Diving in Ningaloo Reef

Explore 27 dive sites in Ningaloo Reef, Australia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Ningaloo Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Ningaloo Reef occur in February, averaging 22.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.4°C
  • February: 22.9°C
  • March: 22.9°C
  • April: 21.1°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 17.9°C
  • July: 17.1°C
  • August: 16.8°C
  • September: 17.5°C
  • October: 18.4°C
  • November: 19.8°C
  • December: 21.8°C

Marine Life in Ningaloo Reef

Home to 10 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays.

Recommended Packing List for Ningaloo Reef

Based on average water temperature of 19.8°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Ningaloo Reef

  • Ningaloo - Marine Park (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Great Sandy Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Rocky Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Thevenard Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • North Sandy Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Victor Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Whalebone Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Y Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Côte de Ningaloo - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Barrow Island - Marine Park (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Muiron Islands - Marine Management Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Barrow Island - Marine Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ningaloo - Australian Marine Park (IUCN Category II)

Getting to Ningaloo Reef - Nearest Airports

  • Learmonth Airport (LEA), Exmouth - 35 km away, approx 53 min travel time
  • Port Hedland International Airport (PHE), Port Hedland - 480 km away, approx 539 min travel time
  • Eliwana (WHB) - 265 km away, approx 304 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres