What Is The Difference Between A Semi-submersible And A Glass Bottom Boat?

Sub Sea Explorer is a semi-submersible vessel, which means it has windows on the sides of the hull and allow passengers to look out at a 360 degree view underwater. On a glass bottom boat, the windows are in the floor of the hull, and have a limited range of viewing compared to the semi-submersible.

How Far Out Do We Travel?

800 meters to 1 kilometers from Tantabiddi boat ramp. We explore the Tantabiddi sanctuary area of ningaloo reef.

A wonderful variety of reef fish and hard corals. We often see turtles, sharks, rays and larger fish, for example Queensland groupers when we explore the deeper waters outside of the coral garden area.

If I Make A Booking Can I Change It?

If you need to make changes to an existing booking please contact us. We are happy to make changes to your booking pending availability.

We only supply food on our half day and private tours. You are welcome to bring your own snacks on our 1 hour and 2 hours tours.

Do We Supply Snorkelling Equipment?

Yes! We supply masks, snorkels and fins. We do not supply wetsuits. Please contact Tom from Exmouth Surf Centre 0467 906 091, 441 Murat Road, Exmouth, for a great deal on 24-hour wetsuit hire.

Will I See A Whale Shark?

No. We explore the inside of the Ningaloo Reef. Whale sharks are on the outside of the Ningaloo fringe Reef. We recommend contacting Ningaloo Discovery or Ocean Eco Adventures for Whale shark tours.

Where Do You Leave From?

Tantabiddi boat ramp, which is a 25 min drive from Exmouth town centre.

Swimwear, water bottle, towel, camera or phone. You are welcome to bring a snack.

Semi Submarine Glass Bottom Boat

Sub Sea Explorer – Semi-Submarine & Snorkelling Experience

Step aboard the only semi-submersible catamaran in Western Australia and embark on a unique underwater adventure! With 16 large glass windows offering breathtaking views of Ningaloo Reef’s coral gardens and marine life, this is the ultimate way to explore the underwater world, without getting your feet wet. Plus, for those who want to dive deeper, snorkelling is also available at some of the reef’s most pristine sites.

Why choose us

The only semi-submersible in Western Australia.
Below sea level viewing.
Unmatched underwater views of Ningaloo’s stunning coral and marine life
Live expert commentary on the reef’s ecosystem, and marine history
Comfortable, carpeted seating, protected from the sun and wind
Five tonne water ballast to ensure a smooth ride.
Snorkelling available on our 2 hour and Half Day Tours. Guests can enjoy a swim or snorkel among the reef’s diverse marine life, including turtles, rays, sharks and tropical fish.
Capacity: 30. We take reduced guest numbers on our Half Day tours.

Tour Options

1 HOUR CORAL VIEWING TOUR

Perfect for nature enthusiasts or those who prefer a relaxed pace, this tour offers an hour of reef exploration without getting wet. Cruise through the Tantabiddi Sanctuary area while our marine biologists share fascinating insights into Ningaloo’s unique ecosystem. With 16 large glass windows, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the coral and marine life, far beyond a traditional glass-bottom boat. Even in less-than-ideal weather, The SubSea Explorer provides a comfortable, dry, and informative tour of Ningaloo’s incredible reef sanctuary.

2 HOURS SNORKELLING + CORAL VIEWING

Ideal for young families, this tour combines coral viewing with a snorkelling session at one of our favourite sites in the Tantabiddi Sanctuary. We begin with coral viewing and a commentary from our onboard marine biologist. After that, guests interested in snorkelling can get in the water. Once everyone has finished snorkelling, we continue exploring the reef, viewing ancient coral structures. We often encounter sharks, turtles, rays, and with a bit of luck, our local Queensland grouper may make an appearance.

3 HOURS HALF DAY SNORKELLING + CORAL VIEWING

Our half-day tours are always a hit! Perfect for guests who want more time in the water. This tour includes two snorkelling sites, coral viewing and expert commentary. Weather permitting, we offer a ‘drift’ snorkel. We reduce the guest numbers on our Half Day Tours to create a more intimate experience with plenty of space to enjoy. With more time, there’s also a greater chance for more marine animal encounters. At the conclusion of the tour, guests can relax and enjoy a light refreshment on the top deck while we cruise slowly back to the jetty.

VIP TOUR (SNORKEL + CORAL VIEWING + BUS TRANSFER)

This tour is only offered at selected dates throughout the year. It offers a transfer shuttle from the Exmouth Marina (Madafarri Drive) to the Tantabiddi boat ramp. Guests are met at the Exmouth Marina by our friendly crew and transferred to Tantabiddi boat ramp (approximately 30 minutes drive). Guests are greeted at the Tantabiddi boat ramp and are able to board our unique vessel directly from the jetty. It is now time to enjoy 2 full hours of boat time activities which include, snorkelling and coral viewing, complimented by an informative marine talk. All snorkelling equipment is include.

Customised Group & Corporate Tours

Our vessel caters for 30 passengers at a time. If you are a tour operator or have a private group of 10 or more passengers, customised tours are a great way to tailor a tour the way you like. If you have a larger family and the idea of having the boat to yourselves is appealing, then please contact us. We are always happy to discuss options with you.