Ningaloo reef unfolded its magic for this diverse group on our April 22nd escape! From near (Australia) to far (USA), our guests were united by their awe of this underwater wonderland.
Diving and snorkeling through the dazzling tapestry of marine life. We navigated over & through vibrant coral formations, encountering an array of wildlife including a perfectly camouflaged wobbegong shark and graceful turtles. Marble rays and porcupine rays added a touch of majesty, while a wave of foraging striped catfish created a mesmerizing spectacle.
The thrill of encountering a super-pregnant white-tip reef shark and a rare encounter with a very timid lemon shark, adding to the highlights and unforgettable experiences.
This Ningaloo getaway is a testament to the reef`s ability to unite people from all corners of the globe.
#VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #Swim #Dive #Snorkel #Wildlife #AustraliasCoralCoast #ningaloo #westernaustralia #australia #ocean #thisiswa #coralcoast #westisbest #wa #reef #travel #underwater #nature #travelaustralia #tourismwa #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic #WAtheDreamState
We`ve been fortunate to experience exceptional conditions recently on Ningaloo Reef. The calm glassy seas, with water clarity showcasing a spectrum of blues and turquoises, have been truly breathtaking. The evenings have offered equally dramatic displays, with fiery sunsets painting the sky. It`s a privilege to work and live in such a visually stunning environment.
🥰🥰🥰
#VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #JustAnotherDayinWA #AustraliasCoralCoast #SeeAustralia #ningaloo #westernaustralia #australia #ocean #thisiswa #coralcoast #westisbest #wa #reef #travel #travelaustralia #tourismwa #ShoreThing #NingalooWonder #WAtheDreamState
Our next 3 night Ningaloo adventure, departing April 19th, was a treasure trove of underwater encounters! Turtles, wise and ancient, glided serenely by, leaving us in awe of their grace. Playful pufferfish puffed out their bodies in a comical display, while a variety of stingrays added their elegance to the turquoise waters. The thrill continued with sharks patrolling the crystal-clear depths, and schools of buffalo bream shimmering in a mesmerizing underwater ballet.
But the true magic unfolded when we encountered majestic manta rays soaring effortlessly through the water, their wingspans casting an awe-inspiring shadow. Even the shy wobbegong shark emerged from its camouflage, adding another layer of wonder to the vibrant coral scene.
This Ningaloo escape, captured in this highlight reel, is just a glimpse of the incredible marine life waiting for YOU on your next Ningaloo Reef adventure. Dive into a world of turquoise wonder – the underwater treasures await!
#VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #Swim #Dive #Snorkel #Wildlife #AustraliasCoralCoast #ningaloo #westernaustralia #australia #ocean #thisiswa #coralcoast #westisbest #wa #reef #travel #underwater #nature #travelaustralia #tourismwa #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic #WAtheDreamState
Not sure what`s got into these 2 but they are certainly put on a show for our guests and crew!!
#Wildlife #JustAnotherDayinWA #AustraliasCoralCoast #underwaterworld #ningaloo #westernaustralia #ocean #thisiswa #coralcoast #westisbest #underwaterphotography #underwater #nature #tourismwa #oceanconservation #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic #WAtheDreamState
Ningaloo`s Ray Rendezvous: A Family Adventure
Ningaloo transformed into a ray haven for this adventurous family on our April 13th escape! This sting ray extravaganza had everyone mesmerized. We encountered a dazzling array of these graceful creatures, from larger whiptail & porcupine rays to the smaller lagoon rays. Each ray, with its unique pattern, added its own touch of magic to the underwater world. Witnessing the sheer number and variety of stingrays was an unforgettable experience for all ages.
The excitement didn`t stop there! We swam with sharks, turtles, mantas, sweetlips, buffalo bream, octopus and more. Crystal-clear waters provided the perfect backdrop for observing these stunning exciting creatures.
See for yourself...
#VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #Swim #Dive #Snorkel #Wildlife #AustraliasCoralCoast #ningaloo #westernaustralia #australia #ocean #thisiswa #coralcoast #westisbest #wanderoutyonder #wa #reef #travel #underwater #nature #travelaustralia #tourismwa #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic #WAtheDreamState
#Lionfish are nicknamed the "Hoover vacuums of the sea" because of their enormous appetites. They can expand their stomachs over 30 times their size to fit a big meal and can even go for weeks without eating!
These fish mature fast and start reproducing when they`re less than a year old. Plus, they can lay a whopping 30,000 eggs every four days! Talk about prolific!
Their dramatic fins and stripes may look stunning, but those fancy spines are actually venomous! The good news is these stings are treatable for humans, but for smaller fish, it can be fatal.
