The Ningaloo Reef is about 300 km long. Here you can see plenty of whales, dolphins, see cows, Mantra Rays, huge Kabelau fish and sharks. The reef offers diving spots for everyone, from world class diving to family snorkeling in the protected lagoons. The Ningaloo reef is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. It is also the world only large reef where you are able to walk from the beach straight onto a coral reef. The closest part of the reef is about 100 meters and the furthest part just under 7 kilometers away from the beach. The Ningaloo Marine Park was founded 1987 and extended in year 2004. It now covers more than 250 hectares.
The Ningaloo Reef has more than 500 species of tropical fish. Here you can see clownfish swimming in the tentacles of sea anemones, gorgeous tiger fish or the carnivorous moraines. The tropical fish of the reef are the some of the world’s most vividly coloured fish. Even diving beginners can swim in the shallow water and watch the overwhelming variety of fish. The fish live in the reef or around the 220 species of corals that form coral gardens.
Between Mid March and the End of May many people visit to see the largest fish of the world, the Whale shark. The Ningaloo Reef is the only easy accessible place where these giants come in big numbers at a quite predictable time. The Whale Sharks are up to 12 meters long, weigh up to 15 tones and eat only sea plankton. You do not have to be a good diver to swim with the whale sharks as they swim just under the waters surface.
Exmouth and Coral Bay are also the best access points to the massive coral spawn. The coral spawning usually occurs seven days after the full moon in the months March and April and continues for three days. Each night the coral species release eggs and sperm into the water at the same time. The eggs and sperm fertilise to form a larva, which floats like a carpet on the ocean.
Sailing, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, diving, swimming and fishing outside of the protected areas are very popular activities on the Ningaloo Reef. To see the coral gardens you can either snorkel or book one of the semi-submersible cruises (boats with a glass floor). You can also go and watch the whales – primarily in August to October. All these adventures can be booked at the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
