A Snorkeling Guide to Ningaloo Reef
Stretching over 250km from Carnarvon in the south to Exmouth in the north, Ningaloo Reef contains some of the largest and healthiest fringe reef systems on Earth. Home to a vast array of marine life, its most famous visitor is the Whale Shark, with mainly juvenile males coming to Ningaloo every year between March and August to feed after the annual coral spawn.
Along with the migratory whales that shelter in Exmouth Gulf every year, there are many different species of tropical fish, sharks, rays, dugongs, dolphins, orcas and turtles that call this wonderful place home.
Most of the best snorkeling sites are a simple walk off the beach, with stunning coral gardens a short swim from shore. Below is a guide to some of the best snorkeling sites near Exmouth and Coral Bay, where you can take a dip in the warm waters of Ningaloo and experience this world class area for yourself.
Lakeside Sanctuary
Ningaloo Marine Park
Length - 700m
Depth - 1-5m
Difficulty - Easy
Swim out to some impressive coral bombies as you explore one of the best snorkeling sites along Ningaloo Reef. While getting there requires a bit of a walk from the car park, you are rewarded with an excellent snorkeling site.
Paradise Beach Drift Snorkel
Coral Bay
Length - 1.8km
Depth - 1-4m
Difficulty - Easy to Medium
A once fabulous spot to swim in the coral gardens that made Paradise Beach a wonderful place to visit, the unfortunate events of 2022 means you have to search a little harder for that great photo opportunity.
Swimming With Whale Sharks
Ningaloo Marine Park
Length - Depends on the Tour
Depth - 3-40m
Difficulty - Easy to Medium
A once in a lifetime experience, and now the calling card of Ningaloo Reef the world over, there are plenty of quality tour operators that will provide the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants of the sea.
Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel
Ningaloo Marine Park
Length - 1.0km
Depth - 1-5m
Difficulty - Easy
The most iconic location along Ningaloo Reef, walk straight off the beach and starting exploring an amazing array of coral reef, bombies and all kinds of aquatic wonders in this fascinating underwater playground.
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