Just south of Coral Bay's Purdy Point, The Lavender Patch is a dazzling 50-metre-long expanse of vibrant lilac and purple coral gardens that stretch across the sandy shallows of Ningaloo Reef. Accessible via a short shore entry, drift-north with the gentle current and float over rolling fields of colourful coral — one of Western Australia's most unique and photogenic snorkelling experiences. The shallow, sheltered waters teem with tropical fish making every pass a discovery.
The Lavender Patch
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 1.2 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: Slight shore break
Small waves can push swimmers on entry/exit at Paradise Beach; care needed at low tide.
Low risk: Strong sunshine
Extreme UV in the Ningaloo region; sun protection and adequate hydration essential year-round.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Coral Bay town, head south along the unsealed road to Paradise Beach (also called 5-Mile Beach). Park near the 5-knot sign at the water's edge — the Lavender Patch is about 20–50 m offshore. Drift snorkel north from the sign area.
Parking & facilities
Limited pull-over parking along the sandy track at Paradise Beach; no marked bays. 4WD recommended.
toilets
Free
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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