Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth and Coral Bay - Western Australia's Coral Coast

 NINGALOO REEF

Ningaloo Reef is about 1200 kilometres north of Perth offshore from the resort towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay. The Ningaloo Marine Park stretches for some 260 kilometres, from Bundegi Reef in Exmouth Gulf around North West Cape to Amherst Point south of Coral Bay, extending some three nautical miles out to sea. Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world with it's closest point within 100 metres of the shore.

Ningaloo Reef comprises 200 species of hard corals and 50 species of soft corals with over 520 species of fish. The reefs close proximity to the shoreline means it is easily accessible, being a diver's and snorkeller's paradise. The Ningaloo Reef is famous for Whale Sharks, Mantarays, Humpback whales, Dugongs, Turtles, Potato Cod and hundreds of other different fish species.

Swim with Whale Sharks, snorkelling and diving the reefs, or just wandering along the shoreline exploring the crystal clear waters, gives you an appreciation and close up view of the aquatic world and nature at its premium . See the Exmouth Tours section for a range of interactive or viewing tours on the Ningaloo Reef or Places to See for snorkelling and swimming locations.

Whale Sharks - Every year from April to July following the mass spawning of coral, the world’s biggest species of fish congregate in the Ningaloo Marine Park.

Humpback Whales - Humpback whales visit the Ningaloo Reef between July to November each year.

Manta Rays - Manta Rays can be seen yearly at Coral Bay or between May to November in Exmouth.

Turtle Nesting - There are 4 known species of turtles in the Ningaloo Reef. These include the Green (most common), Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Flatback. You can see turtles year round in the waters but turtles come to lay there eggs and hatchlings arrive on our beaches between November and February every year.

Coral Spawning - A remarkable sight for divers and snorkellers. This occurs approximately 10 to 12 days after the full moon in both March and April.

Photography by Paul Wags and Kelly Ritchie © Wags Dive at Ningaloo Reef Teach www.ningalooreefteach.com