Exmouth, a beautiful coastal town on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, is a must-see for marine enthusiasts, adventure seekers and those looking for a real underwater experience. Situated on the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Exmouth is the chance to swim with manta rays, the biggest fish like whale sharks and other incredible marine life. Whether you are here for 6-7 days or just passing through, swimming with these gentle giants is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Why Swim with Manta Rays?
Manta rays are one of the most incredible creatures in the ocean. With wingspans of up to 7 meters, they glide through the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef with ease. Known for their gentle nature and majestic beauty they are completely harmless, feeding only on plankton. Swimming with them in Coral Bay or other parts of Ningaloo Marine Park, you get to get up close to these gentle giants and have an experience that will stay with you long after you get out of the water.
The beauty of these creatures is matched by their habitat—the pristine waters of Ningaloo, home to coral gardens, fish and marine life. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first time snorkeler the experience of swimming with manta rays in this ecosystem is like no other.
When to Swim
If you are coming to Exmouth, the best time to swim with manta rays is May or October. This is whale shark season and humpback whale migration, so you will see abundant marine life. The warm waters during this time are perfect for snorkelling, with clear visibility to see manta rays, turtles and other ocean creatures.
Manta rays are in the Ningaloo waters all year round but May to October is the peak plankton time and the biggest fish including manta rays and whale sharks are drawn to the reef. Exmouth’s location in Western Australia and proximity to Coral Bay makes it one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays during this time.
World Class Marine Ecosystem
Ningaloo Reef is one of the longest fringing reefs in the world, stretching over 260km. The pristine environment is home to over 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral and many marine mammals. It is a coral reef lovers’ paradise with colourful coral and fish that make every snorkel or dive an adventure.
The Ningaloo Marine Park has shallow water close to the shore, which makes it perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers. You can snorkel at Turquoise Bay, Sandy Bay and Outer Reef, all with access to amazing coral formations and marine life.
Swimming with manta rays is just one of the many things you can do at Ningaloo Reef. You might also see tropical fish, reef sharks, loggerhead turtles and even humpback whales as they pass through the Coral Coast waters. The diversity of marine life and the tropical fish and turquoise water make this a must do for any adventure lover.
Eco-Friendly Tours and Marine Conservation
Exmouth has several eco friendly tour operators such as Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours ow Wayoutback Ningaloo Reef Tours, Coral Bay Ecotours and Ningaloo Marine Interactions that offer guided snorkeling and diving tours with manta rays. These Exmouth tours have minimal impact on the reef and deliver an amazing experience.
When booking your manta ray swim, make sure to choose operators that are sustainable and Ningaloo Reef Dive ecosystems. Tours are 4-6 hours and include all you need: snorkelling gear and expert guides to ensure a safe and fun experience. Snorkeling in Coral Bay or along the Ningaloo coastline with a dedicated team is a rewarding experience whether you are an experienced snorkeler or just getting in the water.
These Ningaloo Reef tours are designed to give you the best chance to see manta rays, whale sharks and humpback whales up close. To make it an epic adventure book a 5 day luxe bucket list adventure or a Coral Bay Manta Ray Tour which guarantees plenty of time in the water making it perfect for all levels of swimmers.
Other Marine Life Encounters
Manta rays are the main attraction, but Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef are also home to many other amazing marine creatures. From March to July, you can join a whale shark tour and swim with the biggest fish in the world – the whale sharks. Or join a humpback whale swimming tour and see their acrobatics as they migrate through the area.
The Ningaloo Reef Dive experience isn’t complete without a look at the colourful fish, loggerhead turtles and coral species that live in this underwater world. Whether you’re cruising over the coral on aglass bottom boator diving into the depths of the canyons, Exmouth has many marine life encounters to make every day an adventure.
If you want to go even further afield the Muiron Islands have more snorkelling trips and dive sites and Charles Knife Canyon and Cape Range National Park have natural environments to explore beyond the water.
How to Make the Most of Your Swim
To make your manta ray swim an epic experience, here are a few tips:
- Choose the right tour operator: Look for tours that promote sustainable practices, such as Ningaloo Discovery, Dive Ningaloo and Coral Bay Ecotours. These tours are more eco-friendly and support marine conservation.
- Be a confident swimmer: While the water is generally calm being a confident swimmer will allow you to get the most out of your snorkelling sessions. If you’re new to the water don’t worry – there are plenty of beginner friendly tours available.
- Bring your camera: Capture the manta rays, tropical fish and other marine creatures during your tour. Many operators even offer underwater photography packages to document your water activity.
- Respect the wildlife: Remember to keep a safe distance from all marine animals, including manta rays, whale sharks and turtles, to ensure their safety and preserve their habitat.
FAQ
When can I swim with manta rays in Exmouth?
May to October is the best time to swim with manta rays in Exmouth. This coincides with whale shark season and humpback whale migration, so you’ll see a lot of marine life.
Can I swim with manta rays if I’m a beginner?
Yes many tours are beginner friendly and Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay have accessible snorkeling spots for all levels of swimmers.
Are manta rays dangerous to humans?
No manta rays are not dangerous to humans. They are gentle giants that feed on plankton and pose no threat, they are a wonderful marine creature to see in the clear waters of Ningaloo Reef.
What else can I see swimming with manta rays?
Manta rays, whale sharks, humpback whales, tropical fish, loggerhead turtles and more are in Ningaloo Marine Park.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, it’s recommended to easily book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a wonderful experience.