Ningaloo’s Best Beaches: Where to Relax and Unwind

The Ningaloo Reef, located off the coast of Western Australia, is one of the world’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems. Stretching over 300 kilometers, Ningaloo is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid scuba diver, a casual snorkeler, or simply a nature lover, Ningaloo offers an array of unforgettable experiences. Here’s a guide to the top 10 things to do in Ningaloo, from snorkeling to scuba diving and beyond.

1. Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most iconic and awe-inspiring activities in Ningaloo is swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. Each year, between March and July, whale sharks migrate to Ningaloo Reef to feed on plankton, offering visitors the chance to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Tours depart from Exmouth and Coral Bay, with spotter planes helping to locate the whale sharks so swimmers can have a safe, close-up encounter.

Why it’s special: Swimming with the largest fish in the ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Ningaloo is one of the best places in the world to do it.

Best time: March to July.

2. Snorkel at Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay, located just outside of Exmouth, is considered one of Australia’s best snorkeling spots. The bay’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. One of the highlights is the drift snorkel, where you can let the gentle current carry you over the reef, allowing for a relaxing and effortless snorkeling experience.

Why it’s special: The calm, clear waters and abundant marine life make Turquoise Bay a snorkeling paradise, perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Best time: Year-round, with calm conditions during the dry season (April to October).

Image © Tourism Western Australia

3. Explore Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a small coastal town located at the southern end of Ningaloo Reef, offering easy access to the reef’s marine wonders. The coral here starts just meters from the shore, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling right off the beach. Coral Bay also offers opportunities to swim with manta rays, go on glass-bottom boat tours, or take a scenic flight over the reef.

Why it’s special: Coral Bay is the perfect base for exploring Ningaloo’s underwater world, with plenty of activities available for all ages and skill levels.

Best time: Year-round, with the best weather from April to October.

4. Scuba Dive the Ningaloo Reef

For certified divers, Ningaloo Reef offers some of the most incredible scuba diving experiences in the world. Dive sites like Lighthouse Bay, Navy Pier, and the Muiron Islands provide opportunities to encounter everything from colorful coral gardens and tropical fish to sharks, turtles, and manta rays. Ningaloo’s clear waters and diverse marine life make it a dream destination for divers of all experience levels.

Why it’s special: The chance to explore Ningaloo’s diverse marine ecosystem up close, from coral reefs to deep drop-offs teeming with life.

Best time: March to October, with whale shark season in full swing from March to July.

5. Kayak and Snorkel at Osprey Bay

For a more active adventure, head to Osprey Bay for a kayaking and snorkeling trip. Paddle along the coastline, exploring the reef’s vibrant coral gardens and marine life from above and below the water. Osprey Bay is known for its calm, sheltered waters, making it an ideal spot for kayaking and snorkeling even for beginners.

Why it’s special: The combination of kayaking and snorkeling allows you to explore the reef from two unique perspectives, with plenty of opportunities to spot marine life.

Best time: April to October.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

6. Swim with Manta Rays

In addition to whale sharks, Ningaloo is also famous for its manta rays, which can be spotted year-round, particularly around Coral Bay. Manta ray tours offer the chance to swim with these graceful creatures as they glide effortlessly through the water. Watching a manta ray’s large wingspan and elegant movements is a mesmerizing experience.

Why it’s special: Manta rays are curious and gentle creatures, offering a close and personal wildlife encounter without the need for scuba diving.

Best time: Year-round, with peak sightings from May to September.

7. Visit the Muiron Islands

Located about 15 kilometers north of Exmouth, the Muiron Islands are a pristine marine sanctuary and one of Ningaloo’s hidden gems. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Marine life in this area includes turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and a variety of colorful reef fish. The Muiron Islands are also a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and even picnicking on the secluded beaches.

Why it’s special: The Muiron Islands provide a remote, untouched experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy Ningaloo’s marine life in peace.

Best time: March to October.

8. See Turtles Nesting at Bundegi Beach

From November to March, Ningaloo Reef becomes a nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, including loggerheads, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles. One of the best places to witness this natural event is Bundegi Beach, where you can see turtles laying eggs or, later in the season, watch the hatchlings make their way to the sea. Turtle tours are available to provide a guided experience without disturbing the turtles.

Why it’s special: Watching sea turtles nesting or hatchlings making their way to the ocean is a rare and magical wildlife experience.

Best time: November to March for nesting, February to April for hatchlings.

9. Go Whale Watching

During June to November, Ningaloo Reef becomes a prime spot for whale watching as humpback whales migrate through the region. Whale-watching tours offer the chance to see these majestic creatures breaching and tail-slapping, with some tours even allowing for swimming with humpback whales. The sight of a humpback whale leaping out of the water is truly awe-inspiring.

Why it’s special: The opportunity to see humpback whales up close, and for the adventurous, the chance to swim with them in their natural habitat.

Best time: June to November.

10. Hike at Cape Range National Park

For those who want to explore Ningaloo beyond the water, Cape Range National Park offers stunning hiking trails with panoramic views of the coastline, limestone gorges, and rugged wilderness. The Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek Gorge hikes are two of the most popular trails, offering opportunities to spot native wildlife, including rock wallabies, emus, and kangaroos.

Why it’s special: The combination of dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and sweeping views over the Ningaloo coastline makes these hikes unforgettable.

Best time: April to October to avoid the summer heat.

Final Thoughts

Ningaloo Reef is a natural wonder that offers unforgettable experiences both above and below the water. Whether you’re swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, or hiking through dramatic gorges, Ningaloo has something for everyone. This diverse and pristine marine paradise should be at the top of any adventurer’s travel list.