Anchorage: Coral Bay WA Gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing coral reef in Australia, Coral Bay is a water lovers nirvana |
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| The protected waters of the bay, which sit inside the Ningaloo Reef,provide a marine wonderland for snorkellers and divers.An easy 'drift snorkel' is available straight off the beach, just be aware of the boating craft that transit through this area to launch directly from the beach. There are a number of dive operators based here, taking divers to the outer reef. Deep sea fishing outside the Ningaloo Reef, where the Continental Shelf rises up sharply offer anglers ample opportunity to catch the 'big one' outside the sanctuary zones. It's not unusual to see the water boiling with activity, signposted from afar by the circling seabirds, diving and swooping on jumping fish. |
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| Campers and Caravaners are well catered for at the Coral bay Caravan Park, with many sites overlooking the magnificent turquoise waters of the bay. Coral Bay is a popular destination for trailer boaties even though it lacks conventional boat ramps. Most boats are launched from the firm sand beach in front of the caravan park. During March and April, it is often possible to swim with the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark.Snorkelling with these gentle giants, which can grow to 18 metres, is a thrill that promises an unforgettable experience.Book tours from Coral Bay or Exmouth operators during the season. |
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Anchorage South of Coral Bay, anchorage may be taken north of Monck Head. There are public moorings available here, identifiable with CALM logos and rated for different boat lengths.These must be booked in advance with Dept of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). |
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The northern passage into Bateman Bay is more straightforward, but can be slightly hair-raising with large following seas from the southwest that are typical on the WA coast. Mauds Landing north of Coral Bay township offers two options. Point Maud, at the western tip of Bateman Bay affords some protection from SW through to SE winds.Anchorage can be taken north of the sand spit for a pleasant walk around the beach of Bills Bay to reach the Coral Bay community.Or alternatively, anchorage may be taken off the long sweeping beach, anywhere in the vicinity of the old jetty, avoiding the remains of pylons, some of which are obscured beneath the sea surface.This anchorage enables vehicle access between the beach and town via a 4WD track that utilises the airstrip as part of its route.It may become uncomfortable here if swell rolls in through the gap in the reef. Anchorage location Pt Maud: Lat 23 deg 07S Long 113deg 45E A passage exists inside the outer reef, running north-south from Point Maud to Monck Head, marked somewhat ambiguously by dark coloured post markers.This passage is strewn with reef and should be attempted only with caution by shallow draft vessels.Aerial photographs displayed in some of the tourist shops give an indication of the hazards of this route. |
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Checklist
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TRAVEL…..BOATING…..LIFESTYLE….. All information contained on this site should be used in conjunction with current official charts. Despite a high degree of confidence that all information was accurate at time of publishing, AMG accepts no responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies.If you discover incorrect facts please Email us. All material and images appearing on this website are copyright to Australian Marinas Guide and may not be reproduced without the written permission of AMG.www.marinasguide.com.au | |||||||||||||||||
