With the Ningaloo Reef on the West Coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef on the East Coast, people are inevitably going to make comparisons between the two, and different experiences will vary. The Ningaloo is a true fringing reef. The reef extends from the land up to a few kilometres out to sea, and much of it is accessible from the coast. Chances are you can find a part of the reef for your own exploration, grab a snorkel and stay as long as you like. Snorkel as the sun goes down over the ocean. There is a large variety of marine life, tropical fish, lots of reef sharks, rays, and soft corals and sponges. There are some colourful hard corals too. By contrast the Great Barrier Reef is larger, and the northernmost parts have more hard corals. But to see it you will have to pay to stay or visit a coral cay, or take a boat out to the reef. The boats tend to go to the same parts of the reef, and these well visited parts tend to be damaged, with less variety of marine life, and bleached corals. It's may be best not to compare, and enjoy each destination for yourself.
Snorkelling
The snorkelling at coral bay is right off the beach. there are large cauliflower coral formations in the bay, but for the best variety of marine life walk around the headland and then head south about 500m, you can then enter the water and drift snorkel back to the bay.
Swimming
The beach around the bay is sandy with a shallow entry.
Quad Treks
Guided tours with 4-wheel motorbikes. usually 2 hours long, these tours take you around sand dunes to see turtles, to go snorkeling or just see the sunset. a valid driving license is necessary, prices start around $75 per bike. coastal adventure tours, phone: +61 08 9948 5190
Kayaking
Boats are available for rent starting at $20 per hour. snorkel, masks and fins are available as well. just head for the beach, you can't miss the shop.