close up of large manta ray in the ocean with a white belly

Best Snorkelling Tours in Exmouth (Honest Comparison + What to Book)

Exmouth is one of the best snorkelling destinations in Australia, thanks to direct access to Ningaloo Reef — the world’s largest fringing reef.

You can snorkel from shore, but guided snorkelling tours in Exmouth offer:

  • Access to quieter reef sections
  • Better marine life spotting
  • Expert local knowledge
  • A safer, more relaxed experience

This guide compares the best snorkelling tours in Exmouth, so you can choose the one that matches your travel style — without overpaying or booking the wrong experience.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.


🧭 Quick Answer: Which Exmouth Snorkelling Tour Is Best?

If you want the classic Ningaloo Reef experience, most travellers should book the Snorkel Adventure.


🏆 Best Snorkelling Tours in Exmouth – Comparison Table

TourDurationBest ForDifficultyBook
Ningaloo Reef Snorkel AdventureHalf dayFirst-timers, best marine lifeEasy👉 Check availability
Ningaloo Reef Kayaking & Snorkelling TourHalf dayActive travellersModerate👉 Check availability
Coral Bay by Kayak Snorkel TourHalf dayBeginners, relaxed paceEasy👉 Check availability

🥇 Ningaloo Reef Snorkel Adventure (Best Overall)

snorkeller viewing coral on ningaloo reef
Exmouth Adventure Co

Best for: First-time visitors, reef lovers, easy snorkelling

This is the most popular snorkelling tour in Exmouth — and for good reason. It focuses on pure snorkelling, with expert guides taking you to the best reef conditions on the day.

Why this tour stands out

  • Direct access to Ningaloo Reef
  • Excellent chance to see turtles, rays & reef fish
  • No kayaking required
  • Ideal for beginners and families

Good to know

  • Not the most active tour
  • Focuses on snorkelling rather than adventure

This is the safest choice if you only do one snorkelling tour in Exmouth.

👉 Check prices & availability for the Ningaloo Reef Snorkel Adventure


🚣 Ningaloo Reef Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (Best Active Option)

Aerial view of ningaloo reef lagoon with snorkellers in yellow kayaks
Exmouth Adventure Co

Best for: Confident swimmers, active travellers, couples

This tour combines sea kayaking with guided snorkelling, allowing you to reach quieter reef sections that are harder to access from shore.

Why choose this tour

  • Kayak along the reef edge
  • Less crowded snorkel spots
  • More adventurous experience

Good to know

  • Requires moderate fitness
  • Not ideal in strong wind conditions

If you enjoy doing more than just floating, this is the best choice.

👉 Check prices & availability for the Ningaloo Reef Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour


🌊 Coral Bay by Kayak – Half-Day Snorkel Tour (Best for Beginners)

a snorkeller swimming above coral on the ningaloo reef exmouth
Exmouth Adventure Co

Best for: Beginners, relaxed snorkelling, calm conditions

Based in Coral Bay, this tour is ideal if you want a slower-paced, easy introduction to Ningaloo Reef.

Why this tour works

  • Calm, protected lagoon
  • Excellent for beginner snorkellers
  • Short kayak distances

Good to know

  • Less dramatic reef than Exmouth sites
  • Requires travel to Coral Bay

This is a great option if you’re nervous about snorkelling or travelling with less confident swimmers.

👉 Check prices & availability for the Coral Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour


🤿 Which Snorkelling Tour Should You Choose?

Choose the Ningaloo Reef Snorkel Adventure if:

  • You want the best reef experience
  • You’re new to snorkelling
  • You want minimal effort, maximum reward

Choose the Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour if:

  • You’re active and confident
  • You want fewer people around
  • You enjoy adventure-style tours

Choose the Coral Bay Kayak Tour if:

  • You prefer calm, shallow water
  • You’re a beginner
  • You want a relaxed half-day experience

🐢 What Marine Life Can You See While Snorkelling in Exmouth?

a blue starfish and fish amongst coral on ningaloo reef exmouth
Exmouth Adventure Co

Common sightings include:

  • Green turtles
  • Reef sharks
  • Manta rays
  • Colourful reef fish
  • Coral gardens

👉 Seasonal planning matters: Best Time to Visit Ningaloo Reef


🗓️ Best Time to Book Snorkelling Tours in Exmouth

  • Best months: April–October
  • Peak demand: June–July (whale shark season)
  • Book ahead: Yes — tours often sell out

👉 Planning your base: Where to Stay in Exmouth


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Are These Tours Suitable for Kids?

snorkellers in the clear lagoon on ningaloo reef exmouth
Exmouth Adventure Co

Most tours:

  • Accept children 6–8+ (varies by operator)
  • Provide flotation devices
  • Are led by experienced guides

Always check age limits before booking.


🔒 Final Booking Advice (Read This)

If you’re visiting Exmouth:

  • Book snorkelling tours early
  • Choose based on your confidence level, not price
  • Morning tours usually have calmer conditions

Most travellers regret not booking a tour, not booking the wrong one.


Ready to Snorkel Ningaloo Reef?

👉 Check availability for the Ningaloo Reef Snorkel Adventure
👉 Compare Kayak & Snorkelling Tours in Exmouth

Snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef is one of WA’s best experiences — and a guided tour ensures you see it at its best.