A Guide to Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is one of the world’s most stunning and accessible coral reef ecosystems. An un-spoilt gem and the world’s largest fringing reef, you can easily access the reef by just walking off the beach. Here’s everything you need to know to explore this vibrant underwater paradise.

What is the Ningaloo Reef?

Ningaloo Reef is a 300-kilometer stretch of coral reef that stretches from the coasts of Carnavon, up to the islands off Exmouth. which lies just off the coast of the Cape Range National Park. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Area, its incredible biodiversity makes it one of the most pristine marine environments in the world.

Where to Stay

Carnarvon

Capricorn Holiday Park, Carnarvon

As southern gate to Ningaloo, the charming coastal town of Carnarvon is the perfect base for exploring the Ningaloo Reef. Walk along the picturesque bay of The Fascine and explore the southern Ningaloo Reef on your own at your own pace. If you’re looking for a guided tour, local operators offer snorkelling trips and diving adventures.

Where to stay: Capricorn Holiday Park in Carnarvon is a great option to base yourself on your adventure. They also have pet-friendly cabins for those travelling with pets!

Coral Bay

Swim with WA’s largest manta ray population in the seaside town of Coral Bay. As part of the Ningaloo reef, it is a marine paradise for nature lovers. You can also swim with the whale sharks in Coral bay (March – June), or hop on a whale watching tour between July – October.

Exmouth

Sitting at the Nothern end of the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is also home to Cape Range National Park. Swim with the whale sharks, manta rays and meet the gentle giants of the sea, the humpback whale. A hot spot for divers and snorkellers to discover the reefs off the beach, the world heritage listed marine park never disappoints.

Best Time to Visit Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef enjoys warm, tropical waters year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on what you want to experience.

• March to July: This period is one of the best times to visit Ningaloo. The period from March to July is when whale sharks and humpback whales start migrating through the waters of Ningaloo, making it an ideal time for visitors to swim with these gentle giants.
• August to October: While still warm, these months are less crowded, and the coral gardens are alive with activity. Ideal for both diving and snorkelling enthusiasts looking for a more peaceful experience.
• November to February: The summer months are excellent for marine life, with manta rays, sea turtles, and dolphins more commonly seen. These months also have the warmest water temperatures, perfect for those who love to dive deep into the reef.

What to See and Do at Ningaloo Reef

Swimming with Manta Rays, Australia's Coral Coast

There is a vast range of activities that you can immerse yourself with at Ningaloo Reef, here’s a breakdown of the top experiences:

1. Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Ningaloo is one of the best spots for both snorkelling and scuba diving in Australia, if not the world. Since the reef is just a short swim from the shore, you can enjoy incredible underwater views without the need for a boat. Some must-visit snorkelling sites include:

• Turquoise Bay, Exmouth: One of the best sites to snorkel and dive in the Ningaloo Reef, the Turquoise Bay Drift boasts clear water with great visibility so you can better admire spectacular coral gardens and colourful marine life.
• Bill's Bay, Coral Bay: Located at the end of the Robinson Street in Coral Bay, the sheltered waters of Bill's Bay make for an ideal swimming and fantastic snorkelling beach. Easily accessed by foot from Coral Bay, verdant, fish filled coral gardens are just a very short swim from the beach. Average water depth is around 3 metres.

2. Swim with Whale Sharks

Meet and swim with the whale sharks in the Ningaloo reef between March to July. These huge, but gentle creatures are among the largest fish in the world, and the experience of swimming alongside them is one that will stay with you forever. Various tour operators offer guided experiences to get up close and personal with these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

3. Manta Ray Encounters

Famous for its manta ray populations, you can swim with these rays all year round in the Ningaloo Reef. These graceful creatures with their enormous wingspans, glide effortlessly through the water and are a true sight to behold. Hop on a guided tour and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

4. Swim with Humpback Whales

Ningaloo Reef is the only place in WA where you can meet Humpback whales IN the water. Between July and October, tens of thousands of Humpback whales begin their migration along our coasts. Guided tours will offer you the chance to meet these gentle creatures in their own habitat (depending on circumstances), if not, you can meet them on the boat!

Sustainable Travel and Conservation at Ningaloo Reef

As with any pristine natural environment, it's essential to respect the reef and its ecosystem. Ningaloo is relatively untouched compared to other well-known reefs, but with increasing numbers of tourists, conservation efforts are more crucial than ever. Here are a few tips to help you minimize your impact:

• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Some sunscreens can harm coral reefs, so make sure you choose reef-safe options that won’t pollute the water.
• Stick to Designated Areas: When snorkelling or diving, always follow local guidelines and avoid touching the coral or disturbing marine life.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from marine creatures and never attempt to feed or harass them.

Discover the beauty of WA’s Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef offers an exceptional and unique experience for travellers seeking to explore one of the world’s most incredible coral ecosystems. If you’re travelling to Ningaloo from Perth, Summerstar Tourist Parks has a number of parks where you can break up your trip along the way in some of the most spectacular coastal locations!