Under the Navy Pier
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Navy Pier Exmouth

4.4
·228 reviews·Exmouth, Australia

Dive into a protected marine sanctuary at Navy Pier Exmouth, a world-class shore dive teeming with sharks, turtles, and vibrant fish.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Year-round

Marine life is consistently abundant

CrowdMedium
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Under the Navy Pier

Navy Pier Exmouth

Best Time

Year-round

Marine life is consistently abundant

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into a protected marine sanctuary at Navy Pier Exmouth, a world-class shore dive teeming with sharks, turtles, and vibrant fish.

4.4
(228 reviews)

"Navy Pier Exmouth is a must-do, offering an incredible abundance of marine life and a top-tier shore diving experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book with Dive Ningaloo

Highly recommended for their professional, friendly, and knowledgeable crew.

No Experience Needed

Discover Scuba Diving programs are available for beginners.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abundant Marine Life

Abundant Marine Life

Navy Pier

Encounter a dazzling array of fish, sharks, turtles, and rays in this protected marine sanctuary.

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World-Class Shore Dive

World-Class Shore Dive

Navy Pier

Experience one of the top shore dives globally, easily accessible from the pier.

Instagram+1
Giant Queensland Groupers

Giant Queensland Groupers

Navy Pier

Marvel at the impressive size of these gentle giants often found lurking beneath the pier.

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Schools of Trevally & Barracuda

Schools of Trevally & Barracuda

Navy Pier

Witness mesmerizing swirling schools of fish that create a dynamic underwater spectacle.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Dive in Advance

Navy Pier Exmouth is a highly sought-after dive site, and tours, especially those with Dive Ningaloo, book up quickly. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak seasons. This ensures you don't miss out on this world-class shore dive experience. Instagram

Understand Dive Conditions

While Navy Pier Exmouth is renowned for its marine life, visibility and currents can vary. Dive operators prioritize safety, and cancellations can occur due to weather. Be prepared for potential changes and have backup plans. Reddit

Best Times

When
Year-round
Why
Marine life is consistently abundant
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Calmer waters, better visibility
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Checking if I’m still on #tiktokaustralia and forgot to share this epic experience! #exmouth #whaleshark #ningaloo #tiktoktravel #westernaustralia #australia
@kimmconn
288.7K likes • 2.5M views

Book with Dive Ningaloo

Highly recommended for their professional, friendly, and knowledgeable crew. InstagramReddit

No Experience Needed

Discover Scuba Diving programs are available for beginners. Instagram

When the whale shark turns to say hello 🥲 🤍 #whaleshark #ningaloo #exmouth #wa #nature
@thewildwae
60.1K likes • 491.8K views
Scuba diving the Navy Pier in Exmouth 🤿 Clip by @tim.and.em #navypier #exmouth #diveningaloo #exmouthnavypier #scubadive #pierdiving #submergednation #atomicaquatics #underthepier #diversworldscuba #everythingunderwater #scubadiving
diversworldscuba
9 likes • 145 views

Expect Sharks!

Bronze whaler sharks are common and a highlight for many divers. InstagramReddit

Check for Bleaching

Coral health can be impacted by environmental events; marine life remains vibrant. Reddit

Found this from a dive October 21. Navy Pier, Exmouth
gjolly53
34 likes • 340 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book with Dive Ningaloo

Highly recommended for their professional, friendly, and knowledgeable crew. InstagramReddit

No Experience Needed

Discover Scuba Diving programs are available for beginners. Instagram

Expect Sharks!

Bronze whaler sharks are common and a highlight for many divers. InstagramReddit

Check for Bleaching

Coral health can be impacted by environmental events; marine life remains vibrant. Reddit

Pack a Lunch

Dive tours often include a delicious BBQ lunch between dives. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(228 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the incredible abundance and diversity of marine life at Navy Pier Exmouth, consistently calling it a world-class dive site. The professional and friendly dive operators, particularly Dive Ningaloo, are frequently praised for their excellent service and making the experience memorable for all levels. While the marine creatures are thriving, some reviews note that the coral has been impacted by recent environmental events.

"We did our PADI open water dive course with Dive Ningaloo. Our instructor Emily was amazing! Very clear instruction and a patient and reassuring teacher. We felt confident and well cared for on our dives on the reef with Emily.

