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.
Ningaloo Reef Accommodation, Hotels and Caravan Parks are spilt between the towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay. All are listed in the Ningaloo Reef Accommodation section or seperately in the Exmouth or Coral Bay Accommodation sections.
Exmouth has eight accommodation locations ranging from Resorts, Hotels to Caravan Parks and the unique Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is located on the western side of the Cape Range and Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park is located at the north tip of the Cape Range, both accessible by sealed road from Exmouth only.
Coral Bay has three accommodation locations. The Ningaloo Reef Resort, Ningaloo Club Coral Bay and Bayview Coral Bay.
Read more to see information about the Accommodation Location maps and GPS information
The seasons for Swimming with Whale Sharks is usually April to July each year, following the mass spawning of coral. The chance to snorkel with these gentle giants is the opportunity of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to the Ningaloo Reef during Whale Shark season. These massive filter feeders can grow up to 8m long. They cruise the world’s ocean in search of concentrations to feed on. Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places they appear regularly in large numbers.
Day tours to snorkel with Whale Sharks depart daily during the season from both Exmouth and Coral Bay. The experience is open to confident swimmers of all ages or you can be an observer on the boat. Tour operators for Swimming with Whale Sharks operate from Exmouth and Coral Bay
Ningaloo Marine Park protects one of Australia’s most important tracts of reef - the Ningaloo Reef. The park stretches from Bundegi Beach near Exmouth for 260 km along the West Coast to Amherst Point south of Coral Bay.
There are limitless snorkel sites along the Ningaloo coastline and a variety of ways to access them. You can experience the Ningaloo Reef from a dive boat, catamaran, coral viewing boat, sea kayak, from the air on a scenic flight, or by snorkelling from the beach.
Many other beaches along the coast are great swimming locations, but always check currents, weather conditions and tidal movements before entering the water.
Never touch coral or marine life - you may damage it or it may damage you!
