Snorkeling and Diving at Ningaloo Reef
cc image courtesy of Moonfish on Flickr
What you should know about the Reef
Ningaloo Reef is the largest “fringing coral reef” in Australia, and one of only a handful of pristine coral reefs in the world. Accessible from Exmouth on Australia’s Coral Coast in the north, and the North West Cape’s Coral Bay further south, Ningaloo has been described as a “virtually untouched” barrier reef. It is about 260 km or 160 miles long, and it “protects” a shallow, brilliantly crystal-clear lagoon that has brilliant white sand on its floor.
It is an amazing place, even if you aren’t into snorkeling and diving, because on the North West Cape side, you can walk from the beach right to the reef. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of age and swimming ability. Even if you are only knee-deep in the water, you’ll be able to see more species of tropical fish than you ever imagined possible. In excess of 500 species have been identified here, along with 220 coral species.
cc image courtesy of Moonfish on Flickr
What you will see if you snorkel or dive
Apart from getting up close to some sensational hard and soft coral formations, and incredible anemones on the reef, you can expect to see marine turtles, clownfish, a wide variety of sharks, both manta rays and stingrays, moray eels… and of course an abundance of colorful reef fish.
There are also sites along the reef where you will see dolphins, humpback whales and tropical whale-like dugongs.
Swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world, is an encounter on many divers’ bucket lists… and this is one of the places in the world where it is possible.
Ultimately though it will depend where you dive; which in turn will depend on your experience and ability. There are opportunities for everyone from entry-level divers to those who have advanced training and loads of experience.
How to get to the Reef
cc image courtesy of JayeGirl99 on Flickr
There are a number of Ningaloo Reef sailing charters that run on a daily basis – sometimes twice a day. This is a convenient way to get to the most spectacular locations the reef has to offer. It is particularly ideal for first timers since the boat operators know exactly where the best locations are, and where you are most likely to see the big fish. What is fantastic about a charter is that you aren’t limited to a day trip. For instance you could opt to spend three days aboard a charter yacht and spend the whole time diving and snorkeling in great style, with restaurant-quality food and great accommodation and people who know the reef well.
If you don’t want to get wet, but are keen to take photographs, there’s the option of semi-submersible cruise that will take you through the amazing underwater coral gardens that are alive with vivid-hued tropical fish.
Another way to explore the reef is in a double sea kayak – with a friend or partner. The sheltered lagoons are easy to transverse, and because the water is not often deeper than 3 m or 10 ft, you’ll get as close to fish as most snorkelers do.
