Bar Flats is a shallow offshore reef site in the crystal-clear waters of Shark Bay, Western Australia, sitting at just 3 metres deep. This popular boat-access snorkel and dive spot is scattered with vibrant cabbage coral, staghorn coral, and soft corals that attract clouds of small reef fish. The warm Leeuwin Current influences keep water temperatures pleasant, making it an easy and accessible site for underwater explorers. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shark Bay Marine Park, Bar Flats offers a serene, shallow immersion into one of Australia's most biologically significant marine environments.
Bar Flats
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 8.2 sWind Speed 5.1 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present during warmer months (November to April).
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is by boat; snorkellers must be aware of vessels entering and leaving the site.
Low risk: Cool winter water
Despite warm Leeuwin Current influences, water temperatures can be quite cool during winter months.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Bar Flats is located in the inner gulfs of Shark Bay. Access is by private or charter boat, launching from Denham, Monkey Mia, or Carnarvon boat ramps. Shark Bay Eco Tours and other local operators offer guided trips to the site.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at boat ramps in Denham, Monkey Mia, and Carnarvon.
parkingboat_ramp
Shark Bay Marine Park entry fees apply for vessel entry. Check with Parks and Wildlife for current fees.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports