Spot dugongs grazing the seagrass meadows of Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage fringing reef off Western Australia's Coral Coast. Dugongs live here year-round but sightings are a lucky bonus, usually from boats or while snorkelling on whale shark, manta and reef tours out of Exmouth and Coral Bay rather than on dedicated dugong trips. Conditions are best from March to August, outside the summer cyclone season.
Spot dugongs grazing the seagrass meadows of Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage fringing reef off Western Australia's Coral Coast. Dugongs live here year-round but sightings are a lucky bonus, usually from boats or while snorkelling on whale shark, manta and reef tours out of Exmouth and Coral Bay rather than on dedicated dugong trips. Conditions are best from March to August, outside the summer cyclone season.
Up to 62% sighting chance in Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia). Best months: June, July, May.
No, they are resident but shy and thinly spread; sightings are opportunistic, usually during snorkel, whale shark or reef cruises rather than dedicated dugong tours.
March to August for calm, clear conditions and the whale shark season; the December to April cyclone period is less reliable.
On the shallow seagrass beds inside the lagoon, which averages 2 to 4 metres deep and runs close to shore near Exmouth and Coral Bay.
Usually yes to reach the seagrass areas, though dugongs are occasionally seen by snorkellers close to shore.
