Australia
Ningaloo Reef
G'day! Ningaloo Reef is a huge coral reef that hugs the coast of Western Australia so closely that you can wade straight off the sand and start snorkeling among the coral.
Why is it famous?
It's one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, stretching about 186 miles (300 kilometers) along the coast.
Ningaloo is one of the very few places on Earth where whale sharks — the biggest fish in the ocean — reliably show up every year.
How was it formed?
Like all coral reefs, Ningaloo was built slowly over thousands of years by tiny animals called coral polyps, which grow hard skeletons that stack up into huge reef structures.
Because the reef grows so close to shore, it forms a calm, shallow lagoon that's perfect for fish, turtles, and coral to thrive.
Amazing facts
Gentle whale sharks visit Ningaloo Reef every year between March and June to feed.
In some spots, the reef is less than half a kilometer from the beach — you can just walk in and start snorkeling!
Quick facts
- Gentle whale sharks visit Ningaloo Reef every year between March and June to feed.
- In some spots, the reef is less than half a kilometer from the beach — you can just walk in and start snorkeling!
- Ningaloo's waters are also home to manta rays, dugongs, humpback whales, and sea turtles.
- Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles all lay their eggs on Ningaloo's beaches.