📸 @chromatophores.photography
#Wildlife #ningaloo #ocean #underwaterphotography #nature #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic
Asho`s Gap Cleaning Station is a favourite site for us to visit on tours and so far this season it has been going off!!! Check out this sped up video (regular time 11mins) from the other day 🥰😱🤗
#NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #Wildlife #AustraliasCoralCoast #underwaterworld #thisiswa #westisbest #nature #tourismwa #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic
Ningaloo`s Fish Frenzy
Ningaloo`s vibrant heart beat strong on our April 8th escape! Everywhere we looked, a kaleidoscope of fish swirled in a mesmerizing underwater ballet. Surgeonfish, parrotfish, chromis, catfish, and baitfish danced amongst shimmering schools of buffalo bream, sweetlips, fusiliers, and neon damsels.
The excitement continued with encounters of a tawny nurse shark, reef sharks gracefully patrolling the crystal-clear waters, and a porcupine ray gliding effortlessly. Turtles added a touch of wisdom to the scene, while an octopus displayed its mastery of disguise, can you find it?
Lionfish, scorpionfish, and batfish showcased the reef`s fascinating diversity, alongside cuttlefish, crayfish, and elegant lagoon rays.
Laughter filled the air as we attempted a group photo with the iconic anchor of the Benan wreck. From the boat, we spotted playful dolphins adding their energy to the vibrant seascape. But the true highlights were an encounter with a beautiful leopard shark, a goliath grouper hiding amongst a group of sweetlips, an unforgettable swim alongside a graceful manta ray, and even a beautiful striped snake eel.
See it all here...
This time last year!! Such a cool experience to witness from our own backyard. We were so lucky 🥰🤩😎
📸 @chromatophores.photography
#eclipse #exmouthwa #VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #AustraliasCoralCoast #ningaloo #coralcoast #westisbest #wanderoutyonder #wa #tourismwa #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing
‘Shore Thing’ is a purpose built, Roger Hill designed and beautifully appointed, live-aboard sailing catamaran, 51 feet in length and 27 feet in width. Being a catamaran she is extremely comfortable and stable, both at sea and at anchor.
With a shallow draft ‘Shore Thing’ is the ideal vessel for accessing the many spectacular shallow inner reef lagoons of the Ningaloo Reef, which provide calm anchorage in all weather conditions. We can take you to places and show you things no one else can!
An elevated helm allows plenty of seating alongside the skipper and the perfect viewpoint to observe passing marine life and a bird’s eye view of the natural wonders of the Ningaloo Reef.
Relax on the impressive forward deck and trampoline area, lazing in the shade of the sails on one of the bean bags or day bed. The saloon area has ample room to seat all guests in comfort and the large back deck area is well shaded and a lovely area for alfresco dining.
Power is generated by a system of Solar Panels, maximising environmentally friendly and no-fuel power generation. We do also have a generator on board as a back up for those 5 cloudy days during the year and is generally only required when filling dive tanks and making water. We have a full desalination unit on board ensuring fresh water showers and fresh water supply.
#shorething #ningalooreef #westernaustralia
Our April 5th Ningaloo 3 night tour was a turtletastic adventure! Everywhere we turned, these gentle giants glided serenely by, leaving our guests in awe. But the underwater wonders didn`t stop there! Monocle bream and convict surgeonfish added vibrant splashes of color to the vibrant coral reefs. Trumpetfish played hide-and-seek amongst the coral formations, while a tawny nurse shark patrolled the crystal-clear waters with a sense of purpose. White-tip reef sharks added an air of excitement, their sleek forms a reminder of the ocean`s power.
The beauty extended beyond the fish. We marveled at brightly colored clams, a testament to the reef`s diversity. A particularly cute couple of harlequin filefish even stole the show with their playful antics.
Our highlight reel wouldn`t be complete without showcasing the majesty of the ancient world. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of huge porite corals, some thousands of years old! We also encountered a massive marble ray, its graceful movements leaving us breathless. And the beautiful spotted eagle ray capped off an unforgettable underwater experience.
#NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic
Our sixth boat crew member for the 2024 season really needs no introduction! The forever faithful Hendrik or @chromatophores.photography as some know him by.
Hendrik has worked for Sail Ningaloo for a total of 5 seasons over the years with this being his 4th in a row. On the outside he is the stern, sarcastic, dark and brooding German Dive Instructor but to those that know him him truly inside he is actually quite mushy and sweet (don`t point it out though as you`ll ruin his reputation!!) 🤣
Hendrik has been a great source of some amazing photography while on board Sail Ningaloo and you can even purchase some of his prints during your tour if you want to (either then and there or to be delivered).