The dives themselves were good. Lots of sea life, manta ray, bronze whaler sharks, green sea turtles and some divers even got to see humpback whales on their dive! The coral though was sadly in bad shape. Lots of dead and bleached coral due to a recent bleaching event and cyclone in the previous 6 months. The sea creatures appear to still be thriving.

The crew were amazing, always friendly, kind and helpful. Thanks so much you guys for such a great experience !"

Chantel Yates

"Thank you to the professional and fun crew made of the captain, Jaime, Alex, Emily, Todd and Keelan for an amazing 2 days diving on the Ningaloo reef!

The wildlife is there and is awesome, however the reef had extensive bleaching this year which was sad to witness.

But may this bring some awareness and encourage change in order to try and prevent more of these events happening in the future.

P.S. the BBQ lunch between dives was great too! 😁"

NAngelino

"I spent two weeks diving with them and they were the best dives I've ever had. The dive sites are super beautiful, colourful corals, lots of sharks, turtles, octopus and more.
The equipment is great by rental standards. The food between the dives is delicious and there is always enough.
But the most important thing is that the crew/guides are great people who are ALWAYS nice, help you with your equipment when necessary, are always there for questions and always have time for a chat. It all just feels like one big family and I would come back any time.

Thanks again to you all :)"

Jannik

What People Like

Abundant marine life
World-class shore dive
Professional dive crews

What People Dislike

Coral bleaching impacts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Navy Pier is located approximately 14 km from Exmouth town center in Western Australia. Access is typically via organized dive tours, as it's a working naval base. The most popular way to experience it is through dive operators like Dive Ningaloo. Instagram+1

Navy Pier is a working naval base and is not generally open to the public for casual visits. Access is primarily through pre-booked dive excursions. Instagram

Exmouth is accessible by car from Perth (a long drive) or by flying into Learmonth Airport (EXM), which is about a 30-minute drive from Exmouth. TikTok

No, direct public access to Navy Pier is restricted due to its naval base status. You must be part of an organized dive tour to enter the pier area. Instagram

Most dive operators that run tours to Navy Pier will include transport from your accommodation in Exmouth as part of the package. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Navy Pier dive excursions well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as tours often sell out. Instagram

Prices vary depending on the operator and the type of dive (e.g., Discover Scuba, certified dives). Expect costs to be in the range of AUD $150-$250 for a single dive or a package. Reddit

Typically, tours include dive gear rental, guided dives, and often a BBQ lunch between dives. Transport from Exmouth is usually also included. Reddit

There are no separate entry fees for Navy Pier itself; the cost is part of the dive tour package. Instagram

Yes, 'Discover Scuba Diving' programs are available for individuals without certification, allowing them to experience the pier under close supervision. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Navy Pier is teeming with life, including over 200 fish species, numerous sharks (like bronze whalers), turtles, manta rays, and various macro critters. InstagramReddit

While primarily known as a dive site, some operators may offer snorkeling opportunities. However, diving is the best way to experience the full marine biodiversity. TikTok

Mornings often offer better visibility and calmer conditions. However, marine life is present throughout the day. Reddit

You'll typically wear a wetsuit provided by the dive operator. Bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothing for before and after the dive. Instagram

Yes, underwater photography and videography are popular at Navy Pier. Many dive operators allow you to rent or bring your own equipment. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no permanent food facilities on Navy Pier itself, most dive tours include a delicious BBQ lunch or snacks between dives. Reddit

Exmouth town, a short drive away, offers various dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants. TikTok

It's best to check with your dive operator. Some may allow you to bring personal snacks, but they usually provide refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The abundance of marine life, including sharks and schools of fish, offers incredible underwater photography opportunities. The pier structure itself also creates unique photographic compositions. Instagram+1

Some dive operators offer underwater camera rentals. It's advisable to inquire when booking your tour. Instagram

A good underwater camera setup with appropriate lighting is recommended to capture the vibrant marine life. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing schools of fish and larger creatures. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require special permits. Always check with your dive operator. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Navy Pier Exmouth is an incredible destination for families interested in marine life. While the pier itself is primarily a dive site, the broader Exmouth region offers fantastic opportunities for younger visitors. Consider booking a 'Discover Scuba Diving' experience for older children (check age restrictions with operators) or opt for boat tours that focus on snorkeling and wildlife spotting, where kids can see turtles, dolphins, and potentially even whale sharks. TikTok+1

