Hi folks
Planning to drive up from Perth post Easter 2021.
Any tips for the long road trip? Any free spots to snorkel around Coral Bay/Exmouth on the Ningaloo Reef? The tours charge exorbitant amounts, so any free spots would be welcome.
Seems to be a great alternative to the Great Barrier Reef - cannot wait!
Thanks.
Turquoise Bay as mentioned already. I went in May as well, a few years ago and we were the only ones there. Plenty of snorkeling to be done straight off the beach without the need to venture too far out.
The only paid tour we did was to swim with the whale sharks. You will be there at the right time for it.
Thanks Pecan
Yes looking forward to that. The prices for the Whale Shark tours are exorbitant though - north of $400 per person!!!!
There are several operators that do the tours, maybe shop around to see if there are cheaper ones. Having said that though, swimming with whale sharks is a bucket list type of experience, so the price is worth it if this is something you really want to do.
Turquoise bay was amazing. there is a small entry fee to go there, as I believe you are entering a national park. I was fortunate enough to go there for work last year.
If you are with RAC you can get a discounted national park pass
Osprey Bay is another good spot just further south then turquoise and less people.
Pack food for the trip out as most of the good beaches are 40 mins from town so better to make a day off it.
Good breweries in town with froth and whalebone. Unfortunately like most WA holiday destinations nothing is too cheap
Ummm its all free, no need for tours as you can do both spots straight from the beach. Go to Coral Bay and snorkel off the beach. When you stay up there just ask the place you are staying about where best to snorkel. Basically you walk up to the beach past the point, jump in and drift down the bay.
As for Exmouth, again free. Just go to turquoise Bay. Walk up the beach and again do the drift dive. There are directions at the car park for the drift dive if you don't find out beforehand.
Better book your accommodation as it gets busy but should be a bit better after Easter and school holidays.