In short
- Swimming at the reef is free.
- Cape Range National Park costs AUD 17 per vehicle.
- Wildlife boat tours start from AUD 100 to over AUD 500.
In this article
You can see the coral from the beach without paying a cent. However, getting to the most famous drift snorkeling spots or swimming with whale sharks will cost you. This guide breaks down the free areas, vehicle entry fees, and premium tour costs.
Is entry to Ningaloo Reef free?
Yes, access to the Ningaloo Marine Park itself is completely free.
You do not need a ticket to swim in the ocean. At Coral Bay, you can walk straight off the beach into the water at no cost. You only pay if you book a tour or drive into the national park.
How much is the entry to Cape Range National Park?
Vehicle entry costs AUD 17 per day.
This fee applies if you drive into the park from Exmouth to visit sites like Turquoise Bay or Oyster Stacks. You pay this fee at the entry station. If you do not have a vehicle, you will need to book a guided tour or a shuttle, which include park entry.
What are the average prices for wildlife tours?
Half-day kayak or snorkel tours cost around AUD 100, while full-day whale shark swims exceed AUD 500.
Tour prices change depending on the season and the operator. Premium wildlife encounters, like swimming with whale sharks or humpback whales, require large boats, spotter planes, and specialized crews, which drives up the cost. Manta ray swims sit in the middle, usually costing around AUD 250.
How much are whale shark tours?
Whale shark tours typically cost between AUD 505 and AUD 537 per person.
These premium tours operate from March to August. The high price reflects the use of spotter aircraft to locate the sharks, ensuring a high success rate. Most tours include meals, snorkel gear, and transport.
Are there free snorkeling spots at Ningaloo Reef?
Yes, spots like Bill's Bay and Skeleton Bay in Coral Bay are completely free to access.
Because Coral Bay is not inside the national park fee zone, you can walk from town directly to the beach and snorkel over the coral gardens. You only need to pay for equipment hire if you do not bring your own gear.
Do I need to pay to see manta rays or turtles?
You can spot turtles for free from the beach, but guaranteed manta ray swims require a paid boat tour.
Turtles are frequently seen in the shallows at Bundegi Sanctuary Zone or Turquoise Bay. Manta rays prefer deeper cleaning stations offshore from Coral Bay. To swim with them safely and reliably, you need to join a dedicated half-day or full-day boat charter.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to book whale shark tours in advance?
Yes. Whale shark season (March to August) is extremely busy. Book months in advance, as boats have strict passenger limits.
How much does it cost to visit Ningaloo Reef?
Ocean access is free. Cape Range National Park is AUD 17 per vehicle. Guided tours range from AUD 100 to over AUD 500.
How much does it cost to enter Cape Range National Park?
It costs AUD 17 per vehicle per day to enter the park, which is required to access sites like Turquoise Bay.
