Recognised as one of the world's top 10 shore dives, Exmouth Navy Pier is a 300-metre active defence pier that has become a marine oasis beneath its structure. With no fishing allowed and restricted public access, the pier's pylons are encrusted in soft corals and sponges, drawing staggering biodiversity. Snapper, fusiliers, and rabbit fish school in the shadows alongside grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, moray eels, and octopus. Due to powerful tidal currents, snorkelling is only possible via licensed tours during slack tide — but the rewards are extraordinary. Located 14 km from Exmouth town in the heart of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
Navy Pier (Exmouth Navy Pier)
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.4 sWind Speed 6.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Navy Pier (Exmouth Navy Pier) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong Tidal Currents danger
Very strong currents around the pier mean it can only be safely dived during slack tide. Dives are timed around moon phases.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Strong Tidal Currents
Very strong currents around the pier mean it can only be safely dived during slack tide. Dives are timed around moon phases.
Moderate risk: Restricted Military Area
The pier is an active Defence facility. Access is prohibited without a licensed tour operator. Failure to follow Defence directions can result in serious consequences.
Low risk: Limited Visibility
Visibility typically ranges from 3–10 metres depending on weather, tidal movement, and swell conditions, which can disorient snorkelers and divers.
Low risk: Wave and Swell Action
Swell and surge can be present around the pier structure, especially during higher tides, making entries and exits challenging.
Low risk: Low visibility
Visibility typically ranges from 3–10 metres depending on weather and tidal movement, which can be disorienting for snorkelers.
Low risk: Marine life hazards
Sharks (grey nurse, reef, wobbegong), scorpionfish, and other marine life inhabit the pier structure. Snorkelers should exercise caution and avoid touching any marine life.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located 14 km from Exmouth town along the road to the naval base. Access is restricted — users must join a licensed tour operated by Dive Ningaloo (the sole licence holder). Tours meet at the Dive Ningaloo shop in Exmouth, from which transport is provided to the pier.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Dive Ningaloo base in Exmouth (town centre). No public parking available at the pier itself as it is a defence restricted area.
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Single snorkel/dive tour ~$230 + $50 defence surcharge payable on the day (cash preferred, card accepted). Double dives ~$300 + $50 surcharge. Under-18s require passport copy 3 days prior.
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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