Crocodiles are not normally found on the Ningaloo Coast, but there have been rare and isolated occurences of estuarine or saltwater (saltie) crocodiles in the area.
Black and White-tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Cat Sharks and Wobbegongs are a small sample of species that can be spotted across Ningaloo. But it the opportunity to observe the ocean's most formidable predator, the Great White Shark, that is one of the ultimate adrenaline rushes.
So there is no shortage of trips on offer. Exmouth is a proper town, while Coral Bay is a tiny village. Coral Bay you can snorkel straight off the beach, while the best snorkelling from Exmouth is in the NP, a fair drive away. The snorkelling is definitely better in the NP, and I saw more reeflife there than in CB.
Crocodile numbers in Western Australia have been increasing since they became a protected species in the 1970s. They are very common in the Kimberley, to the point that a number of locals refuse to swim in waters around Broome. The creatures have also been spotted at Exmouth, halfway down the coast to Perth.
Whale sharks are not the only sharks you can expect to see around Exmouth. Reef sharks, mainly white tip reef sharks, are regular sightings at many dive sites, particularly on the Navy Pier. Last summer there were over 20 whitetip sharks at the site, with up to 10 all reposing on the sand in one small area.
Ningaloo Reef could be wiped in 30 years, warns Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. WA's Ningaloo Reef could be wiped out within three decades unless fossil fuels are phased out and the world changes dramatically to deal with a warming planet, according to a landmark report.
In addition to the remarkable aggregations of whale sharks the Ningaloo Reef harbours a high marine diversity of more than 300 documented coral species, over 700 reef fish species, roughly 650 mollusc species, as well as around 600 crustacean species and more than 1,000 species of marine algae.
The best months to visit Ningaloo are March to October, and if you are interested in swimming with whale sharks we recommend aiming for mid-March to late July.
Exmouth is on the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site because of its unique fossil-rich rocks and distinctive orange cliffs. It's great to visit all year round, the weather in Exmouth was great when we visited!
5 of the most incredible snorkelling spots around Exmouth
- Turquoise Bay. There are technically two areas of Turquoise Bay – the 'drift snorkel' area, and the calm Turquoise Bay itself.
- Osprey Bay.
- Lakeside Beach.
- Oyster Stacks.
- Muiron Islands.
- Exmouth Indoor Market. Flea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets.
- Sea Dog Art Gallery. Art Galleries.
- EMA Market. Flea & Street Markets.
- Seaway Gallery. Art Galleries.
- Liquid Motion Watersports.
- Colletts models of exmouth.
- Infusion Art Cafe. Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries.
- Caramel Clothing.
Getting aroundExmouth Bus Charters provides a shuttle bus service into Exmouth. If you're travelling to Coral Bay, transfers can be arranged with Coral Bay Airport Transfers. In and around the region: to explore the region and the reef you'll need to hire a car or book one of the many tours available.
To get to Turquoise Bay drive 60 kilometres north-west of Exmouth into the Cape Range National Park. Visitors can fly to Exmouth with Qantas from Perth - it's 90 minutes by plane.
Known as one of Western Australia's best beaches, Turquoise Bay is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon relaxing, swimming and snorkelling. The white, sandy shores give way to clear waters harbouring a plethora of marine life.
The Top 10 Things to do in Exmouth/Ningaloo, WA
- Swim with Whale Sharks with Ocean Eco Adventures. Location: 2 Ross Street, Exmouth.
- Turquoise Bay Drift Snorkel.
- Sunset Whale Watching Cruise.
- Kayak Ningaloo Reef.
- Lighthouse Scenic Drive.
- Vlamigh Head Lighthouse.
- Shothole Canyon.
- Charles Knife Canyon.
The best way to access Turquoise Bay is by car as there is no public transport linking the beach with the town of Exmouth. As the beach is located inside the Cape Range National Park, you will have to pay for access to the park at the cost of $15 per car. The fee can be paid at the entrance to the park.
1 answer. In answer to my own question as we went today, the main road to Yardie Creek and the road to Turquoise Bay is fully sealed good roads! The others to the beaches are unsealed but suitable for 2wd and only a short distance to the carpark.
"The Australian box jellyfish is found in the tropical oceans around northern Australia. Their habitat extends as far south as Exmouth on the west coast, and Bustard Heads on the east coast (just north of Agnes Waters).
For snorkelers and divers, visibility will be best after high slack tide. This is when the tide has just come in, it's at its highest, and there is very little tidal current. During this time, the water will be clear enough for you to spot all exciting marine life in the water.
Alex and I spent Thursday at Five Fingers Reef. The road to get to the beach is only accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle or by walking two miles from the boat jetty nearby. Since we do not have a four-wheel drive car, we wound up walking to the reef.
Exmouth beach is a lovely sandy beach with strong tidal movement. Is has direct access from the Esplanade. During the evening the Esplanade has a habit of being used as a drag strip by yobs in powerful cars and needs more policing.
Dogs are allowed on Exmouth Beach main beach during the winter months, between 1 May and 30 September dogs are only allowed at each end of the beach.
Beach hut site rentals for the 2016 to 2017 season range from £319 to £652, with charges for chalets going up to £1,535.
How do I get from Exmouth station to the beach? The nearest beach to Exmouth train station is Shelly Beach, which is only a 12-minute walk away.
Exmouth, Sandy Bay and the reefs inbetween can have its day. During the winter you can bodyboard about twice a week.