The Elbow is a renowned outer-reef dive and snorkel site on the Ningaloo Reef, accessed by boat from Coral Bay. Situated on a prominent bend of the barrier reef where currents converge, this site offers clear waters over a sandy bottom with scattered coral bommies reaching a maximum depth of around 20 metres. It is one of the best spots in the region to encounter manta rays, along with turtles, reef sharks, and an array of tropical fish and healthy coral formations. The exposed offshore position means conditions can be variable, but on a calm day it delivers world-class snorkelling on one of Australia's most pristine World Heritage reefs.
The Elbow
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Wave Height 0.7 mSwell Period 7.2 sWind Speed 7.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Open ocean swell
The Elbow sits on the outer edge of Ningaloo Reef and can be affected by ocean swells, creating surge conditions that make snorkelling challenging.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Currents converge at this reef bend and can be strong, especially on outgoing tides, requiring good fitness and awareness.
Low risk: Boat traffic
As a popular boat-accessed dive/snorkel site, boat traffic is common in the area. Snorkellers must be vigilant and stay close to their vessel.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in Ningaloo waters during warmer months (Oct–Apr).
Low risk: Coral cuts and stings
Hard coral formations are abundant; accidental contact can cause cuts. Avoid touching coral to prevent injury and protect the reef.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Elbow is located on the outer side of Ningaloo Reef, approximately 15–20 minutes by boat from Coral Bay boat ramp. Coral Bay is about 150 km south of Exmouth on the Coral Bay Road, off the Minilya-Exmouth Road. Most visitors access the site via a commercial snorkel or dive tour operating out of Coral Bay.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Coral Bay boat ramp area or at the visitor's accommodation in Coral Bay township.
parkingtoilets
No direct fee for the site, but a Ningaloo Marine Park entry fee and a boat/transit fee may apply for commercial tours. Tour costs vary by operator.
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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