Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef are among Western Australia’s best locations for manta ray encounters, supported by both resident populations, particularly around Coral Bay, and seasonal visitors. Snorkelling and diving with manta rays is possible year-round, with especially good conditions from May to November when they feed on zooplankton and coral spawn. Dedicated marine tours allow swimmers to observe these large, harmless filter feeders in their natural environment. Manta rays form an important part of Ningaloo’s diverse marine ecosystem, which also includes whale sharks, humpback whales and a wide variety of reef species.