Top Dive Sites

Navy Pier

Description: Navy Pier is often hailed as one of the best shoreline dives in Australia, located near Exmouth on the secluded tip of the North West Cape. This dive site features a lively underwater ecosystem centered around a disused naval pier, providing an unforgettable dive experience.

Marine Species: At Navy Pier, you’ll encounter colorful reef fish, wobbegong sharks, large groupers, moray eels, and trevally. It’s also not uncommon to spot nudibranchs and frogfish amid the broken coral and debris.

Unique Encounters: Special sightings can include the rare grey nurse shark and Queensland groper, both frequent visitors to this exuberant environment. The pier’s structure itself serves as an artificial reef, attracting a plethora of marine life that you won’t find anywhere else.

Photography: The pilings of the pier offer dramatic, high-contrast shots perfect for macro photography, while the abundant fish life provides excellent opportunities for wide-angle shots. Schools of fish often swim in perfect formation, making for stunning underwater vistas.

Suitability: This dive site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth (up to 15 meters) and occasional strong currents. It’s a guided dive, ensuring that divers can safely navigate the complex structure and fully enjoy the marine life.

Muiron Islands

Description: The Muiron Islands, composed of North and South Muiron Islands, are a must-see for divers exploring Ningaloo Reef. These islands, about 10 miles off the Exmouth coast, offer diverse diving experiences from drift dives to relaxed reef explorations.

Marine Species: You’ll encounter an array of marine life including vibrant soft corals, nudibranchs, sea stars, lionfish, manta rays, and turtles. The marine biodiversity is astonishing, making each dive unique and memorable.

Unique Encounters: The underwater pinnacles and coral gardens provide a haven for larger pelagic species. Seasonal whale shark migrations and occasional visits from humpback whales add an exceptional thrill to diving at the Muiron Islands.

Photography: The intricate coral formations thrive with colorful fish and invertebrates, making macro photography extremely rewarding. The clear waters and dramatic coral landscapes also provide ample opportunity for breathtaking wide-angle shots.

Suitability: The dive sites around the Muiron Islands cater to all levels of divers, from beginner to advanced. The variety of dive types ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for shallow reefs or deeper drifts.

Lighthouse Bay

Description: Lighthouse Bay, located just north of Exmouth, is renowned for its diverse dive sites, including Blizzard Ridge and the world-famous “Lighthouse Bommie.” The bay offers a mix of coral gardens, sand patches, and underwater ridges.

Marine Species: Common sightings at Lighthouse Bay include sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and a myriad of tropical fish. There’s also a healthy population of invertebrates such as sea stars, anemones, and various crustaceans.

Unique Encounters: The bay is well-known for encounters with whale sharks, especially from March to July during their annual migration. Other unique sightings can include manta rays, dugongs, and large schools of pelagic fish.

Photography: The varied landscapes and the abundance of marine life offer spectacular opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography. The changing topography, from coral terraces to sandy plains, provides a variety of backdrops for your underwater shots.

Suitability: Lighthouse Bay’s dive sites suit all levels, from beginners to advanced divers. The options for shallow coral dives make it accessible for less experienced divers, while deeper ridge dives offer challenges for the more advanced.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: Ningaloo Reef enjoys temperate waters. The water temperature typically ranges from 22-26°C (72-79°F) in the winter (June to August) and from 25-30°C (77-86°F) in the summer (December to February). It’s recommended to use a 3mm wetsuit in summer and a 5mm wetsuit in winter for optimal comfort.

Visibility: Visibility at Ningaloo Reef can range from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), generally offering excellent conditions for diving. However, visibility can be influenced by specific weather patterns, currents, and time of year. The best visibility is often found during the dry season, from April to October.

Currents and Tides: Currents at Ningaloo Reef are generally mild but can vary significantly depending on the dive site. Offshore sites may experience stronger currents, making drift dives an exhilarating option. It’s essential to be aware of tidal schedules, as some sites are more accessible and safer during certain tide levels. Checking with local dive operators for the best times to dive is advisable.

Safety Tips:

• Stay Hydrated: The Australian sun can be intense. Ensure you stay hydrated before and after your dives.
• Use Sun Protection: Apply reef-safe sunscreen to avoid harming the delicate marine ecosystem.
• Dive with a Buddy: Always dive with a partner and communicate constantly to ensure mutual safety.
• Be Mindful of Marine Life: Keep a safe distance from marine creatures, especially larger species like whale sharks and manta rays.
• Respect Local Guidelines: Follow the briefings given by local dive guides and operators regarding site-specific hazards and protocols.

Regulations: Ningaloo Reef is part of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and is subject to stringent conservation regulations. Divers must adhere to the following:

• Fishing Restrictions: Recreational fishing is regulated to protect marine life. Ensure you are aware of no-take zones.
• Marine Protected Areas: Some areas of the reef are designated as marine sanctuaries with restricted access to preserve biodiversity.
• Permit Requirements: In certain zones, especially when interacting with protected species like whale sharks, permits may be required.
• Respect Wildlife: Do not touch, chase, or harass marine life. Follow guidelines provided for interactions with large species.