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Across Western Australia we have some world-class dive sites and here at Swan Dive we are lucky enough to jump between them throughout the Seasons. In October- April we explore the pristine environments of the South West and in May-September, we head North for some Ningaloo magic. In this blog we are going to explore the untouched, beautiful Ningaloo sites that lie beneath.

When it comes to Scuba Diving on the Ningaloo Reef you really can’t go wrong! With one of the healthiest Ecosystems on the planet, there is just so much to explore. The Ningaloo Coast is split up by 2, the Exmouth Gulf and the Ningaloo Reef. Let’s explore the differences!

The Exmouth Gulf

The Exmouth Gulf lies between the North West Cape and the coast of the Pilbara region, providing access to the Indian Ocean. The Gulf is special in its own right, providing several different ecosystems in such a small space. The gulf is home to a diverse range of marine life, including Coral Reefs, Seagrass meadows, and Mangrove ecosystems. Such nutrient rich habitats support many exciting species such as Dugongs that feed in the Seagrass beds, Countless species of Fish and the occasional Megafauna appearance. Not to mention, several species of Sea Snakes have actually been identified here and are endemic to the area. The Gulf is also a Nursery station for Humpback Whales on their Western migration. In the months of June-August, you can watch them display their social behaviours before heading back into the Indian Ocean towards Antarctica. The Gulf system is actually attached to the Murion Islands and is connected by land, making the maximum depth around only 20 metres. The Gulf holds cultural significance for the Traditional owners, the Yinigudera, Baiyungu and Thalanyji people who have previously and still inhabit these lands.

The Indian Ocean

The Ningaloo Coast stretches 260 kilometres between the tip of Shark Bay to the Murion Islands, making it one of the Largest Fringing Reefs in the world. Fringing Reef basically means that you can walk out and experience this magic for yourself with only a mask and snorkel, unlike our sister Reef on the East Coast, the Great Barrier Reef which can take up to 3 hours to reach untouched spots. The remarkable Ningaloo Reef is home to over 300 species of Coral and over 500 species of Fish with regular appearances from dramatic Megafauna. Whalesharks, Whales, Ocras… you name it! The Ningaloo is most popular for hosting sustainable eco tours to reach the gentle giants of the Blue, Whalesharks. The Ningaloo is one of very few places in the world where you can experience these beautiful creatures sustainably. Good for us, good for them, what’s not to love?!

Hidden gems of the Ningaloo

With very few people diving on the Westside, the majority of the already untouched Reef is also unseen and ready for you to explore with us. Popular Dive sites include that of the Iconic Navy Pier, Lighthouse Bay and the Murion Islands, all offering a slightly different perspective of the Ningaloo. Why not combine all of their iconic features (Healthy Coral, dramatic schools of Fish and Manta rays) and do a dive that hopefully includes all of this?! The West has everything these sites have got and more. Add Dolphins, Sharks and more…I present to you, the West!

What am I going to see?

Every dive is different here on the Ningaloo, you just don’t know what you’re going to get. Here at Oceania Dive Experiences, we always recommend keeping one eye on the Blue and one of the Reef, you just don’t know what will come through. The Westside of the Ningaloo is home to Dugongs, several species of Dolphin, many friendly Sharks, Whales and hundreds of Turtles all ready to say hello to you!

If you’re into small stuff- we got you! The Ningaloo also hosts hundreds of Nudibranch species, many Tropical Fish and fun Crustaceans! The local Occy’s are also always curious and wanting to interact with you and the camera.

Coral

As mentioned previously in this blog, the Ningaloo is home to over 300 species of Coral making it one of the healthiest Fringing Reefs worldwide. The Ningaloo hosts both Hard and Soft Corals, Sea Sponges and Sea Fans all vibrant in colour. With dramatic sizes and features, a

Dive on the West simply can’t be missed. Some of our coral structures are over 10 metres tall! Some of the most notable Corals are Acropora (fast growing, often found in shallow, clear waters), Porites (known for their huge structure), Brain Corals and Plate Coral.

The Ningaloo is famous for its Coral spawning events, which occur in the warmer months (Spring and early Summer). During this event, Corals release eggs and sperm into the water, which fertilize and form the next generation of corals. This event is one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena and can often be seen during night dives, attracting divers from around the world.

Topography

The majority of our Dive Sites here on the Ningaloo are of a Rocky Reef or Sandy Bottom Oceanography. However, with huge Coral structures, it makes for an exciting dive where you can weave your way in and out of the Coral maze.

The Westside also has alternating depths from 5-25 metres which is unlike many of the other Dive Sites in the Gulf, for example where you can get a maximum depth of 13 metres.

The Iconic site ‘Hole in the Wall’ is also famously known for its beautiful Cave systems full with huge schools of Glassfish!

Come and Dive with us!

Hopefully, after reading this Blog, you have decided that you just have to come and experience the magic of the Ningaloo Reef for yourself. Whether you’re into Scuba Diving or just want to cruise on the Boat and hop in for a Snorkel, we got you! With Friendly, Experienced and Professional staff, small group sizes and top of the range Equipment, we would love to welcome you on an Oceania Experiences tour with us. Browse and Book here!

I thank you for taking the time to read this Blog and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Yinigudera, Baiyungu and Thalanyji people.