He is totally obsessed with Mantas and the massive grin ear to ear after a swim with these elegant creatures is the biggest smile you get from him all tour and will warm your heart 😁
Thanks for your loyalty to Sail Ningaloo Hendrik. We are so happy you are back for another year with us 🥰🥰
Our other skipper for this season is Sandy!
Sandy has been around the Exmouth area for many years. He loves boats and the ocean and has owned a few different boats of his own over the years even living on a boat for a period of time. Most recently before joining Sail Ningaloo he was sailing around the top of Australia.
Returning to his "home" on the Ningaloo Sandy has joined the Sail NIngaloo Team and is excited to once again spend time in a "place that so many critically endangered species choose to live in safety and in abundance" & to continue educating our guests on board about this area and its residents.
When asked about his favourite creature he couldn`t pick just one. He loves dugong, whales, turtles, sharks and just about everything that lives on the reef.
Welcome to the Team Sandy 😁
P.S "He`s not as old as he looks!!" - his words not ours!! 😜 🤣🤣
Ningaloo unveiled its underwater wonders on our unforgettable 3-night getaway, departing April 2nd. We glided alongside swirling schools of buffalo bream, mesmerized by their synchronized movements. Dazzling convict surgeonfish splashed vibrant colors across the coral reefs, graceful turtles grazed peacefully and curious catfish forges through the sand. Playful tobies darted amongst the coral, while elegant lagoon rays glided effortlessly hugged the ocean floor and sleek white-tip reef sharks patrolling the crystal-clear waters.
Yet again we witnessed the magic of glassy turquoise waters transforming into fiery orange evening skies.
But the adventure didn`t stop there! The highlights were gliding in our tender alongside a playful dolphin and the awe-inspiring sight of an octopus swimming out in open waters rather than hiding in crevices.
Watch some of it for yourself here...
Some photos by @chromatophores.photography taken on our most recent 5 night tour over Easter weekend...
#NingalooReef #CoralBayWA #Dive #Snorkel #Wildlife #JustAnotherDayinWA #underwaterworld #westernaustralia #coralcoast #westisbest #underwaterphotography #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #MarineDiversity #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic
Ningaloo Family Fun: Adventures Under the Sun
Ningaloo magic unfolded for an adventurous family of six on our March 28th escape! From sunrise to sunset, the crystal-clear waters teemed with life. Snorkeling adventures revealed majestic giants – huge marble and cowtail stingrays gliding effortlessly by. Reef sharks and tawny nurse sharks patrolled the vibrant coral reefs, while loggerhead and green turtles cruised with ancient wisdom.
The excitement didn`t stop there! The family got up close and personal with awe-inspiring tiger sharks and playful dolphins swimming alongside our tender. Calm waters and a sky ablaze with blue and orange provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable adventure.
This Ningaloo escape, captured in this highlight reel, showcases the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure that awaits families on every Ningaloo Reef expedition. Are you ready to create lasting memories with your loved ones?
Also in the role of Host for our 2024 season is Zara!
"The Ningaloo reef has always been a dream location for me and what
better way to see it than on a liveaboard, experiencing places no one else
gets to see."
Very right Zara, what better way indeed! Zara has come from doing research in Indonesia and working as a kayaking guide in Byron Bay before travelling across Australia in a van to join us on Ningaloo. She loves the peace the ocean creates and is in awe of the diversity and health the Ningaloo has to offer.
You will see Zara both cooking up a feast and enjoying the waterworld with you during a tour. She will love sharing her passion and knowledge of the ocean with you so make sure you pick her brains during your time on board.
Welcome to the team Zara!! 🤩🥳😍
Our 22nd March 5 night Escape was a Shipwreck Soiree!
Our Ningaloo adventure took us on a thrilling journey into the past, shared by a group of wide-eyed divers, visiting a few different ship wrecks teeming with present life and history. Accessible by diving and snorkeling offered a glimpse into this captivating world for all interests.
But the wrecks weren`t the only stars of the show! Graceful turtles glided past, their ancient wisdom etched on their shells. Tawny nurse sharks and reef sharks patrolled the crystal-clear waters, adding an air of excitement. The highlight? Majestic manta rays soared through the glassy surface, their wingspans leaving us breathless.
We sailed across color-changing waters, witnessing a mesmerizing aquatic light show before returning to shore. This Ningaloo escape, captured in this highlight reel, is a testament to the incredible underwater world hidden beneath the waves. It`s an adventure you won`t want to miss!
Jesse was one of our skippers back in 2016 before he went off exploring Aus and NZ skippering and diving on other tourism and research vessels.
He also found love in the Bay back in 2016 & has now returned with a little one in tow who he says has probably spent more time in the ocean in her life than many adults!! 😍😍
Jesse is loving being back on Ningaloo and getting to enjoy the reef both at work and on days off with his family.
