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 Tours in Exmouth - SubSea Explorer

Semi Submersible Boat Exmouth - Snorkelling & Reef Viewing

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 Exmouth tour 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.

Choose Your Semi Submarine Experience

1 Hour Semi Submarine Coral Viewing Tour

If you would rather take things slowly, this one-hour tour aboard our Semi Submarine is a great fit for nature lovers and anyone happy to stay dry. We ease through the Tantabiddi Sanctuary while our marine biologists talk you through what makes Ningaloo’s ecosystem so unique, with the coral and marine life clearly visible through 16 large glass windows below the waterline. Because the SubSea Explorer keeps you sheltered from wind and spray, the tour stays comfortable and informative even when the weather above deck is not at its best.

2 Hour Semi Submersible Tour: Snorkelling + Coral Viewing

Families with younger children tend to love this one, since it pairs coral viewing with a snorkel stop at one of our favourite spots in the Tantabiddi Sanctuary. This Semi Submersible tour starts below the surface, with our onboard marine biologist talking through what you are seeing, before anyone keen to snorkel gets time in the water. Once the group is back on board, we carry on across the reef past coral formations that have been growing for centuries. Turtles, rays and reef sharks all turn up regularly on this route, and every so often our resident Queensland grouper puts in an appearance too.

3 Hour Half Day Semi Submarine Tour: Snorkelling + Coral Viewing

Our half-day trips are consistently popular, and they are the pick for anyone wanting as much time in the water as possible. Across three hours aboard our Semi Submarine boat, you will visit two separate snorkel sites plus coral viewing and expert commentary, with a drift snorkel added in whenever conditions allow. We keep guest numbers lower on these departures, so there is more room to move and a more personal feel to the day. The extra time on the water also means better odds of running into more marine life along the way. Once the tour wraps up, sit back with a light refreshment on the top deck as we cruise gently back to the jetty.

View Ningaloo - Gallery

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

What is a Semi Submarine?

A Semi Submarine, sometimes called a Semi Submersible submarine, is a boat with a lower deck that sits below the waterline, fitted with large glass windows so you can see the reef and marine life without getting wet.

What is the Semi Submarine price for a tour with View Ningaloo?

Pricing depends on which tour you choose, as the 1 hour, 2 hour, and half-day options are all priced differently. Head to our booking page for current rates, or get in touch and our team will help you find the right tour for your budget and group size.

Do I need to know how to swim to join a tour?

No. The Semi Submarine stays above the water the whole time, with viewing done through the glass windows below deck, so no swimming ability is required. Snorkelling is optional on our 2 hour and half-day tours for anyone who would like to get in the water.

What might I see on the tour?

Expect coral gardens, tropical fish, and regular sightings of turtles, rays, and reef sharks. On a good day, our resident Queensland grouper makes an appearance too. What you see can vary with the tides, the season, and a bit of luck.

Is it suitable for young children and older guests?

Yes. Because there is no swimming required to see the reef, this is a comfortable option for young children, older guests, or anyone who would rather not get in the water. Carpeted, sheltered seating and a smooth, stable ride make it an easy trip for the whole family.