It is very uncommon for guests aboard Shore Thing to get sea sick. Our tours are designed so that the vessel can remain inside and sail the sheltered confines of the reef and avoid unfavourable conditions. Additionally, the vessel boasts exceptional stability due to its large size and wide design, further reducing the likelihood of seasickness. Our crew are well trained to assist guests avoid situations whereby they may feel ill and the vessel always anchors inside the reef at night in safe and calm conditions.
Whilst aboard Shore Thing we are NOT allowed to snorkel with whale sharks due to strict licensing put in place by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). There are a limited number of day (snorkelling) tour operators that are able to offer this service from both Coral Bay and Exmouth. Have a look at the 7 Night Whale Shark Wonder Week package for the ultimate Ningaloo experience including a whale shark swim.
As soon as you know what dates you wish to travel so you’re not left disappointed!! Cabins can fill up over 12 months in advance however in some cases we may have cabins still available a week before scheduled departure dates. School holiday periods in April, July and September are especially popular periods and we recommend booking well in advance for these periods as accommodation in Coral Bay and flights to Exmouth fill up very fast too.
Check out our What’s Included page which also has a suggested packing list.
Alcohol is NOT included in the price of your tour aboard Shore Thing. A selection of reasonably priced Western Australian wines, spirits and beer are available for purchase onboard. You can pay for your alcohol purchases onboard, at the end of your trip, with cash, bank transfer or credit card (please note additional charges apply for credit card purchases). If you have any special requests, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate.
Coral Bay is approximately 1200km from Perth. You can self-drive from Perth or any other destination as there is a sealed road servicing Coral Bay. Alternatively you can fly with Qantas airlines into Exmouth (Learmonth) everyday. Flights take 2 hours from Perth. Our tours are scheduled to depart and return to allow enough time to catch the afternoon flights.
If self-driving have a look at our Coral Bay to Perth road trip guide.
If flying to Exmouth / Learmonth you can get to Coral Bay via transfer bus, scenic flight, or hire car. Learmonth airport is 110km from Coral Bay and takes approximately 1hour and 15 minutes via bus or car. Exmouth town is 150km from Coral Bay and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Sail Ningaloo is happy to assist in booking transfers from Learmonth airport. *Please note transfers to Coral Bay must be booked in advance, they do not meet every flight.
Sail Ningaloo provides complimentary transfers from all Coral Bay accommodation to the Coral Bay jetty where you will board Shore Thing. If self driving, we will provide parking directions.
Please let us know at the time of booking if you wish to participate in scuba diving activities. Sail Ningaloo provides tanks, weight belts, wetsuits (3mm & 5mm), masks and fins. You will need to provide your own BCD, regulators and dive computer. Sail Ningaloo can assist in hiring this equipment should you require it.
You will also need to bring your dive certification card.
Manta Rays can be seen all year round.
HumpbackWhales start to migrate north past Ningaloo from mid June. They can be seen regularly until the end of September, with highest numbers witnessed during July and August.
Dugongs can be seen all year round although they are shy animals and sightings can’t be guaranteed. They are more common between March and June.
Whale Sharks can be seen from March onwards at Ningaloo and have been sighted in recent years through September from Exmouth. They are wild animals and every season is different so please take the time to discuss how the current season is going with your Sail Ningaloo consultant.
Reef sharks can be seen all year round at Ningaloo Reef. They can be observed whilst snorkelling and scuba diving. Sightings peak during the summer months.
Marine Turtles can be seen all year round on Ningaloo Reef whilst snorkelling and scuba diving. From October through to February they nest on beaches all along the Ningaloo Reef and hatchlings emerge December through March.
