The Ningaloo Reef is internationally renowned as a diver's paradise. The reef offers an extensive array of diving experiences and is noted as one of the most ecologically diverse reefs in the world.
Local operators offer many different expeditions, ranging from reef dives and snorkelling excursions to swimming with the Whale Sharks and interacting with Dugongs and Manta Rays.
The best time to dive the Ningaloo Reef is during the winter season which runs from March until September. It's during this time (usually from April to July) that the Whale Sharks visit Ningaloo Reef on their annual voyage along Australia's Coral Coast.
If you time your trip correctly, you can also be witness to the phenomenon of Coral Spawning. Coral Spawning is a once in a lifetime experience and provides magnificent viewing as the coral undergoes its annual breeding ritual. This is definitely a rare and extraordinary event. Spawning occurs during March each year, precisely 7 days after the March full moon and will coincide with times of minimal tidal disturbance. Coral Spawning provides the marine enthusiast with spectacular vision as the coral creates an iridescent blanket of light on the surface of the water.
For the more adventurous, open water diving courses are available through local operators in the region who provide training, equipment and site trips to the Ningaloo Reef where you can put your skills into action.
Operators specifically cater for the travelling diver, with many providing multilingual services.
Ningaloo Dive Sites:
- Gullivers Navy
- Pier Blizzard Range
- The Labyrinth
- Exmouth Gulf
- Bundegi Sanctuary
- The Fish Pit
- Nor-West Reef
- Sponge Garden Drift
- Helga's Tunnels
- The West Coast and Mandu Wall
- Muiron Islands and Fraggle Rock
For ship wreck aficionado's in search of underwater tales of treasure, mutiny and survival, a number of wrecks are scattered along Australia's Coral Coast:
South Tomi Dive Site
The confiscated fishing vessel was scuttled three nautical miles from Geraldton shores in 2004 to serve as an artificial reef and dive attraction. The hulls and holds which once housed a diverse mix of fishermen who plundered the high seas for Patagonian Toothfish now boast newly growing corals and weeks and a profusion of fish life. Permits required.
Batavia Ship Wreck
The Abrolhos Wallabi Group was scene of the infamous Batavia mutiny in 1629. The Dutch East Indies Trading Ship, Batavia, was wrecked on Morning Reef at the Islands and its survivors made it to land, only to face a bloody mutiny resulting in the murder of 125 men, women and children. You can dive on the Batavia's wreckage and view the outline of the hull, fully equipped with cannons and anchors - stark reminders of the Batavia's gruesome tale.
Zuytdorp Wreck
The wreck of the Dutch ship Zuytdorp lies on the seabed against the cliff face at the southern extremity of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The ship was wrecked in winter 1712 whilst on a voyage from Holland to Batavia in the West Indies. The Zuytdorp was carrying more than 250 passengers and crew and a cargo of trade goods and silver including 248,000 guilders in newly minted coins.
Mildura Wreck
From the Lighthouse Bay beaches in Exmouth, you can also see the wreck of the SS Mildura, a cattle ship that was lost enroute from the Kimberley during a cyclone in 1907. Salvaged timbers and irons can be seen today at Yardie Homestead where they were used in renovations.
Visit also Australia's Coral Coast 'Snorkelling spots'
FOR UP-TO-DATE DIVE CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION, CONTACT A
LOCAL VISITOR'S CENTRE
