Coral Bay: Swim with Manta Rays & Ningaloo Reef Safari

Summary

Swim with manta rays in Coral Bay plus reef snorkels and turtles

You’ll start your day in Coral Bay snorkeling bright coral gardens before gliding alongside manta rays at Ningaloo Reef with help from a spotter plane. Watch sea turtles surface nearby and share laughs over lunch on board. If you’re after close-up moments with marine life—and don’t mind a bit of salt in your hair—you’ll remember this one.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect as we shuffled onto the little bus outside the Coral Bay Ecotours office—still a bit sleepy, sunscreen already sticky on my arms. Our guide, Sam, had this easy way about him, like he’d done this a hundred times but still got a kick out of it. The boat ride out was salty and loud with everyone’s gear clattering around. When we finally dropped anchor in Bills Bay for our first snorkel, I hesitated—mask fogging up, heart thumping—but as soon as I put my face in the water there were these flashes of color everywhere: parrotfish, some stripey things I couldn’t name, even a reef shark gliding by like it owned the place. The coral looked almost fake from above, too bright to be real.

After morning tea (banana bread that disappeared fast), we drifted toward the turtle sanctuary. It’s quieter there—just the slap of water and people whispering when a turtle surfaced for air. One popped up right near me and blinked; I swear it sized me up before gliding away. Sam pointed out how they feed along the seagrass beds—he knows their favorite spots. Then came Bateman’s Bay, where things got serious: spotter plane circling overhead looking for manta rays. There was this weird hush as we waited for the signal. When it came, everything sped up—fins on, masks down—and suddenly I was swimming alongside this huge manta ray that moved like silk through the water. I tried to keep up but honestly just floated there watching its wings ripple.

Lunch tasted better than any buffet has a right to—maybe it was just being out there with sunburned cheeks and salt in my hair. On the way back we stopped for one more snorkel; I lost track of time counting fish and chasing shadows on the sand. Back at the jetty everyone looked tired but happy, swapping stories about who saw what or who swallowed half the ocean (guilty). Still think about that feeling—the quiet after all that color and movement—and how different everything felt above water again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marine Eco Safari at Ningaloo Reef

• Meet at Coral Bay Ecotours office
• Bus transfer to jetty
• Board vessel
• Snorkel at Bills Bay
• Morning tea break
• Visit sea turtle sanctuary
• Travel to Bateman’s Bay
• Snorkel with Manta Rays
• Afternoon snorkel stop
• Return to Coral Bay

Top questions

What time does the Marine Eco Safari start in Coral Bay?

The tour begins at 8 am at the Coral Bay Ecotours office unless otherwise informed.

Can you swim with manta rays on this tour?

Yes, you have an opportunity to snorkel with manta rays in Bateman’s Bay during the tour.

Is lunch included on the Ningaloo Reef safari?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included along with snacks, coffee or tea, and afternoon tea.

Do you visit a turtle sanctuary during this day trip?

Yes, there is a stop at a sea turtle sanctuary where you can observe turtles feeding and surfacing for air.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How physically demanding is swimming with manta rays?

Travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness to participate in snorkeling activities.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Coral Bay Ecotours office, all snorkeling equipment, guided visits to Bills Bay coral gardens and a turtle sanctuary, plus a buffet lunch served onboard along with snacks and afternoon tea before returning to shore.