Ningaloo Reef is a haven for divers and fishermen alike. It lies off the Western Australian coast in the northern section of the Coral Coast. Most visitors to Ningaloo Reef come here to dive with the whale shark, which is the largest fish in the world. Cruise access to the reef is through either Exmouth or Coral Bay and charters vessels and accommodation and tours are available from both to take you out to see and dive on the reef itself. It is also one of the few large reefs in the world that actually meets the coast and Ningaloo Reef can actually be accessed on foot at low tide, near its northern end.
Ningaloo Reef is the largest reef in the world. It is around 260 kilometers long and it protects a sandy lagoon that is always alive with charter boats and yachts taking visitors out to see the wonders of this beautiful place. Ningaloo reef stretches from Exmouth in the north to Coral Bay in the south. This region is now firmly on the international diving scene. It is the most likely place, anywhere in the world, that you have a good chance of locating a whale shark and be able to swim with it. The region is also a place where you will see Manta Rays, Dugong, Dolphins and Humpback Whales. Ningaloo Reef is now protected as a Marine Park and rules apply for all activities within the park.
Exmouth is located about 1270 kilometers north of Perth and you can fly in direct. The Cape Range National Park is located nearby and between the two there is now a growing and vibrant tourism industry. Tens of thousands of visitors now come here every year to experience the beauty of the region. The best time to come to the Ningaloo Reef region is during the southern winter. During the summer the region is subject to many cyclones and the wet season here is very wet! From April through to November, you will experience almost perfect weather conditions with average daily temperatures reaching around 25 degrees.
The Ningaloo Reef system is one of the treasures of the Australian tourist scene and rivals the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast for its beauty. If you are planning a visit to Western Australia, don’t miss out on seeing the fabulous Ningaloo Reef for yourself.