Overview
- Features: Snorkelling in the Ningaloo Reef within close proximity to the beach and excellent marine life
- Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, daily
- Best Time to Visit: Around high tide
- Duration: 2 hours
- Travelled By: Rental car
- Cost: Free
- Address: Exmouth, Western Australia
- Type: Snorkelling
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Summary
The Oyster Stacks is clearly the best snorkelling site in Exmouth and across Western Australia due in part to the concentration of marine life in crystal clear waters and its proximity to the beach making it easy to access. Take care when entering the waters as the rocks are slippery and sharp.
Exmouth Snorkelling at Oyster Stacks
Exmouth has some spectacular and easy to access snorkelling locations. The Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay are the best among them.
For more snorkelling areas in Exmouth, read our review of snorkelling in Turquoise Bay.
The Stacks are located within the Cape Range National Park and only a minute’s drive from Turquoise Bay. Access is via the car park. Enter the water at the end of the walking track and snorkel either north or south.
The Stacks is a few steps from the beach and best accessed on a high tide. Take care while entering the water as the rocks are slippery and very sharp.
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The Oyster Stacks are five isolated islets that protrude from the Ningaloo Reef. Due to its proximity to the Ningaloo Reef, the waters are crystal clear and teeming with fish life. The fact that this area is a marine sanctuary zone explains the abundance of marine life.
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There are two main bommies that are covered with colourful coral and schools of fish swim around and under these bommies. Due to the strong current we don’t need to use our fins at all as we float along with the current and watch the beautiful underwater world drift past us.
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As the tide starts to recede, we head out and stand on the rocky outcrop high above the water and watch other snorkellers swimming around. At this point I notice several multi-coloured crabs hanging on to the rocks around my feet. They have a beautiful red and black colouring and they steal my attention for a few minutes as I chase them around the rocks.
Tip
Please be sure to check either at the DEC office in Exmouth or at the Exmouth Visitor Centre for tide charts as it is recommended to snorkel at high tide.
Which is better to snorkel at, Oyster Stacks or Turquoise Bay?
Personally I prefer Turquoise Bay BUT you must be a good swimmer. The cross beach current is strong and requires you to be vigilant. I find that there is a lot of variety in what you see, although you will be swimming around a lot. The interesting part Oyster Stacks is really condensed into the stacks themselves. Steve, we hope you enjoy your snorkel while in Exmouth.