Sharks and Rays
Australian waters are home to approximately 170 species of sharks and 120 species of Ray, with more than half endemic to the country’s waters. Within the Ningaloo Marine Park and within the waters of Christmas Island, there are a number of species present, but none more popular than the graceful Whale Shark. The world’s largest fish is seen from March to July and can grow up to 12 metres long. They are plankton feeders and the sight of these magnificent passive creatures, swimming with their mouths open will stay with visitors forever.
The Ningaloo Marine Park also provides the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays year round, with the species growing up to 9 metres wide. Christmas Island also offers opportunistic encounters with Manta Rays. Like the Whale Shark, they are filter feeders, with their toothless mouths sieving and scooping up plankton and krill. They do not have a sharp barb like most sting rays. Their playful acrobatic displays around the coral reefs are a remarkable achievement given their weight, with large groups of males occasionally seen in ‘courtship trains’, during their mission to gain attention from females. Bull Rays, Cowtail Stingrays, White-spotted Guitarfish, Spotted Eagle Ray and Blue-spotted Fantail Ray are examples of other rays that can be spotted across Australia’s two most famous reefs - the Great Barrier Reef, and Ningaloo Reef.
Black and White-tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Cat Sharks and Wobbegongs are a small sample of species that can be spotted across Ningaloo Marine Park (Ningaloo Reef) and Frankland Islands (Great Barrier Reef). But it is the opportunity to observe one of the ocean’s most formidable predators, the Great White Shark, that is one of the ultimate adrenaline rushes. Off the Neptune Islands in the Eyre Peninsula area, male Great White Sharks congregate year-round. Through the cooler months, there is typically a boost in numbers, with very large mature females measuring over five metres in length present to prey upon young Long-nosed Fur Seals.
Search for tours including Sharks & Rays, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:
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Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
From $2,200 USD
8 days/7 nights
Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
From $2,200 USD
8 days/7 nights
Christmas Island’s geographic isolation and minimal human disturbance has produced an incredible level of biodiversity and endemism, leading to the label of the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’.
Meet the island's most famous residents, the Red Crabs, one of 90 species inhabiting the island. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs,... -
Coast to Coast Diving Australia
From $5,500 USD
16 days/15 nights
Coast to Coast Diving Australia
From $5,500 USD
16 days/15 nights
This itinerary connects the world's most famous reef on the east coast, the world's largest fringing reef on the west coast with temperate aquatic activities on Australia's south coast.
Explore the world-famous Daintree National Park combined with a four-day liveaboard dive trip of the Great Barrier Reef to see turtles,... -
Christmas, Cocos & Ningaloo Diving Adventure
From $4,180 USD
18 days/17 nights
Christmas, Cocos & Ningaloo Diving Adventure
From $4,180 USD
18 days/17 nights
Combine Western Australia with Australia's Indian Ocean Islands for one of the world's great snorkelling and diving expeditions.
Christmas Island has over 60 dive sites to choose from and is regarded as one of Australia's best diving regions, due to the high volume of immense 'drop offs' only metres from... -
Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
From $950 USD
2 days/2 nights
Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
From $950 USD
2 days/2 nights
Experience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds.
Tour stunning Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay where...
Viewing opportunities that include sharks and rays
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Great White Shark
January,February,December, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Summer Sightings for Fish
Fish Trevally: Silver Trevally | Kingfish: Yellowtail Kingfish | Leatherjackets: Horseshoe Leatherjacket, Sixspine Leatherjacket | Sea Sweep
Sharks Sharks: Great White Shark
How to find these species
"Summer is the annual breeding season for the Great White Shark, however, researchers are still discovering information about breeding patterns and behaviour for this apex predator. The warmer conditions generally provide calmer ocean conditions and deliver higher water temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius. Male Great White Sharks are seen around the Neptune Islands year round versus females that usually visit in conjunction with seal pups entering the water around April onwards. Great White Sharks have a circulatory system which allow them to maintain a body temperature up to 14 degrees Celcius above that of the surrounding seawater, meaning they can migrate across a broad range of oceanic conditions.David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
Duration: 2 Days/2 Nights
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Sharks and Rays
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Great White Shark
March,April,May, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Autumn Sightings for Fish
Fish Trevally: Silver Trevally | Kingfish: Yellowtail Kingfish | Leatherjackets: Horseshoe Leatherjacket, Sixspine Leatherjacket | Sea Sweep
Sharks Sharks: Great White Shark
How to find these species
"In April, there is typically a boost in Great White Shark numbers to the Neptune Islands area, with very large mature females measuring over five metres in length present. This is also the season that delivers the warmest water temperatures, although Southern Ocean currents limit the temperature to around 20 degrees Celsius. The Neptune Islands Conservation Park is home to a colony of over 40,000 Long-nosed Fur Seals. Although pups are born in summer, they do not venture into the water until April, which spurs the arrival of the larger females that prey upon these inexperienced swimmers. The difference between male and female Great White Sharks is quite noticeable, with the females weighing almost double their male counterparts."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
Duration: 2 Days/2 Nights
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Sharks and Rays
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Great White Shark (Female)
June,July,August, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Winter Sightings for Fish
Fish Trevally: Silver Trevally | Kingfish: Yellowtail Kingfish | Leatherjackets: Horseshoe Leatherjacket, Sixspine Leatherjacket | Sea Sweep
Sharks Sharks: Great White Shark
How to find these species
"The winter season provides peak viewing for large Great White Shark females, measuring over five metres in length and almost double the size of males. Around 3,500 Long-nosed Fur Seal pups are born in the summer and they will learn to swim around the rock pools and shallow of the Nepturne Islands at this time. This attracts the giant females, that feast upon the plentiful pups that are ambushed by these amazing predators.The difference between male and female Great White Sharks is quite noticeable, with the females weighing almost double their male counterparts. Great White Sharks are known to change their diet as they grow with juveniles feeding primarily on fish and other sharks and rays, whilst larger sharks typically target marine mammals such as Long-nosed Fur Seals and Australian Sea-lions."
