Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking in Exmouth: Ningaloo Reef

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.78 (173 reviews) 88% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 8

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Paddle into Ningaloo's nursery and slip off your kayak into the coral.

Sea kayak and snorkel the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone, the wildlife-rich shallows of Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth, in a half-day activity with a guide, small group of up to 8 guests, and all gear provided. You paddle through the nursery spotting juvenile turtles, rays and baby reef sharks, then tie off at moorings to snorkel the coral reef itself. Pickup from your Exmouth accommodation is included; the tour time shifts daily with the tides, so confirm the schedule before you book.

The Experience

You get picked up from your Exmouth accommodation and driven 10 minutes to the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone, where the guides kit you out with a double kayak, snorkel gear, wetsuits if needed, and a lifejacket. After a quick safety briefing and paddle familiarisation, you head out into the shallows—the part of Ningaloo Reef known as the nursery because juvenile turtles, rays, schools of fish and even baby reef sharks hunt here. The guides point out what moves beneath you and around the kayak, and the water is shallow enough that you stay comfortable even if you've never paddled before.

After some time on the water, you paddle a little way offshore to tie off at snorkel moorings that are set up for kayaks only. You slip over the side into the coral reef, exploring the underwater life—schools of fish, green turtles, the reef itself—while your guide stays nearby. The group size stays small, usually capped at 8 people, so the guides can watch everyone and point out what's worth seeing. A snack stop on the beach breaks up the paddle and gives you a chance to rest.

The whole outing runs about three and a half hours, and the start time shifts with the tides each day—you'll need to confirm the exact time when you book. Your guide takes photos throughout the day and sends them to you afterward. Long sleeve sun shirts, broad brim hats and polarised sunglasses are provided to keep you protected in the Australian sun.

What’s included

Pickup and drop-off from your Exmouth accommodation.
double sit-on-top sea kayak.
snorkel, mask, fins and wetsuits in season.
lifejacket.
long sleeve sun shirt, broad brim hat and polarised sunglasses.
snacks.
guide photos taken during the activity.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Exmouth Adventure Co

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle and snorkel in one outing—you'll kayak to shallow reefs where turtles and rays gather, then snorkel directly from your boat in sheltered water.