Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking in Exmouth: Ningaloo Lagoon

Paddle into the lagoon, snorkel where the reef meets shallow water.

Sea kayaking and snorkeling activity in Exmouth's Ningaloo Lagoon, where you paddle into sheltered waters and stop to snorkel from your kayak or the beach with a live guide. Your guide chooses the launch site and route each day based on conditions, exploring areas between Ned's Camp and Lakeside or Osprey Bay and Pilgramunna to maximize wildlife sightings. Small group sizes let the guide tailor the day to your pace and interests. All equipment, morning tea, lunch and hotel pickup are included. No prior kayaking experience is needed.

The experience

You're picked up from your Exmouth accommodation just before 8am and driven into Cape Range National Park: a 40 to 50 minute journey depending on which launch site your guide selects that day. The choice depends on wind, swell and water conditions. Your guide makes it on the morning to give you the best experience. Once you arrive, the team fits you out with a double sea kayak, lifejacket and paddle, walks you through a safety briefing, and you're ready to paddle.

The kayak is your platform for the whole day. You paddle into the lagoon looking for turtles, rays, schools of fish and coral from the water, then stop to snorkel: either by paddling to a site and slipping in from the kayak, or by beaching and entering from the shore. Your guide is with you the whole time and will show you how to snorkel from the kayak if that's new to you. The water is shallow and clear. The marine life is what you came for. Depending on the season, you might see dugong between May and July, or dolphins passing through. Rest time on the beach breaks up the day, with morning tea and lunch included.

The group stays small, which means your guide can read what you want to do and adjust accordingly, whether that's lingering at a coral site, pushing further into the lagoon, or spending more time on the beach. You don't need any kayaking experience beforehand. The briefing covers everything. Bring at least a liter of water in your own bottle, reef-safe sunscreen if you have it, and sunglasses if you wear them: the sun reflects hard off the water. The long-sleeve sun shirt and hat are provided, as is all the snorkeling gear.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Exmouth before 8am.
• double sea kayak, lifejacket and paddle.
• snorkeling equipment including fins and mask.
• long-sleeve sun shirt and hat.
• morning tea and lunch.
• live guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Exmouth Adventure Co

Is this one for you?The guide delivers all safety instructions and commentary in English only, so you'll need to understand basic English to follow the briefing and the day's guidance. If English is your first language or you're comfortable with spoken instruction, this works straightforwardly. If you need translation or have questions about the safety briefing, let the operator know before booking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 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 difference between snorkeling from the kayak and from the beach?

Both happen on the same day depending on where your guide takes you and what the conditions allow. Snorkeling from the kayak means paddling to a site and slipping in from the boat. Snorkeling from the beach means you beach the kayak and enter from the shore. Your guide will show you how to do either one safely, and the choice is made on the day based on what works best for the group and the conditions.

How long is the drive from Exmouth to the launch site?

The drive into Cape Range National Park takes 40 to 50 minutes depending on which launch site your guide chooses that day. The guide picks the location based on wind, swell and water conditions to give you the best experience, so the exact site isn't set until the morning.

Will I see turtles and dolphins?

Turtles, rays and schools of fish are regularly spotted from the kayak while you're paddling. Dolphins pass through the area, and dugong are present between May and July. Wildlife sightings depend on the day's conditions and where your guide takes you, so they're not guaranteed, but the lagoon is active year-round.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No prior sea kayaking experience is necessary. Your guide will brief you on safety and how to paddle before you head out, and you'll be paddling a stable double kayak with your guide's support throughout the day.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup from Exmouth, all kayaking and snorkeling gear (kayak, lifejacket, paddle, snorkel equipment, fins and mask), a long-sleeve sun shirt and hat, morning tea, lunch, and a live guide for the full day are all included.