Ningaloo Reef Kayak Snorkel Tour from Exmouth

Paddle to hidden snorkel spots and discover coral centuries old with photos included

Coral By Kayak is a half-day kayak and snorkel activity in Exmouth that takes you by double sit-on-top kayak out to the Tantabiddi Sanctuary zone of Ningaloo Reef, where you tie off and snorkel directly from the water. Your guide points out coral formations hundreds of years old, marine life, and takes photos to share after the trip. Hotel pickup is included, along with all kayaking and snorkeling gear, sun protection, and snacks.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Exmouth accommodation around 7am (October to March) or 11am (April to September), followed by a half-hour drive around the NW Cape to Tantabiddi boat ramp. Your guide fills the drive with stories about the area's human and natural history: the flora, fauna, and what it's like living and working on Ningaloo Reef, which is World Heritage-listed. Once at the ramp, you're fitted with a double sit-on-top kayak, given a safety briefing, and paddle out to the Tantabiddi Sanctuary zone, a trip of roughly 30 minutes.

In the sanctuary, your guide ties the kayak to a dedicated mooring so it stays put. After a snorkel briefing, you slide into the water and spend time watching the corals below (some formations are hundreds of years old), while your guide points out colorful fish and other marine life swimming around you. The guide stays by your side the whole time, takes photos with their camera, and makes sure you're seeing what's there. You're never far from the kayak or your guide, and the mooring keeps you anchored in one spot so you can focus on what's underneath.

The activity takes about four hours total, including the drive, paddle out, snorkel time, and paddle back. You'll wear a long-sleeve sun shirt and broad-brim hat to protect from the sun, and snacks are provided during the day. Photos taken by your guide are available to view and share after you're back on shore.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Exmouth.
• double sit-on-top kayak and all snorkeling gear.
• long-sleeve sun shirt and broad-brim hat.
• snacks.
• guide photos to view after your experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 11:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Exmouth Adventure Co

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here: the guide stays close to point out corals and marine life as you snorkel, and the moored kayak keeps you in one spot so you can focus on what's below instead of managing the boat. If you want to see Ningaloo Reef but prefer not to swim or dive independently, snorkeling from a kayak gives you the reef at water level with the guide right there.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the Tantabiddi Sanctuary zone like for snorkeling?

The Tantabiddi Sanctuary is part of Ningaloo Reef where your kayak is moored so you can snorkel in one spot. You'll see coral formations of different sizes, many hundreds of years old, and colorful fish and other marine life moving through the water around them.

Do I need kayaking or snorkeling experience to join?

No prior experience is required. Your guide gives a full kayaking and safety briefing before you paddle out, and another snorkel briefing before you enter the water. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the minimum age is 8 years old.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup from Exmouth, the double sit-on-top kayak, all snorkeling equipment, a long-sleeve sun shirt and broad-brim hat, snacks during the activity, and photos taken by your guide to keep afterward.

When does the tour run, and how long is the whole thing?

Pickup happens around 7am from October to March, or 11am from April to September. The full activity takes about four hours, including the drive to Tantabiddi, the paddle out, snorkel time, and the return paddle.

Will the guide help me spot things underwater?

Yes. Your guide stays by your side while you snorkel, points out the corals, fish and other marine life, and takes photos of what you're seeing. They're there to make sure you have the best experience and to keep you safe the whole time.