Just south of Coral Bay, Five Finger Reef gets its name from five parallel limestone reef fingers that run from the beach out into the turquoise shallows of Ningaloo Marine Park. With water depths of just 1–3 metres and calm, clear conditions, you can wade straight off the beach into a vibrant coral garden teeming with tropical fish, giant clams, and octopus. The reef fingers create natural channels to explore, making this a family favourite and one of the most accessible beginner snorkels on the entire Ningaloo coast.
Five Finger Reef
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.0 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Sharp coral
Live and dead coral formations are sharp; contact can cause cuts and damage to the reef.
Low risk: 4WD sand track access
The unsealed sandy track to the beach requires a 4WD with reduced tyre pressure; 2WD vehicles risk getting bogged.
Low risk: Strong afternoon sea breeze
The prevailing south-westerly wind picks up in the afternoon, creating choppy conditions and reduced visibility. Best to snorkel in the morning.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located about 4.5 km south of Coral Bay along the Ningaloo coast. Drive south from Coral Bay on the unsealed coastal track — a 4WD with reduced tyre pressure is recommended. Alternatively, park at the Coral Bay Boat Ramp at the end of Monck Head Drive and walk 3 km one way along the beach/dune track (6 km return — bring plenty of water). Quad bike snorkel tours also run out to the reef via Coral Bay Tours.
Parking & facilities
Limited sandy 4WD parking at the beach itself. Alternatively, park at the Coral Bay Boat Ramp (Monck Head Drive). No marked bays; park clear of the track.
Free to access. Guided quad bike and snorkel tours from approximately $170 AUD.
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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