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Coral Bay Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park Coral Bay Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park

Paddle

(+1)
Snorkel
 in Coral Coast

  • Half day
  • 5 km

Coral Bay 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.  There are four sites on the Coral Bay Trail to visit, ranging in distance from 300 metres to 1.8km from the shore.  All of the sites are located in the Maud Sanctuary Zone.

Set off from the beach near the car park at the end of Robinson St
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MOORINGS: There are four KAYAK ONLY moorings within the Coral Bay Maud Sanctuary Zone.  They are easily identified by their black colouring and white labels.

  • Kayak 7 − Ayres Rock: 23° 08.391'S, 113° 46.017'E
  • Kayak 8 − Cowtails: 23° 09.139'S, 113° 45.479'E 
  • Kayak 9 – The Maze: 23° 08.749'S, 113° 45.032'E 
  • Kayak 10 − Structures: 23° 08.329'S, 113° 45.526'E

SITE INFORMATION: 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 is 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. 

Kayak 7: Ayres Rock - A 300 metre (about 10 minute) paddle to the mooring north northwest of the main beach at Bills Bay. Tie up to the mooring and snorkel west about 60 metres to the Ayres Rock site. Ensure you don’t stand, kick or touch corals around this 400-year-old porites bombie. Maximum depth is six metres.

Kayak 8: Cowtails - A 1.5km (about 30 minute) paddle south-west from Bills Bay in the direction of the white ‘No Boating Area’ cone marker. Located in a large sand hole, the depth is between four and six metres, amongst pristine coral formations. This site may be snorkelled from the mooring, or you can drift snorkel your kayak north-east back into Bills Bay (about one hour).

Kayak 9: The Maze - A 1.8km (about 45 minute) paddle west south-west from Bills Bay crossing the boating channel – beware of vessels using the channel. Depth of site is two to five metres. As the name suggests, wind your way around the maze. Please be aware of other vessels using the public mooring nearby.

Kayak 10: Structures - A 1km (about 20 minute) paddle in a west north-west direction from Bills Bay. Depth range is three to six metres. Please be aware of the boating channel located to the west. 

Exmouth Parks and Wildlife Office

08 9947 8000

Milyering Discovery Centre

9949 2808

National Parks

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Be trail ready for Coral Bay Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park


Time / Duration

Variable, depending on how many buoys you visit and how long you spend snorkelling.

Length

5km, distance varies, depending on how many sites are visited

Trail Start

From the beach near the car park at the end of Robinson Street

Get directions

Trail End

Return to your start point.

What To Pack

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 level of experience is suitable for the site. If in doubt don’t go out.

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

Safety

Be Safe and plan your paddle.

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

Please ensure your craft is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment on-board. Most of these sites are more than 400 metres from shore, requiring you to have a lifejacket, flares/PLB and a bailer (if not self draining). 

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

Facilities

Kayaks are available to hire. Contact the Visitor Centre for more information.

This trail is suitable for those with accessibility needs providing they have assistance. DBCA Coral Bay have a dedicated beach wheelchair that can be used to assist access to the beach - Phone Parks and Wildlife Office in Exmouth to arrange use Ph (08) 9947 8000. If a ranger is available, it may be possible for the ranger to transport the wheelchair for you. Please note, there are no universally accessible facilities at this site.

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Shop
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Water Access Points

Best time of year

April to November

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

Self drive to Coral bay

Prohibited Items

ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED

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1 trail goers have rated Coral Bay Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park as 3 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Daniel Wieman

Reviewed 24 Oct 2021, 3:32pm

An absolutely amazing paddle/snorkel, do it.

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