David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
Duration: 2 Days/2 Nights
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Sharks and Rays
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September,October,November, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Spring Sightings for Fish
Fish Trevally: Silver Trevally | Kingfish: Yellowtail Kingfish | Leatherjackets: Horseshoe Leatherjacket, Sixspine Leatherjacket | Sea Sweep
Sharks Sharks: Great White Shark
How to find these species
"Male Great White Sharks can be seen around the Neptune Islands at this time, with the warmer conditions generally providing calmer ocean conditions. Although not as large as females that are present in the winter time, adult male Great White Sharks range from four to five metres in length and are generally more inquisitive than females. The water visibility around the Neptune Island generally reaches its peak around September and October, whilst late November is the start of the Long-nosed Fur Seal pupping season. These newborns will not enter the pristine waters until the Autumn."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Great White Shark Cage Dive Packages
Duration: 2 Days/2 Nights
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience the amazing Eyre Peninsula, with a choice of these two day adventures, encompassing the exhilarating Great White Shark Cage Dive! Experience premium 4WD touring, aquatic activities and culinary offerings across Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay or surrounds.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Sharks and Rays
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March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Autumn Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates
Fish Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse | Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
Sharks & Rays Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
Molluscs Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
Corals & Sea Anemones Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone
How to find these species
"In Autumn each year, the incredible mass spawning of coral takes between seven and 10 days after the full moon in March and April. This event triggers the arrival of krill and plankton which in turn creates a feeding frenzy for numerous fish species, including the regions most famous resident, the massive Whale Shark. This region is a haven for the world’s largest fish, with Whale Sharks of 12 metres length seen in the area. They spend plenty of time at the surface to feed and warm up from the sun’s rays. The opportunity to swim with these graceful and passive giants is an awe-inspiring experience.The marine life found at Ningaloo is incredibly diverse, with 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region. Popular fish sightings range from Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, Wrasse, to larger fish such as Groper, Coral Trout, Cod and Trevally. A huge variety of nudibranches are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours.
Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks, Great Hammerheads, Carpetsharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Bull Rays and the well-camouflaged Northern Wobbegong are highlights for divers whilst Manta Rays can be seen in performing their incredible courtship dances around April, with the species growing up to 7 metres wide (disc width) and around 1,350 kg (2,980 lb)."
Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateRight on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Sharks and Rays
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June,July,August, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Winter Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates
Fish Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse | Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
Sharks & Rays Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
Molluscs Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
Corals & Sea Anemones Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger, Porite | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Cabbage Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone
How to find these species
"The winter season coincides with Coral Spawn & Plankton reaching its highest concentration in the region, meaning the marine biodiversity at this time is incredible. The most famous resident of the region, the enormous Whale Shark, is seen until the end of July feasting on the krill and plankton. Manta Rays can also be seen gracefully dancing around Exmouth, feeding on zooplankton. With 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region it is a snorkellers and divers delight. Ningaloo is primarily a hard coral reef with Finger Coral, Staghorn & Porites common in the area, whilst at the top of the Exmouth Gulf around the Muiron Islands, there is a stunning array of colourful soft corals including Gorgonian Fans, Cabbage Leather Coral, and sponges such as Callyspongia, Golf Ball Sponge. A huge variety of Nudibranches are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours and are so named because most of them have exposed gills. Grey Nurse Sharks congregate around the Navy Pier during the winter months, competing for space with the Whitetip Reef Sharks and Wobbegongs."Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateRight on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Sharks and Rays
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September,October,November, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Spring Sightings for Fish & Marine Invertebrates