While many of us are wary of unpredictability Jesse loves that this is a factor when working on the ocean. "I love that you never can 100% know what`s going to happen next with weather, wildlife experience etc."
Jesse has explored into photography as well since he has been away so hopefully we will get to see some great shots of the wonderful wildlife he sees on tours. You can check him out on Instagram @coralbayphotography
Welcome back to the team again Jesse, good to have you, although maybe this time we might skip the crew wine tasting evening since it seems you don`t handle your wine so well 😜 But you were younger and more naive back then 🤣🤣
Did you know that you can swim with Humpback Whales on Ningaloo?
Check out our Humpback Whale Safari Package by clicking the link in the photo below (available August - October) or message our friendly office staff directly for more information on how to add this day tour to your Sail Ningaloo adventure!
#VisitNingaloo #NingalooReef #Swim #JustAnotherDayinWA #AustraliasCoralCoast #westernaustralia #NingalooMagic #ShoreThing #NingalooWonder #MarineMagic
Ningaloo exploded with life on our latest 3 night tour on 19th March. Some superb highlights included a rarely seen shovelnose ray gliding across the sandy bottom. The stunning ballet of swarming buffalo bream, their synchronized movements a breathtaking display of nature`s choreography. And hold onto your fins as a curious goliath grouper cruises in for a close-up. Its immense size and inquisitive gaze an unforgettable memory for our crew & guests!
Check it all out for yourself...
This is Gloria! Also one of our 2024 new recruits! She is full of sunshine and smiles and will certainly be a highlight of your time onboard Shore Thing if you are lucky enough to have her as crew 🤩
Gloria has sailed most of Australia and throughout Asia, she`s worked with great whites on the cage diving boats and swimming with sea lions so she certainly knows boats and the ocean!
She`s been a Divemaster & Coxswain for a while but also recently completed her Master V skipper ticket as well.
"I love showing people the beauty of the reef and seeing them fall in love with it, my goal is to help them see the importance of protecting it by giving them the incredible experiences and interactions with wildlife"
She has been working on whale shark boats in Exmouth for the last few years but has decided to stretch her wings a little and come down to the Bay to see what we can offer her 🥰
You will see her infectious smile with you in the water most of the time but sometimes you might also see her helping out in the galley or driving the boat but you will always know where she is from her loud, but contagious laugh!!
A little bird mentioned that she enjoys night sailing in her undies so its a good job that Shore Thing anchors up and night then 😅 🤣🤣
Welcome to the team Gloria!!
It`s about time we started introducing you to our crew for 2024 🥰
First up we have Cloe, our little French pocket rocket 😝 Cloe actually applied to work with us a couple of years ago but we were sadly fully staffed at that stage but we are so glad that she persevered and has eventually ended up coming to join us on the West Coast.
Cloe is an ocean lover to the max and has honed her skills & learnt a lot while working on a sailing boat on the Great Barrier Reef. Feeling the pull from the West (which of course is undeniable 😜 #westisbest) she ventured across here to explore Ningaloo. "In the marine industry, Ningaloo Reef is a big deal… You’ve got it all here: whale sharks/manta rays/leopard sharks swimming in clear blue water, and so much more!"
Cloe`s favourite ocean creature is the Nudibranch...
"I think that I am what we call a “Nudi-nerd”… Every single snorkel/dive, I am
looking for those little creatures in the hope to see a new one. This is really exciting, it’s like finding a rare Pokemon underwater." 🤣🤣
Maybe they should invent an underwater Pokemon app we can use while snorkeling & diving!! 🤔
You may see Cloe in the water guiding your snorkels or dives but you`ll also see her in the galley cooking up a storm for all our guests and crew to enjoy and adding that special little "French touch" to our cuisine 🥰
@cloe_marin1
Our Ningaloo odyssey, setting sail on March 14th, was pure bliss. Glassy water mirrored the endless blue sky, granting access to the outer reef`s wonders. Teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral formations. The majestic manta rays stole the show, their graceful movements unforgettable.
The magic extended beyond the mantas. We encountered a playful octopus, a master of disguise and movement, exploring its domain. A Spanish Dancer swayed elegantly under the boat`s blue spotlight, its frilled appendages mimicking a flamenco dancer. A tiny miracle unfolded as we observed a baby turtle, just beginning its life`s journey, determined to survive in this vibrant world.
The heavens blazed with fiery oranges, painting the horizon in a breathtaking spectacle that perfectly complemented the vibrant colors of the coral reefs below. Later in the trip, dramatic dark clouds rolled in, creating a powerful contrast to the turquoise water. This ever-changing panorama offered stunning views that no painter or photographer could replicate.
This escape, captured in this highlight reel, showcases the unforgettable adventures awaiting on every Ningaloo expedition.
