What is Coral Bay in Western Australia?
Coral Bay is a small coastal town in Western Australia on the Ningaloo Reef, about 1,100 kilometres north of Perth. It is famous for snorkeling straight from the beach and swimming with manta rays.
Coral Bay sits at the southern end of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. The reef lies just a short swim from the beach, so visitors can see corals and fish without a boat.
The town is small, with a population of only a few hundred people, but it fills with travelers during school holidays and the winter months.
Manta rays and whale sharks
Coral Bay is one of the best places in Australia to swim with manta rays, which are found in the area all year. Tours also offer swims with whale sharks from about March to July and with humpback whales from about August to October.
Bills Bay, the main beach, has calm, clear water ideal for families and snorkelers.
Fish feeding at the beach is no longer allowed, to protect marine life. The town is a quieter alternative to Exmouth, the other main base for exploring Ningaloo Reef. Accommodation is limited, so visitors often book ahead during peak periods.