The Ningaloo Reef: Lighthouse Bay & West Side

The Ningaloo reef fringes the west side of the peninsular snaking its way for 260km. The section of the Ningaloo traveling through the Cape Range National Park, like the rest of the reef, is incredibly rich in marine life. Hard corals make up a large proportion of the reef forming surge channels, a rare structure in tropical reefs. Reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, rays and big pelagic fish are all frequently spotted.

At the very northern tip of the peninsular the coastline forms a bay above the lighthouse. This whole area is a sanctuary zone, which means there is no fishing, spear fishing and anchoring to protect the corals, making it one of our favourite places on the Ningaloo Reef to dive. Underwater in the bay are rocky outcrops, coral ledges and deep cracks in the ground forming interesting landscapes. Sites such as Blizzard Ridge, Labyrinth, and deeper sites such as Dibley, have become firm favourites with divers for seeing weird and wonderful creatures. Large schools of fish, sea snakes, crayfish, shrimp and reef sharks are a common sight.

During certain times of year it boasts ‘the big three’, Whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales. The sound of the humpback whale song during the dives is an incredible and moving experience, not to mention a sighting of any of the big three!

Visibility on the Ningaloo can range anywhere between 5-20m depending on weather conditions and also how much food (plankton) in the water. But we love this as it’s why we have Manta Rays and Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo!

About the tour:

On this tour, you will do two dives at two different sites in either Lighthouse Bay or the West Side (weather dependant).

We will explore the coral structures and rocky nooks and crannies, a photographers dream! Between dives we chill and have an onboard BBQ lunch before jumping on for our second dive.  Included in this tour is all dive equipment, dive guides, lunch, snacks and drinks.