Coral Bay (part 3)

We think it would be safe to admit, and excuse us if we sound too childish,  that this particular day was the best day ever!!! Today we went on a Manta Ray Snorkelling Tour. Rob and Linda took all 6 kids out on this adventure, and the jury is still out on who enjoyed it the most. Adam summed it up the best when he said  "This was the best day in my entire life, well actually Movie World was only slightly better but if we go to Finn's and get ice chocolates it will be the best!!"

Manta Rays grace the waters of the Ningaloo all year round and their wing span, from tip to tip, can extend up to 5 metres. They are harmless to humans, and thus make for an incredible sight in the water. The crew that took us out were fantastic. Matt, the tallest man in Coral Bay was our captain, and Jason, our snorkelling guide and photographer, were both exceptional. Some of the photos following were taken by Jason. The tour involved an initial snorkel in the outer reef  followed by 2 snorkels with the mantas and one last reef dive. They split the whole group into 2 and we took it in turns to dive. This was quite an energetic snorkel as you needed to swim quite hard to keep up with the Manta. We were very lucky as, at one stage, we were swimming with 3 Mantas and they were swimming in shallower water, thus aiding our visibility. It was quite honestly breathtaking.

This noodle was Boaz's ticket to ride. When booking, we were advised that Boaz would most probably not be able to do the drop with the Mantas as they swim too fast. What a bonus it was when we were given the all clear for Boaz to join in.

Benj returning to the top after duck diving down to the manta.

Robbie's turn.

They are truly majestic.

A black tip reef shark. These harmless sharks became another highlight of the day for all of us. Benj was pretty chuffed that he was the first person to spot the sharks swimming just below us.

Whadda you looking at!!

 Some friendly dolphins that swam next to us along the way.

We think they were all just a little chuffed with themsleves.

Almost back at the jetty.

There were so many highlights of the day it is impossible to write them all although we have tried! We must add that we received so many compliments from the staff and other guests about the kids and their behavior. This made us so proud!! We almost forgot what was another highlight for Linda. During the last snorkel drop we were taken to an area they call the canyon. Some absolutely amazing coral bombs  with so many schools of fish that you did not know where to look first. At this point everyone was getting a bit tired and were returning to the boat. Linda was having way too much fun to come in. When finally and reluctantly she was about to get back onboard, Jason and Matt yelled that they had a suprise for her .....they threw lettuce leaves in to the water. You could hear the squeal of delight through her snorkel, as what looked liked hundreds of fish, large and small, were swimming all over and around her to get their feed. WOW!!!!!!

After we returned to shore we did actually get iced chocolates and sundaes for the kids so it could officially be "the best day ever!!"