Marine life of Western Australia’s

Coral Coast

Reef systems

The Ningaloo Marine Park on Western Australia’s Coral Coast protects Australia's largest and most accessible fringing reef system and a huge variety of marine life. Stretching 260 kilometres in length and 10 nautical miles seaward, the reef covers over 5,000 square kilometres of ocean in the far north of the region. The shallow lagoons and deeper offshore waters create a diverse array of habitats for a multitude of colourful corals and more than 500 species of fish. Many other creatures are also found here including whale sharks, turtles, dugongs, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales.

The region’s significant reef systems also include the largest marine embayment in Australia, Shark Bay Marine Park, the coral communities of the Abrolhos Islands and the Jurien Bay Marine Park located in the southern corner of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. All are populated with a unique mix of temperate and tropical marine life.

Coral spawning

Every year, between March and June, a spectacular natural event occurs at the Ningaloo Marine Park - the mass spawning of over 200 species of coral. Mass coral spawning takes place after the full moon in March or April, with minor spawning also occurring after the full moons in February and May and after the new moons from February to May.

Whale sharks

Following the mass spawning of coral, the world's largest species of fish, the whale shark, pays its annual visit to the Ningaloo Marine Park. The chance to swim with whale sharks is the marine life encounter of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to Western Australia’s Coral Coast during the season, from late March to early July.

Manta rays

Manta rays inhabit the entire coastline of Western Australia’s Coral Coast and can also be found among the diverse marine life of the Ningaloo Reef all year round. These majestic creatures are filter feeders and unlike the sting ray have no barb, so they are completely harmless, making it possible to dive and swim with manta rays, as they glide elegantly through the water.

Dolphins

Dolphins, the most playful of all marine life, can be seen along the entire coastline of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. However, it is in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area where you’ll encounter the famous bottlenose dolphins of Monkey Mia.

Turtles and turtle nesting season

Western Australia’s Coral Coast is home to the two major breeding locations for one of the most endangered species of marine life in the world, the loggerhead turtle. These include the Turtle Bay area of northern Dirk Hartog Island, and the Muiron Islands near the Ningaloo Marine Park.

The Shark Bay World Heritage Area and Ningaloo Reef also support large populations of green, hawksbill and flatback turtles. Check out the Sea turtle encounters page for more information about where to spot these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Whales and whale migration

Humpback whales migrate between summer breeding grounds on the North West Shelf and winter feeding grounds in the Antarctic. From June to November the humpbacks regularly appear along the entire length of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. They join the marine life of Ningaloo Marine Park twice annually, once in the autumn during their northern migration, and as they return in their southern migration each spring. The Ningaloo Marine Park also plays host to a range of other whale species including the minke, blue and occasionally killer whales. Take a look at the Whale watching page for more information about tours and the best lookout points for viewing these gentle giants.

Dugongs

The warm, shallow waters of Shark Bay are home to over 10,000 dugongs – 10%, of the world’s population. Feeding on the area’s extensive sea grass meadows, the dugong is the world’s only marine mammal herbivore. Approximately three metres in length, the dugong resembles an overweight dolphin, though in actual fact is more closely related to the elephant. Ningaloo Reef and the Exmouth Gulf also support a significant 2,000-strong dugong population. See the Dugong encounters page for tours and top viewing locations.

Australian sea lions

You can often spot Australian sea lions basking in the sun on the rocks and islands at Jurien Bay, Green head and Leeman. Access can be restricted, so it is best to join a sea lion viewing tour with Government registered guides. See Australian sea lion encounters for more details.

Dangers in the sea

Although uncommon, you may encounter dangerous marine life in the waters along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, so precautions need to be taken. See the Health and safety section for advice and tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Conservation

Help preserve the beautiful, unspoiled beaches, marine life and reefs of Western Australia’s Coral Coast for future generations. Only camp and light fires in approved areas and remember to always take your rubbish with you. See Conservation for more details.

See Coastal adventures to find out more about marine life encounters, attractions and tours on Western Australia’s Coral Coast.