Paradise Beach, Coral Bay: Drift snorkelling in WA

Paradise Beach in Coral Bay, Western Australia, offers white sand, turquoise water and fabulous drift snorkelling along the Ningaloo Reef.

Where is Paradise Beach, Western Australia?

Paradise Beach, Western Australia, is in Coral Bay, a holiday village on the Ningaloo Reef where whale shark-swimming tours depart from. Paradise Beach is just to the west of the main settlement. Go round the headland from Bills Bay, pass the sunset viewing observation deck, and you’ll be at Paradise Beach.

5 Coral Bay experiences to book before you arrive

Swim with whale sharks – with a dedicated spotter plane for more time in the water with them.
Go on a glass bottom boat cruise – perfect for non-swimmers.
Snorkel with turtles – on a boat tour that visits two top snorkelling sites.
Swim with humpback whales – they visit between June and October.
Swim with manta rays – available most of the year, with lunch & snorkelling gear included.

Why visit Paradise Beach, Coral Bay?

Realistically, you come to Coral Bay for the tours – swimming with humpback whales and manta rays are alternative options. But you’re not going to be on a cruise for the entire duration of your stay, and that’s where the beaches come in.

There are several beaches around Coral Bay, including turtle nesting site Mauds Landing. If you want stereotypical white sand and turquoise water, however, you’ll not do much better than Paradise Beach.

Drift snorkelling at Paradise Beach

The main reason to visit Paradise Beach, however, is that the Ningaloo Reef is just offshore. It’s a fantastic spot, with a wealth of aquatic life.

There’s a reliable current at Paradise Beach which is ideal for drift snorkelling. Walk to the southern end of the beach, get in the water with a snorkel and mask on, and the current will bring you slowly drifting back north.

Just make sure you’re aware of how far north you’re drifting while looking at the fish and coral. There are no lifeguards at Paradise Beach, Coral Bay, so all swimming and snorkelling is done at your own risk.

Other good snorkelling spots in Coral Bay include Five Fingers Reef.