was fantastic and great to see nature at its best. It took most of the day to find the Whale Shark but well worth the wait. While waiting it was great to see the creatures of the deep blue sea. Spinner dolphins, humpbacks Mantaray and even a reef shark.
Travel tips
Costs & TicketsFind out what is free, national park fees, and tour prices.Read 
Transport optionsCompare flights vs road trips from Perth to Ningaloo Reef.Read 
Best timeFind the best time for whale sharks, humpbacks, and clear weather.Read 
Ningaloo vs GBRCompare Ningaloo's shore access with the Great Barrier Reef.Read 
Packing GuideA practical checklist for your Ningaloo Reef trip.Read 
Whale Shark ToursHow to plan and book your whale shark swim at Ningaloo Reef.Read The best time is between March and October. The weather is ideal for water activities. This period also covers the main seasons for whale sharks and humpback whales. Read more in our Best time guide.
Whale sharks congregate at the reef annually between March and August. You must book a boat charter to swim with them safely in deep water.
Yes. Humpback whales migrate through the area. Swim tours operate specifically from August to October.
They offer different experiences. Ningaloo is a fringing reef, meaning you can snorkel straight from the beach. The Great Barrier Reef typically requires a boat trip to reach the coral. See our Ningaloo vs GBR article.
Top spots include Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks in Cape Range National Park. Bill's Bay in Coral Bay is excellent for beginners. Always check tide heights before entering Oyster Stacks.
Generally, yes, but you must be aware of ocean conditions. Beware of strong currents at the end of the drift snorkeling area at Turquoise Bay. Wear a rash guard for protection.
Book your tours early, especially during the whale shark season.
