Coral Spawning and Shark Feast

The town of Exmouth is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and the diving and snorkeling here is well organized. Ningaloo reef stretches for 155 miles offshore from North-West Cape in Western Australia. This virtually untouched barrier, lying in shallow, crystal clear water, encloses a white sandy lagoon teeming with marine life. Divers flock to this underwater playground throughout the year, but something truly spectacular happens here during the full moons of March, April and May.

A week or so after the moon reaches its fullest state the coral spawns, releasing thousands of tiny eggs into the warm waters. These eggs represent a hearty meal for huge numbers of krill, while in turn attract none other than the mighty whale shark. These monstrous fish are the biggest sharks in the world, measuring more than 12 metres long and weighing more than 11 tonnes. They are also plankton feeders, making them safe to dive with. Dolphins, turtles, dugongs, manta rays, huge cod and the more fearsome tiger shark are other common marine life you can enjoy at Nigaloo Reef.