Located 4.5 km south of Coral Bay in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Five Fingers Reef gets its name from five parallel strips of coral that radiate seaward like fingers from the beach. This shallow, calm snorkel site offers crystal-clear water just 1–3 m deep, with vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, blue-spotted rays, and an abundance of tropical fish. The reef is less affected by bleaching than Coral Bay's inshore areas, making it a top choice for beginner and family snorkelling. Access requires a 4WD along sandy dunes, or a 6 km return beach walk from the Coral Bay boat ramp — the remote feel rewards those who make the trip with some of Ningaloo's most accessible and pristine snorkelling.
Five Fingers Reef
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Isolated location
Five Fingers is remote with no facilities or phone reception; always snorkel with a buddy and carry plenty of water.
Low risk: Soft sand access track
The 4WD-only sandy track requires letting air out of tyres; 2WD vehicles will get bogged.
Low risk: Seaweed / chop in shallows
Occasional seaweed and surface chop near shore can reduce visibility; once past the break the water clears.
Low risk: Sun exposure / limited shade
The walk (3 km each way) and beach have no shade; heat and UV are significant hazards year-round.
Low risk: 4WD track soft sand
The access track requires a 4WD with deflated tyres; 2WD vehicles may get bogged in the soft sand dunes.
Low risk: Sun exposure
Limited shade on the beach and exposed walk track; carry plenty of water and sun protection.
Low risk: Low tide reef exposure
At low tide the water is very shallow (1 m or less), making it easy to accidentally bump or stand on coral.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located 4.5 km south of Coral Bay. The primary access is via a sandy 4WD track off the coastal dunes — follow signs from the southern end of Coral Bay and let air out of tyres. Alternatively, park at the Coral Bay Boat Ramp (end of Monck Head Drive) and walk 3 km south along the beach/dune track (6 km return — bring water).
Parking & facilities
Limited beachfront parking for 4WD vehicles at the end of the sandy track. For walkers, park at the Coral Bay Boat Ramp carpark (Monck Head Drive).
No entry fee for independent snorkelling. Guided quad-bike + snorkel tours with Coral Bay Tours cost from $170 per person.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Western Australia
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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