Many dive operators in Exmouth are family-friendly and cater to all levels of experience. Look for tours that offer shorter durations or focus on calmer waters. The chance to see so much marine life in its natural habitat is an educational and awe-inspiring experience for children. Instagram

🤿 Certified Divers

For certified divers, Navy Pier Exmouth is an absolute must-do. Its reputation as one of the world's top shore dives is well-earned, offering consistent encounters with large marine species. The pier's structure provides a unique underwater landscape, and the sheer volume of fish life is astounding. Instagram+1

Dive operators like Dive Ningaloo are highly recommended for their expertise and ability to guide divers to the best spots. You can expect to see a wide array of sharks, pelagic fish, and other fascinating creatures. The convenience of a shore dive means you can often do multiple dives without the need for boat travel to the site itself. InstagramReddit

📸 Underwater Photographers

Navy Pier Exmouth is a paradise for underwater photographers. The abundance and variety of marine life, from macro critters to large pelagics, provide endless subjects. The pier's structure also offers interesting backdrops and opportunities for creative shots. Instagram+1

Bring your best underwater camera setup, including strobes or video lights, to capture the vibrant colors and details. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the schooling fish and larger animals like sharks and groupers. Be prepared for varying light conditions and potential currents, which can add a dynamic element to your shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Underwater Ecosystem of Navy Pier

Navy Pier in Exmouth, Western Australia, is a protected marine area that has become a world-renowned dive site. Its unique structure, a 300-meter long naval base pier, acts as an artificial reef, attracting an astonishing diversity of marine life. Over 200 species of fish have been recorded here, transforming the pilings into a vibrant underwater city. Divers can expect to see large pelagic species like Queensland groupers, trevallies, and barracudas, alongside a multitude of reef fish, sharks, and turtles. Instagram+1

The protection afforded to the area, being a naval base, has allowed marine populations to thrive, making it a critical habitat. This abundance is a major draw for divers and snorkelers alike, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters. Even those new to diving can experience this underwater spectacle through introductory programs. TikTokInstagram

While the marine life is thriving, it's important to note that the coral health in the broader Ningaloo region, including areas around Exmouth, has been impacted by bleaching events and cyclones. However, the fish and larger marine creatures continue to flourish, ensuring a spectacular dive experience. Reddit

Diving Exmouth Navy Pier: What to Expect

Diving at Navy Pier Exmouth is often described as a bucket-list experience, consistently ranked among the top shore dives globally. The accessibility from the pier means you can descend directly into a world teeming with marine activity. Dive operators like Dive Ningaloo are highly praised for their professionalism, safety, and the friendly atmosphere they create, making it enjoyable for both beginners and experienced divers. InstagramReddit

Expect to encounter a variety of sharks, including the common bronze whaler sharks, which are a highlight for many visitors. You might also see manta rays, sea turtles, and large schools of fish like trevally and barracuda. The sheer density of marine life is what makes Navy Pier so special. InstagramReddit

For those new to diving, 'Discover Scuba Diving' courses are available, allowing you to experience the pier's wonders under expert guidance. Certified divers can enjoy the site's depth and diverse offerings. The dive experience often includes a delicious BBQ lunch, making it a full-day adventure. InstagramReddit

Beyond the Pier: Exmouth's Marine Wonders

While Navy Pier is a star attraction, Exmouth and the surrounding Ningaloo Reef offer a wealth of other marine encounters. The region is globally famous for its whale shark season, typically from March to August, where swimming with these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. TikTok+1

Ningaloo Reef itself is one of the world's largest fringing reefs, accessible directly from the shore in many places. Snorkeling and diving here reveal vibrant coral gardens (though some areas have experienced bleaching), diverse fish species, and other incredible marine life like manta rays and turtles. TikTok+1

Beyond the reef, Exmouth's waters are home to dolphins, dugongs, and during migration seasons, humpback whales. Activities like sea safaris, kayaking, and even microlight flights offer unique perspectives on this stunning coastal environment and its abundant wildlife. TikTok+1

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