Coral Bay Glass Bottom Boat Turtle Tour: Reef and snorkel

The glass bottom boat is the only way to see turtles feeding on the Ningaloo Reef without disturbing them.

A 3-hour glass bottom boat tour in Coral Bay combines underwater viewing of turtles and coral with snorkeling at two reef sites. You board a custom-designed vessel 2–3 minutes' walk from the shop, watch turtles in their natural habitat through the hull, and choose when to enter the water. Coffee, tea and a tour escort are included. The tour runs year-round.

The experience

Coral Bay's Turtle Eco Tour departs from the beach in front of the shop, where you'll meet the crew 15 minutes before departure. The walk to the glass bottom boat Nhanya-Ku takes just 2–3 minutes. Once aboard, the experienced crew uses their knowledge of local turtle behavior to position the boat where turtles feed naturally. The glass bottom hull lets you watch them without entering the water or creating disturbance. This is the only turtle tour in the area conducted from a glass bottom boat, which means you get close observation without the impact of snorkeling directly over them.

The tour includes two snorkeling stops at sites the crew has selected for coral and fish life. You decide whether to enter the water at each one. Staying aboard and viewing through the hull is always an option. Between stops, the boat moves through the Ningaloo Reef, and the crew points out what's below. Beverages (coffee and tea) are available throughout the three hours, and a tour escort stays with the group the entire time.

Turtles are visible year-round in Coral Bay, so the tour runs consistently. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Small children sit on an adult's lap. No special fitness level is required. Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to snorkel. Wetsuits are not provided.

What’s included

• Tour escort and guide throughout the three hours.
• coffee and tea.
• access to two snorkeling sites on the Ningaloo Reef.
• glass bottom boat viewing of turtles and coral.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:30

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (6 to 16 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 30

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coral Bay Ecotours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to watch turtles feeding without entering the water. The glass bottom boat is the only way to see them undisturbed and still get close. If you do want to snorkel, the two reef stops give you that choice without forcing it.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

168 verified traveler reviews

5 ★149

4 ★14

3 ★3

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see turtles without snorkeling on this Coral Bay tour?

Yes. The glass bottom boat is designed so you watch turtles and coral through the hull without entering the water. Snorkeling at the two reef sites is optional. You can stay aboard and view from the boat instead.

What time of year do turtles appear in Coral Bay?

Turtles can be seen all year round in Coral Bay, so the tour operates consistently throughout the seasons.

How long is the walk from the shop to the boat?

The walk to the glass bottom boat Nhanya-Ku takes 2–3 minutes along the beach from the shop where you meet the crew.

What's included in the 3-hour tour price?

The tour includes a tour escort, coffee and tea, and access to two snorkeling sites on the reef. GST is also included in the quoted price.