Western Australia’s ‘Coral Coast’ is truly one of the greatest underwater playgrounds on the planet and home to the West’s beloved Ningaloo Reef. This World Heritage-listed reef stretches over 260 kilometres and hosts an array of marine life, including the world’s largest fish – the whale shark. The Navy Pier is known as one of Australia’s best shore dives and it’s a must-do while you’re visiting the Ningaloo coast. Located on private land and generally off-limits, security checks are a routine operation for this once U.S-operated pier. Only one dive operator now runs dives to this unique site. With a max depth of 18 metres, you’ll be surrounded by huge structural pylons that are home to an abundance of marine life. Thick schools of jacks and rays are commonly found overhead whilst below octopus, sea snakes, and even the occasional grey nurse shark are local residents of this famous dive site.
Words and images by Todd Thimios
All images (c) Todd Thimios. I kindly ask that you do not download my photos or use my photos for commercial purposes.
One of the highlights of diving Ningaloo Reef is the opportunity to swim alongside a whale shark. From March to July every year, Ningaloo Reef becomes a migratory path for these magnificent creatures, providing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness them up close.
The Navy Pier Dive
The Navy Pier is known as one of the best shore dives in the world and a must-do while you’re visiting Exmouth. Located on private land and off-limits to the public, security checks are a routine operation for this once U.S-operated pier. Only one dive operator runs dives to this unique site. With a max. depth of 18 metres, you’ll be surrounded by huge structural pylons that are home to an abundance of marine life. Thick schools of jacks and rays are commonly found overhead whilst below you may see octopus, sea snakes and even the occasional grey nurse shark at this famous dive site.
Snorkelling the Lagoon: Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay
Ningaloo Reef is a snorkeller’s paradise. Two of my favourite snorkelling sites are Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay. Both sites are located within the Ningaloo Marine Park and they offer calm and crystal-clear waters and a nice drift. Oyster Stacks is known for its stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life, while Turquoise Bay is renowned for its picturesque white sand beach and resident turtles. These sites are suitable for snorkellers of all levels, making them perfect for families and beginners.
Read more about Ningaloo Reef in my upcoming book Ultimate Dive Sites, to be released in early 2025.
A big thank you to Mantarays Ningaloo Resort for their wonderful hospitality and Coral Bay Eco Tours for showing us the real beauty of the Ningaloo coast.
