Dampier's shore dive and snorkel sites fringe the UNESCO-listed Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula, offering direct beach access to the marine-rich waters of the Dampier Archipelago. Withnell Bay and Pebbles Beach are the main shore-entry spots, featuring sandy corridors between rocks that lead onto shallow coral gardens. At high tide, depths reach 5–6 m with patch reefs, anemones, rays, nudibranchs, turtles, and over 650 fish species — making this one of Western Australia's most biodiverse yet accessible snorkeling destinations.
Dampier (shore/dive sites)
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 2.9 sWind Speed 5.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Boat traffic
Weekends see increased boat traffic in Withnell Bay and King Bay; boats may transit close to shore. Always display a dive flag.
Low risk: Low visibility in warm months
Visibility drops below 5 m during summer (Dec–Feb) due to warmer water and plankton; best vis (up to 10 m) occurs in cooler months (Jun–Aug).
Low risk: Sharp rocks & coral
Entry points have rocky edges and coral bommies; stand on sand only to avoid damaging fragile reef ecosystems and injuring yourself.
Low risk: 4WD track access
Access tracks to Pebbles Beach and Withnell Bay are unsealed and require 4WD or AWD, especially after rain when soft sand can bog vehicles.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Scuba is best at high tide slack; snorkelling better at low tide. Incoming/outgoing tides can create gentle currents around the bay entrances.
Low risk: Stinger jellyfish (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers may be present in warmer months. Wear a stinger suit for protection.
Low risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal movements through the Dampier Archipelago can create strong currents near the foreshore, especially during outgoing tides.
Low risk: Marine heat exposure
Intense Pilbara sun with limited shade at certain times of day. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocky substrate
Reef flats and rocky areas near the foreshore may have sharp coral or rock. Reef shoes recommended.
Low risk: Limited summer visibility
Visibility drops below 5 m during the warmer months (Nov–Mar) due to plankton and sediment stirred by tides.
Low risk: Rocky entry
Access points require navigating across rocks to reach the water; a sandy gap is present but uneven terrain can be slippery.
Low risk: 4WD track access required
Dirt tracks leading to both Withnell Bay and Pebbles Beach require a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Karratha city centre, take Dampier Highway west and turn onto Burrup Road. For Withnell Bay: turn left at the end of Withnell Bay Road onto a dirt track (25 min drive). For Pebbles Beach: 4.3 km from the Burrup Road / Dampier Highway traffic lights, turn left onto a dirt track (30 min drive). Both tracks require 4WD.
Parking & facilities
Unsealed parking areas at the end of access tracks at both Withnell Bay and Pebbles Beach. No marked bays. Keep clear of the boat ramp at Withnell Bay.
No entry fee for shore diving or snorkeling. National park passes (Murujuga NP) may apply for broader park access. Guided snorkel tours to the outer Archipelago cost approximately $330 per person.
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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