After seeking a live aboard boat that catered for divers wanting to explore the Ningaloo Reef, i finally settled on Shore Thing as it had everything I wanted for my getaway. The first notable element was from my dealings with Lani, who was extremely helpful in organising my trip and going the extra mile to help me with other queries regarding my travel to the region. The second, was the types of activities offered on the boat apart from my beloved scuba diving, for example, there were ample opportunities to to an easy snorkel and equipment on board to kayak. Just lazing back and enjoying a sail and the fantastic company of the crew who were all lovely and so much fun to be around. The rest of the passengers on the boat were also fantastic, and the numbers were perfect - not too many people, not too few. If I wanted quiet time alone, there were ample locations of the boat to 'get away', and the meals were seriously awesome. This trip for me was decadent and luxurious, and resulted in me being completely relaxed and content and feeling very lucky to be me. I would highly recommend this company and this trip to anyone who is looking for an amazing getaway run by professionals who are both friendly and helpful - thanks again Luke and Lani and the crew :).
We went on a 3 night dive trip and had an absolutely fantastic time. I can't recommend this highly enough. We went to great dive sites, had good quality dive gear to hire and a great dive master (Shaun) who was happy to let us explore the sites at a relaxed pace. They were also accommodating for those of us who were too tired or didn't feel like doing all the dives offered each day. As soon as we surfaced we were offered hot drinks, and there was a never-ending supply of delicious food cooked by our lovely host Alex. Our skipper Luke always made sure we were anchored in the best places to avoid wind and swell and seasickness. And a special mention needs to be made for Lannie who organised a special pickup of our friends the following day when their flight to Exmouth was delayed. The natural environment here is beautiful, and over the course of 4 days we saw so much marine life. Would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to enjoy the Ningaloo reef.
We were recommended to Sail Ningaloo by friends who had done a trip with them. We had previously done a land based trip but had discovered that the majority of the treasures of the region are under the sea and that a boat was the best place to be. With minimal motoring (unlike the Great Barrier reef) we were able to swim with turtles and manta rays, see humpback whales, dugongs and a tiger shark, along with beautiful coral formations and fish. The food was delicious, the staff professional, and we could not have hoped for a better trip.
If you are looking for an eco-tour with integrity and responsibility, Sail Ningaloo on Coral Bay is the trip for you. My family and I boarded the stunning 51 foot catamaran, Shore Thing, in July this year for a tour around Coral Bay. We were welcomed aboard by the friendly staff who were eager to answer any questions we had about their beautiful reef. Their wealth of knowledge and care for the pristine ecosystem is unsurpassed by any eco-tour I have ever been on. Their philosophy on the environment extends to every aspect of the tour, right down to the precise placement of the boat before snorkelling expeditions so as not to disturb feeding turtles. The highly skilled skipper knew the reef like the back of his hand and read the currents of the water so that we wouldn't have to struggle to swim back to the boat. After each dive we were greeted by the wonderful hostess who offered delicious freshly baked goodies that she had even made gluten free especially for me! The on-board snorkelling instructor had keen eyes and never failed to point out hiding creatures beneath the coral - on one particular day I saw more sea life than some marine biologists see in a life time! It was a spectacular trip that will never be forgotten. I look forward to returning some day soon. A quick side note to those who suffer from sea-sickness (like myself) - Coral Bay is protected by a surrounding reef that means there is barely any swell all day and night. The Shore Thing was incredibly stable and has plenty of room in the fresh air for those who are prone to sea sickness. The staff are also incredibly well equipped with sea-sickness remedies and are quick to help a passenger in need!
We had 4 couples, various levels of dive experience from novice to very competent. Some were getting certified to open water and advanced.The diving was great - even had whales and mantas with us, incredible marine diversity, great conditions ( though vis was limited by plankton). Luke (the skipper) went out of his way to ensure we saw everything, up close and personal! Could not have been better.The facilities and food were always excellent, and the crew always cheerful and willing to help.We have dived in many great places in Aussie and overseas, but the total experience here was the best to date. Thanks to the whole team.
Where do we start?..from the moment we met Luke when he picked us up in Coral Bay to when he dropped us back to the airport 4 days later, it was faultless. Luke and Lannie and their crew, Gary our skipper, Alex our dive master and the amazing Kirsten the provider of all our meals, were the most professional, knowledgeable and friendly people. It was a pleasure to spend 4 days out on Ningaloo Reef with them. The diving and snorkeling was awesome, the boat was immaculate and the food was the best we could have asked for. Fresh homecooked bread everyday, just baked muffins for morning tea, fresh fruit and nibbles throughout the day and restaurant quality 2 course dinners at night, all produced in a small galley kitchen by the wonderful, amazing, talented and all round lovely person, Kirsten Cable! Great value for money and highly recommended. We have had many diving trips all over the world and sailing Ningaloo Reef on Sure Thing was up there with the best of them.It was so relaxing, I loved skipper Garys compulsory food coma after lunch each day!It was great velue for money and we hope to return again for a 9 day trip nxt time!We have travelled the world, and can guarantee that you would not find a better trip than to sail Ningaloo on the Sure Thing!
We had a sensational trip aboard Shore Thing. A comfortable and spacious vessel and nothing was too much trouble for the crew. Their friendly attitude and flexible approach ensured everyone had a memorable experience. Gary was an excellent Captain ably supported by Sonia as Dive Master and Alex as chef.We highly recommend Sail Ningaloo and Shore Thing as the ideal way to explore the dive sites and other attractions of this unique part of the world.
We had a wonderful five day trip on Shore Thing. Not only was the snorkelling superb but the food was excellent. Freshly baked bread every day and wonderful salads remain in the memory as well as the white tipped reef sharks and wonderful corals! The crew were very friendly and the rest of the passengers were great as well. The stars at night were spectacular and I loved being rocked gently to sleep at night.Thoroughly recommended!
Our Sail Ningaloo experience was fantastic! From the start of planning our itinerary, booking the tour and making transfer arrangements, it was pretty much seamless throughout. There's a lot of great things about our experience on Sail Ningaloo - the food is fresh, healthy and delicious with lots of variety (and even dessert!), the sail boat is very nice and rooms were comfortable, the snorkling was fantastic - we saw lots of things from wobbegongs, tawny nurse sharks, bull rays, manta rays and turtles. Luke and Lannie & their crew are a lovely bunch. They really look out for giving you the best experience possible, and most importantly have good safety standards. Be prepared to take away some beautiful memories. It's definitely worth the while.
It's been eight months since I laid on my back looking at the southern cross on the trampoline of The Shore Thing.I did that for five days back in May. I still remember it as the best five days of that twenty one day trip in Australia. Now I think it was probably the best five days of 2014 and it was a very good year.