What is there to do in Coral Bay I here you ask. Well you could stay pretty busy here for a week with all the activities. In this article we’ll have a look at at what’s on offer and what to expect from your next beach getaway.

What to do in Coral Bay?

So The main activities here are on focused on the water, and specifically the magnificent Ningaloo Reef. Whilst the Barrier Reef may be more widely known. Ningaloo Reef is a fringing reef which makes it much more accessible. What’s the difference? Well the Barrier reef is offshore and the Ningaloo Reef starts at the shore.

The calm wide bay is a beautiful spot for swimming and lazing in the sun. More importantly if you have a mask and snorkel then you will get to see a huge variety of fish in water that is knee deep.

The reef extends into the bay and there is no fishing allowed in here. This means that the fish life feels safe. They are so curious that they will swim right up to you. My wife and I have spent countless hours floating around this bay.

If you were wondering if there is a perfect place to introduce kids to snorkeling. Then yes there is. Coral Bay.

Offshore Activities

Once you’ve whet your appetite in the shallows, it’s time to take a tour or 4. The most popular tours let you interact with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Interact may be the wrong phrase. Swim near Manta Rays and Whale Sharks would be more accurate. The tour companies use a spotter plane to locate these animals. They then put themselves in a position to drop you into the water in front of them.

There are strict rules in place to ensure that guests are safe, and more importantly that the animals and their environment are not adversely affected. To swim in the presence of either of these creatures is truly a special experience. If you’re really lucky you may find yourself having a look at a Tiger Shark as well. The boat skippers are very experienced and spend some time assessing the sharks behavior to see if it’s safe.

If you’re a scuba diver, then the local dive shop runs escorted dive tours as well. The local dive master will give you a briefing, and guide you safely through the lesser know areas of the reef. The sheer range and number of fish life that you will see on these tours are truly amazing.

If you like fishing, then there are fishing operators that will take you outside the no fishing zone to get a good haul of fish. They are very experienced and will help to ensure that you get a good catch, while obeying the local regulations. Once back at shore the crew fillet and bag your catch up for you to take home.

Onshore Activities

If you have your own 4WD then there are tracks that will take you up and down the coast. You can find that truly secluded spot to watch a sunset. For the slightly more adventurous, you can take a quad bike tour. These tours leave in a convoy together every morning and have lunch thrown in as well.

To get a more overall view of the Ningaloo area, you can take a short sightseeing flight. From here you can really get to grips with this vast wilderness expanse.

What’s the best time of year to go?

The short answer for most people would be between March and early August. That’s because these months coincide with the annual migration of the whale sharks, and they are a big draw. This is also when those of us in the south are starting to get a bit cool, so its nice to head north and thaw out a bit.

Weather wise Coral Bay is a good bet for most of the year. During the middle of Australia’s winter the daytime temperatures are generally still hovering around 30 degrees celcius. In summer the temperatures take off.

We have normally gone during July/August and the water temperatures are about 24 degrees. The guides that were with us on the tours said that this was cold, but in Perth that is glorious summer temps.

If you’re looking to head to Coral Bay then it is a perfect pairing to also go the Exmouth. I have written a guide to Exmouth, which you can access by clicking here. We have found that 5 days and Exmouth and 5 days in Coral Bay works about right for us.

Accommodation

The Hilton chain of hotels has yet to discover Coral Bay. So if that’s the style you’re looking for, then you’re out of luck. The best that we have stayed in so far is what I would class as above average motel style units that are fully self contained with their own kitchens. From there it heads to cabins, caravans and your own tent.

There are only 4 accommodation companies in Coral Bay and they are all nestled near the edge of the bay. There are a few good restaurants and shops in the area to keep your strength up. All of the properties have parking available and laundry facilities. The breakfast situation is either make your own or head to the restaurants.

If you click on the name of the property, a link will take you to Booking.com where you can get a closer look at what you’re getting.

Cheers and happy travels

Ningaloo Coral Bay – Bayview

Robinson Street, 6701 Coral Bay, Australia

Offering a year-round outdoor pool and on-site restaurant, Bayview Coral Bay is located in Coral Bay, just a 2-minute walk from the beach. Free private parking is available on site.

The property offers a choice of air-conditioned Studio’s and Villa’s. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with hairdryer, ironing facilities and bed linen. Some rooms include a flat-screen TV, kitchen and a balcony boasting sea views.

Ningaloo Reef Cafe offers alfresco dining for guests to enjoy local cuisine. BBQ facilities are also available for guests use.

A range of activities are offered in the surrounding area and staff at the property can organize whale-watching, diving and snorkeling tours for you to experience.

Other facilities at Bayview Coral Bay include a children’s playground and you can play tennis at the property.

An airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge. The nearest airport is Learmonth Airport, 72 mi from Bayview Coral Bay.

Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers

Robinson Street, 6701 Coral Bay, Australia

Located in Coral Bay, 1.7 mi from Coral Bay Beach, Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The accommodations offers a shared kitchen, a tour desk and luggage storage for guests.

At the hostel, each room is fitted with air conditioning and a shared bathroom.

Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpackers offers a barbecue. You can play table tennis at the accommodations, and the area is popular for snorkeling and fishing.

Ningaloo Reef Resort

1 Robinson Street, 6701 Coral Bay, Australia

Located on the beachfront with a short stroll from the rooms to the beach, Ningaloo Reef Resort offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free in-house movies and a kitchenette.

Each room at Ningaloo Reef Resort has either stunning ocean views or both garden and pool views. A private bathroom, TV with DVD player, and a lounge/dining area are also provided.

Guests can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or lounge in the gardens. The peaceful shores of Coral Bay are ideal for a walk at sunset.

Shades Café offers a casual dining atmosphere, with seafood sourced from the Coral Bay area. The bar serves a range of cocktails and other beverages.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. Guests at Ningaloo Reef Resort can try snorkeling and scuba diving.

Peoples Park

13 Robinson Street, 6701 Coral Bay

Peoples Park is located directly opposite Coral Bay’s main beach and the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.

The accommodations has a TV. There is also a kitchen, fitted with a microwave and toaster. A fridge and kettle are also offered. Each unit comes with a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Towels are featured.

Peoples Park also includes a barbecue. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Exmouth Airport is a 60-minute drive from the property.