Ningaloo Reef: Manta Ray Snorkel & Coral Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Swim beside mantas on Ningaloo’s quiet reef, taste salt and sun, pause for tea and burgers between coral gardens

You’ll float above Ningaloo’s coral gardens, swim alongside gentle manta rays, share laughs over fresh burgers on deck, and warm up with tea between snorkels. Expect genuine local stories from your guide and plenty of space to take it all in — this day is about saltwater memories more than ticking boxes.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that shadow moving?” our guide asked, squinting into the turquoise. I nearly missed it — the water was so clear it felt like floating in glass, but then this huge manta ray just glided underneath us, slow and calm. My mask fogged up a bit from how hard I was breathing (not cool), but honestly, it didn’t matter. The Ningaloo Reef is wild like that — you’re just a visitor in their world.

We’d started early from Exmouth, piling onto the boat with a handful of others. There was this salty breeze and everyone smelled faintly of sunscreen and excitement. Our guide — I think her name was Jess? — had lived here for years and knew every patch of coral by heart. She pointed out these weird little fish that looked like they were wearing pajamas, and at one point someone shouted about spotting a turtle (I missed it because I was still wrestling with my wetsuit). The colors underwater are kind of unreal — not Instagram-bright but more subtle, shifting as the sun moved overhead.

I didn’t expect to get hungry after swimming so much, but those freshly cooked burgers on deck hit different — maybe it’s something about eating with wet hair while your feet dry in the sun. There were veggie options too; even the pickiest in our group found something to eat. Between swims we’d sip hot tea and try to name all the fish we’d seen (failed miserably). The reef itself is huge — millions of fish darting around coral towers, some shaped like brains or antlers or things I couldn’t describe if I tried.

The boat felt friendly — not crowded at all — and Jess told stories about storms and local legends while we dried off. At one point she handed me a shell and said locals believe it brings good luck if you find one unbroken (mine had a chip, go figure). On the ride back I watched sunlight flicker through the water droplets on my arm and thought about how small you feel out there. Still do sometimes when I remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ningaloo Reef and Marine Life

• Snorkel in turquoise waters
• Observe coral formations
• See millions of fish

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Ningaloo Reef tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included for use during the tour.

Are meals included during the manta ray day trip?

Yes, freshly cooked hamburgers (including vegetarian/vegan options) are served onboard along with morning and afternoon tea.

Is this Ningaloo tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on board are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this Ningaloo day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this snorkeling tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling gear plus short wetsuits if you want them; morning and afternoon tea served between swims; freshly cooked hamburgers for lunch (with vegetarian or vegan choices); restroom facilities onboard; plus friendly guidance from local crew throughout your time exploring Ningaloo Reef’s waters.