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Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail

Paddle

(+1)
Snorkel
 in Coral Coast

  • Half day
  • 3 km

Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail is one of four trails in the Ningaloo Marine Park with designated buoys for kayaks to tie off on while snorkelling the reef. Each buoy is located near a particular feature of the reef system.  A 1.4km paddle (about 30 minutes) west north-west from the boat ramp to the sanctuary zone will take you to two kayak moorings within the Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone. Snorkel the sites and return to the boat ramp.

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MOORINGS: There are two KAYAK ONLY moorings within the Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone.  They are easily identified by their black colouring and white labels.

  • Kayak 3 – Staghorns: 21° 54.471'S, 113° 57.983'E
  • Kayak 4 – The Bombies: 21° 54.527'S, 113° 57.869'E

SITE INFORMATION: Snorkelling at high tide only is recommended. Kayak 3 and Kayak 4 Site depth ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 metres. Snorkelling inside Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone is second to none. You are surrounded by beautiful coral gardens with vast staghorn, plate, and porites coral formations. The topography varies from shallow staghorn gardens to deep crevasses where porites bombies emerge from the depth, supporting a great variety of marine life. 

These sites may be attempted individually or in any combination. The line on the map is for illustration purposes only. The actual route and duration are dependent on the number of sites visited, based on your own abilities. Once at the site, assess the currents prior to entry − it is recommended to snorkel into the current at the beginning of your snorkel to enable an easy return to the mooring.

National Parks

Other Links

Expand your trip and enjoy great businesses nearby

Exmouth Adventure Co

Exmouth Adventure Co specialises in small group eco tours based out of Exmouth, Western Australia.

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Be trail ready for Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow three hours return time, including snorkelling.

Length

3km, distance varies, depending on how many sites are visited

What To Pack

Group F - Paddling Trails (Paddling trails) required.

Trail Start

The trail starts at the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp

Get directions

Trail End

Return back to Tantabiddi

Hazards & Warnings

Beware of Currents and Winds at all sites. Check local weather conditions prior to leaving the shore.

All sites require paddling and snorkelling experience. It is your responsibility to ensure your experience is suitable for the site. If in doubt don’t go out.

Stay alert and maintain a 360-degree watch when you are paddling in areas shared by power boats.

Irukandji jellyfish can be present at Ningaloo - wearing stinger suits or rash shirts can reduce risk of being stung.

Maintain safe distance from wildlife - Look, Dont Touch!  

Safety

Be safe and plan your paddle.

Paddle with a friend to enhance the enjoyment and safety of your adventure.

Please ensure your craft is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment aboard as these sites are more than 400 metres from shore. The required safety equipment includes life jacket, flares/PLB and a bailer (if not self draining).

The moorings hold a maximum of ten kayaks at any one time. 

Drinking water is not supplied in the National Park - Please bring your own water.

Facilities

Tantabiddi Boat Ramp is located approximately 40km from Exmouth on the west side of the cape.  The boat ramp is extremely busy, especially during the main tour season where it is the main start point for boating tours. You'll find parking, toilets (including and accessible toilet), and rubbish bins located here.  There is Telstra mobile phone reception.  Yardie Homestead Caravan Park, 4km north of Tantabiddi, has a convenience store.

  • Car Park
  • Public Toilet
  • Coach Parking
  • All accessible toilet facilities

Best time of year

April to November

Fees

Fees only apply if you enter Cape Range National Park

Trail Access

Self drive

Prohibited Items

ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED

NO DOGS OR OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS

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Popular Trail Paddle

Earn the Popular Trail , and Paddle badges when you complete this trail.

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