Ningaloo Marine Park is huge, encompassing the Ningaloo Reef and the surrounding waters. It is here that you can see some of the most pristine fringing and coral reefs in the world, and this is also a great place to see whale sharks, humpback whales, and plenty of other astonishing marine life. With depths in most areas averaging between 8 and 18 meters, Ningaloo Marine Park is a wonderful place for all divers, new and experienced alike, to visit. Let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons this is one of the world’s best places to dive.
The Reef System
Ningaloo Reef, which stretches 260 kilometers from just a little north of Exmouth to Amherst Point, which is south of Coral Bay, begins more than 1,250 kilometers from Perth. Exmouth itself has a population of about 2,500 – an idyllic place to visit and a wonderful base of operations for many dive operators, both liveaboards and day trip providers.
The reef is full of swim-throughs and gullies, and beautifully colored walls. Every year, the mass coral spawns take place for three days, each beginning approximately a week after the full moon during March and April. Each of those nights, the coral release millions of brilliant pink sperm and egg bundles into the water, which then float to the surface as they engage one another in the timeless dance that brings new life to the reef.
There are more than 250 species of coral here, which is preserved by careful conservation. This living reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world.
The Marine Life
There are more than 450 fish species living within the Ningaloo Reef area, plus stingrays and Manta Rays, green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles, and some schooling fish. Though a haven for reef fish, it is rare to encounter many larger fish species inside the confines of Ningaloo. The largest fish you will normally encounter are barracuda, sweetlips, and snapper.
Whale sharks are in a class by themselves. Between April and July, they come here en masse, allowing visitors to snorkel alongside them as they perform the all-day task of filter feeding. A whale shark can grow to as large as twelve meters long, and is shaped much like a reef shark. You’ve got nothing to worry about though – these incredible animals are gentle giants, and they seem to enjoy human company.
From August until mid-November, you may see humpback whales as you ride to and from dive sites. Some fortunate divers have even had these incredible leviathans pass by in the distance – an amazing and unforgettable sight, to be sure!
Dugongs, sometimes called Sea Cows, and closely related to Florida’s Manatees, also live in the Ningaloo system, along with dolphins. Both of these mammal species can be friendly and outgoing, though they are easily frightened. If they approach you as you are exploring the reef, let them make the rules about the encounter!
Getting to Ningaloo Marine Park will probably take some effort and plenty of plane changes; but it is well worth it, with all the reef has to offer!