IT'S TIME TO DISCOVER CARNARVON & CORAL BAY

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Snorkel your way from Carnarvon to Coral Bay

Friday, 19 June 2020

Stephanie Leca

Things To Do & See Coral Bay

With Carnarvon being positioned as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, we have some incredible snorkelling spots along our coastline. Create your own snorkel itinerary taking into account some of these iconic snorkelling spots.

THE AQUARIUM, POINT QUOBBA

Just a short 45min drive north of Carnarvon is the Point Quobba lagoon, known as the ‘Aquarium’. Why is it called the Aquarium? Well, we challenge you to count the number of tropical fish in the one lagoon and you will soon discover why it is referred to as the ‘Aquarium’. It is best to snorkel at the ‘Aquarium’ at high tide.

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Image Credit: www.instagram.com/thettidaltraveller

3MILE LAGOON, GNARALOO

Traveling beyond the Blowholes, travelling north towards Gnaraloo is 3Mile camp, this is where you will find the 3Mile lagoon. The best time to snorkel in the lagoon is when the swell is high, and the tides are low. If the conditions are clear, you can snorkel at any time of the day. However, fish are most active right before sunset.

If you are an experienced swimmer (using fins), you can attempt to swim through a ‘keyhole’ at high tide on the reef, at the back of the lagoon. You can find the keyhole opposite the boat beach launch over the sand dune. Believe it or not, 3Mile lagoon is the best spot for a night snorkel because it is protected by the reef. Do not forget your waterproof torch.

FUN FACT: There are more the 170 species spotted along the reef, so you will be sure to witness some underwater magic.

GNARALOO BAY

Just a 15min drive north of 3Mile Camp at Gnaraloo. Once you arrive at Gnaraloo Bay and see the turquoise waters, you will be excited to jump right in and discover what is down below. If you walk south on the beach for 200m, past the point, you can catch the current for a drift ride over the reef. It is important to note, currents can get very strong closer to the point. To be safe, ensure you make your way to the shore well before reaching the point.

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Image Credit: www.instagram.com/andrewvoak

WARROORA

Located between Carnarvon and Coral Bay is this incredible location of Warroora. Camping along the Warroora coastline is now managed by Department of Parks and Wildlife and requires online bookings and payment prior to arrival. Despite the changes, it is an incredible stretch of coastline with some incredible snorkelling spots. You can snorkel directly off the beach at the popular spot of 14Mile. This is accessible by 2WD most of the time. If you have a 4WD, you might like to check out Sandy Point, Maggies and Elles beach for those incredible snorkelling spots. If you are lucky, you might come across a Manta Ray.

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CORAL BAY

The fringing coral reef is what makes the Coral Bay area so special. Being a coastal fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef is more easily accessible than other offshore coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef. There is some incredible snorkelling just off the beach from Bills Bay and Paradise Beach. Coral Bay has an authorised vessel only area to allow for safe, family friendly swimming and snorkelling. It is important to note, you should keep clear of boat traffic operating in the vicinity of the boating facility at the southern end of Paradise Beach.

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