Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef runs along the coast of Western Australia's North West Cape, stretching roughly 260 kilometres and forming one of the longest fringing reefs in the world. It sits close enough to shore in many places to be accessed directly from the beach rather than requiring long boat rides. The reef is best known for seasonal aggregations of whale sharks, confirmed as a regular feature of the area, drawing divers and snorkelers between March and July. Manta rays and whales have also been reported moving through its channels and bommies. Coral cover here spans a broad shelf between the mainland and the outer reef edge, with the Ningaloo Marine Park protecting much of the surrounding waters, and diving over this reef bottom is generally rated a beginner-level experience, though conditions across different sections vary with tide and exposure.

Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.

• WhaleWhaleReported here · unconfirmed
• Manta rayManta rayReported here · unconfirmed
• Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydasReported here · unconfirmed
• Neon DamselfishPomacentrus coelestisReported here · unconfirmed
• Hawaiian Convict SurgeonfishAcanthurus triostegusReported here · unconfirmed
• Brown mesh sea starNardoa galatheaeReported here · unconfirmed
• Yellow Spotted TrevallyTurrum fulvoguttatumReported here · unconfirmed
• Whale SharkRhincodon typusConfirmed present · 2 independent sources