Wildlife Watching in Exmouth: Species You Can’t Miss

Exmouth is on the northwest coast of Western Australia and is a wildlife lovers paradise with some of the best marine sanctuaries and landscapes in the world. Being close to the Ningaloo Reef – a UNESCO Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area – it’s a must-see for anyone interested in wildlife on land and in water. The reef stretches for over 260km and is the perfect place to see some of the most incredible fish, turtles and marine mammals in their natural environment.

This blog will take you through the wildlife of Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf and why you can’t miss this experience.

Whale Sharks: The Gentle Giants of Ningaloo Reef

The most iconic species in Ningaloo Marine Park are the whale sharks and they are the largest fish in the world. Every year between March and August these incredible creatures migrate to Ningaloo Reef and visitors can swim alongside these gentle giants in the crystal clear waters of Western Australia. The whale shark tours here are very popular and often include spotter planes to find these amazing creatures in the turquoise waters of Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay.

Swimming with whale sharks is a once in a lifetime experience. These gentle giants can grow up to 12m long and are known for their calm nature so snorkelers can observe them in their natural environment.

Humpback Whales: The Migrators of the Exmouth Gulf

From June to November, Humpback Whales pass through the Exmouth Gulf as part of their annual migration. Whale-watching tours in Exmouth give you the perfect opportunity to see these majestic creatures breach, tail slap, and perform other acrobatics. Humpback Whales are often seen on the outer reef and near Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, so you have front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest shows.

The whale tours often combine Exmouth whale shark tours so you can see the best wildlife in one trip. With local experts on board, your chance of seeing these massive marine animals in their natural habitat is high, making it a highlight of any Exmouth wildlife experience.

Manta Rays: Gliding Through the Coral Reefs

Another must see species in Ningaloo Marine Park is the manta ray. These beautiful creatures are often seen in the crystal clear waters of Coral Bay and Osprey Bay. The best time to see them is May to September. They glide effortlessly over the coral reefs and their large wingspan is a sight to behold for snorkelers and divers alike. Manta rays like whale sharks are harmless and feed on plankton and small fish.

Sandy Bay and Oyster Stacks are the best places to see them up close. Diving or drift snorkelling in these calm, clear waters will leave you with a memory to last.

Sea Turtles: Nesting on the Beaches

Exmouth’s beaches are nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles, green turtles, and loggerhead turtles. They can be found in the warm waters of Ningaloo Reef, around Town Beach and Yardie Creek. From November to March, you can see them come ashore to nest on the beaches of Turquoise Bay and Coral Bay.

During nesting season many Exmouth tours operators offer guided night walks where you can see them laying their eggs. It’s a fragile and beautiful moment to see the life cycle of these ancient creatures. Exmouth’s shallow waters and sandy beaches are the perfect spot to see these gentle sea turtles.

Reef Sharks and Other Marine Life

Ningaloo Marine Park’s coral reefs are home to many shark species, including reef sharks and the occasional tiger shark. Along with thousands of fish species like coral trout and tropical fish, you can see them at dive sites like Osprey Bay and Sandy Bay. Diving into the blue waters of Ningaloo Reef is like entering another world, where fish swim around you and coral formations are a kaleidoscope of colours.

You can also see other marine life like dolphins, dugongs and blue whales.

Birds and Land Wildlife

While Ningaloo Reef is famous for its marine life, Cape Range National Park and the surrounding area have plenty of terrestrial wildlife. Emus, kangaroos and wallabies roam the rugged limestone ranges, while birdwatchers can see ospreys, sea eagles and other species around Yardie Creek and Exmouth Gulf. The diversity of habitats in this area makes it a birdwatcher and wildlife lover’s paradise.

Muiron Islands and Ningaloo Coast

Just off Exmouth’s coast, the Muiron Islands are a diver’s and snorkeler’s secret. These islands are famous for their coral gardens, marine life and unique snorkelling experiences. The deep waters around the islands are perfect for spotting reef sharks, white sharks and other pelagic species.

For more adventure try the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area or a Ningaloo Reef Dive & Snorkel tour and see some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the world.

Book Your Wildlife Holiday in Exmouth

Exmouth, WA, is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for an adventure in the great outdoors. With a range of accommodation options from caravan parks like RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park to luxury resorts like Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, you can customise your trip to suit your style and budget. Don’t forget to visit the town centre, try kitesurfing in the kitesurfing hotspots or take a leisurely kayak along the kayak trail near Sandy Bay.

Exmouth’s waters, outer reef and the Ningaloo Discovery Centre are full of ways to get amongst it. Whether you’re on a Coral Bay & Exmouth road trip, cruising the Exmouth Gulf or hiking the Yardie Creek Road, you’ll leave with a newfound love of nature.