Shore Thing Liveaboard overview

By
Melina Biedermann
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

Stretching 683 miles (1,100 km) from two hours north of Perth to the World-Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, the unforgettable Coral Coast in Western Australia offers spectacular underwater experiences.

Whether it’s exploring shark-cleaning stations, encountering rays in their natural habitat, swimming alongside giant whale sharks, or marveling at intricate coral formations, Shore Thing provides a specialized diving adventure for enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with Australia’s marine wonders.

The Shore Thing, a 51-foot (16 m) purpose-built catamaran designed for exploring the inner lagoons of Ningaloo Reef, is a small, owner-operated vessel, catering to just 10 guests. Itineraries go beyond typical yacht charters and tours, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

The catamaran’s shallow draft allows exclusive access to diverse dive sites, offering an intimate and unforgettable diving experience. Emphasizing stability, comfort, and safety, Shore Thing is suitable for all weather conditions, ensuring a remarkable journey.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of Shore Thing.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Knowledgeable, friendly, and hardworking crew
  • Spectacular marine life including sharks, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales
  • Intimate cruise with personalized services
  • Delicious onboard meals

Things we don't like:

  • Small cabin size
  • Noise from the engine room

Diving on the Shore Thing liveaboard

Operating year-round, Shore Thing offers tours of three, five, and eight nights, each with a different focus. Tours are flexible, with equal opportunities for land excursions. Dive schedules are designed to accommodate trips to land, meaning you won’t have to choose one over the other.

Tours depart from March through December from Coral Bay, which is known for reliable manta ray encounters, creating an exciting intro to Western Australia diving. Snorkelers are equally catered to, so if you’ve got a mixed group or a partner who doesn’t dive, most Shore Thing tours will still suit. Aside from diving, you’ll have the opportunity to kayak, SUP, and whale watch in season.

Emphasizing responsible tourism, Shore Thing conducts remote explorations of Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while prioritizing ocean and reef protection. Five-night Ningaloo Reef Tours travel 44 miles between Coral Bay and Norwegian Bay, which no other tours access. Divers and snorkelers can expect plentiful sea life, dense coral formations, manta rays, and potentially whale sharks in the peak season from mid-March to July.

Highlights:

  • Flexible dive schedules
  • Plentiful marine life encounters
  • Access to Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Whale shark encounters

Onboard the Shore Thing

This beautifully designed catamaran stretches 51 feet (15 m) and boasts a stable and comfortable ride both at sea and anchor. The vessel is perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions with close friends and family, as it’s available for private charter.

An elevated flybridge provides a 360-degree view of the stunning Ningaloo Reef National Park, offering a unique perspective on this marine wonder. The vessel has also received acclaim as an award-winning eco-tourism vessel.

With a focus on comfort, Shore Thing features two deluxe king bed cabins and two standard cabins, accommodating up to 10 guests. The cabins are designed for both privacy and comfort, with the flexibility to configure for double or triple occupancy. Air-conditioning and fans keep it cool onboard.

When not diving or snorkeling, explore by kayak or relax in the barbecue area. Inside, a snug salon offers in-house entertainment and a cozy seating area. Outside, catch some sun on the forward deck or trampoline area, then dine alfresco on the shady back deck.

The dive deck features dedicated spaces for tanks, camera stations, DIN adaptors and a freshwater shower. It is well-equipped with a rinse tank for dive gear as well. A tender offers easy access to dive sites.

Highlights:

  • Ideal for private charters of up to 10 guests
  • Award-winning eco-tourism vessel
  • King bed cabins with air-conditioning
  • Dedicated camera station and convenient rinsing facilities

Dining on the Shore Thing

Freshly prepared meals are skillfully crafted by the onboard chef and feature a fusion of Western and local cuisines. The day begins with a buffet-style breakfast, followed by a delicious lunch, and culminates in a tempting dinner paired with complimentary wine.

Culinary options cater to diverse preferences, including vegetarian and vegan, while also accommodating special dietary requests. Tea, coffee, fruit juice, and soft drinks are included.

Highlights:

  • Onboard chef crafts Western-local fusion
  • Diverse meals and complimentary wine
  • Alfresco dining

Things we like:

  • Knowledgeable, friendly, and hardworking crew
  • Spectacular marine life including sharks, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales
  • Intimate cruise with personalized services
  • Delicious onboard meals

Things we don't like:

  • Small cabin size
  • Noise from the engine room
Key Facts
Max Divers 10
Price Range Luxury
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox No
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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