Fish Angelfish: Emperor Angelfish, Threespot Angelfish, Keyhole Angelfish, Scribbled Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Sixband Angelfish | Batfish: Round Batfish, Longfin Batfish, Dusky Batfish | Butterflyfish: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Redfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Saddle Butterflyfish, Lined Butterflyfish, Meyer's Butterflyfish, Chevron Butterflyfish, Bluespot Butterflyfish, Margined Coralfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Oval-spot Butterflyfish | Anemonefish: Orange Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish, Clark's Anemonefish | Boxfish: Spotted Boxfish, Longhorn Cowfish, Yellow Boxfish | Damselfish: Neon Damselfish, Reticulated Damselfish, Blackbar Damselfish, Staghorn Damsel, Black Damsel, Princess Damsel, Lemon Damsel, Blue-eye Damsel, Jewel Damsel, Humbug Damselfish, Blue-green Chromis, Regal Demoiselle, Scissortail Sergeant, Bengal Sergeant| Emporer: Yellowtail Emperor, Spangled Emperor | Darts: Common Dart, Small-spotted Dart | Fusilier: Yellowtail Fusilier, Twinstripe Fusilier, Doubleline Fusililer, Blue and yellow Fusilier | Eels: Giant Moray, Highfin Moray | Catfish: Sailfin Catfish*, Striped Eel Catfish, Whitelip Catfish | Parrotfish: Palenose Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Indian Bullhead Parrotfish, Redlip Parrotfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow-barred Parrotfish, Chameleon Parrotfish, Sixband Parrotfish, Greencheck Parrotfish, Surf Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish, Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish | Pufferfish: Narrowlined Puffer, Silver Puffer, Blacksaddle Toby, Map Puffer, White-spotted Puffer | Rabbitfish: Goldlined Rabbitfish, White-spotted Rabbitfish, Barred Rabbitfish, Threespot Rabbitfish | RockCod: Coral Grouper, Potato Rockcod, Bluespotted Grouper, Goldspotted Rockcod, Greasy Rockcod, Giant Grouper | Scorpionfish: Zebra Lionfish, Devil Scorpionfish | Surgeonfish: Convict Surgeonfish, Brown Tang, Paletail Unicornfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Eyeline Surgeonfish, Eyestripe Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Dark Surgeonfish, Lined Bristletooth, Pacific Sailfin Tang | Sweetlips: Ribbon Sweetip, Harlequin Sweetlip, Manyline Sweetlip | Triggerfish: Titan Triggerfish, Lei Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Starry Triggerfish, Flagtail Triggerfish, Pinktail Triggerfish | Trumpetfish: Pacific Trumpetfish, Bluespotted Cornetfish | Wrasse: Spot-tail Wrasse*, Yellowtail Coris, Bird Wrasse, Fivestripe Wrasse, Leopard Wrasse, Bluespotted Wrasse, Blue and yellow Wrasse, Axilspot Hogfish, Pixy Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Twospot Wrasse, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Moon Wrasse, Cutbribbon Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse | Trevally: Trevally, Island Jack, Golden Trevally, Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally,
Sharks & Rays Sharks: Whale Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Tawny Nurse Shark, Grey Nurse Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Great Hammerhead, Speckled Carpetshark, Epaulette Shark, Northern Wobbegong | Rays: Reef Manta Ray, Oceanic Manta Ray, Ningaloo Maskray*, Ornate Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Broad Cowtail Stingray, Porcupine Ray, Australian Bull Ray
Molluscs Nudibranch: Morning Dorid, Domino Nudibranch, Caramel Nudibranch, Gloomy Nudibranch, Maritime Nudibranch, Bicolor Nudibranch, Tooth-edged Nudibranch, Orange-spotted Nudibranch | Shrimp: Harlequin Shrimp, Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Ambon Cleaner Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, Oscellated Hingebeak Shrimp | Clam: Small Giant Clam, Gigas Giant Clam, Noah's Giant Clam
Corals & Sea Anemones Hard Corals (Scleractinia): Staghorn, Brain, Elkhorn, Table, Closed Brain, Honeycomb, Lobed Star, Bubble, Finger, Porite | Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): Tree, Cabbage Leather, Weeping Willow, Sea Whips, Sea Plumes, Sea Rods, Organ Pipe Coral, Pink Nephthya, Blue Soft Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Elephant Ear, Cauliflower, Sea Pen | Sea Anemones: Bubble-tip Anemone, Merten's Sea Anemone, Haddon's Anemone, Beaded Sea Anemone, Prolific Anemone, Hell's Fire Anemone, Magnficent Sea Anemone
How to find these species
Ningaloo Reef is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, with this intricate ecosystem branching over 260 km and, at some points, is only metres from the beach. This is an ideal time to see Manta Rays along the reef near Exmouth, that are present feeding on the plankton rich water. There are around 500 species of fish in the region including Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, Wrasse through to larger fish such as Groper, Coral Trout, Giant Potato Cod and Trevally. A keen eye will be able to spot the Sailfin Catfish which is endemic to the region and present year round. More than 50 per cent of Indian Ocean coral species are found across the Ningaloo Marine Park area, with over 300 species, including Finger, Staghorn, Porites, Cabbage Leather, Brain, Plate and Bubble Corals. Whilst not a coral, Anemone’s are common, providing habitat for some of the reef’s most endearing residents; the Skunk Anemonefish, Australian Anemonefish, Pink Skunk Anemonefish and Clark's Anemonefish.Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Ningaloo Reef Dive Tour
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateRight on Exmouth's doorstep, dive the world famous Ningaloo Reef, on one of our three dive boats at Light House Bay, or the West Side. Whether you're a seasoned diver or keen to try for the first time - you're sure to have an awesome day as we visit two different dive sites!
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Sharks and Rays
