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Osprey Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park Osprey Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park

Paddle

(+1)
Snorkel
 in Coral Coast

  • 1-3 hours
  • 3.2 km

Osprey Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail is one of four trails in the Ningaloo Marine Park with designated buoys for kayaks to tie off on while snorkelling the reef. Each buoy is located near a particular feature of the reef system.  A 1.1km paddle south-west across to the inside of the reef will take you to the first of two kayak moorings within Osprey Sanctuary Zone. A further paddle south another 500 metres along the inside of the reef leads to the second kayak mooring. Return by paddling to the north east along the shore to the Osprey small-boat launch area.

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MOORINGS:

  • Kayak 5 – The Lagoon: 22° 14.533'S, 113° 49.745'E;
  • Kayak 6 – The Bungle Bungles: 22° 14.805'S, 113° 49.744'E;

SITE INFORMATION: 

Kayak 5  The Lagoon - The depth of Kayak 5 ranges from three to seven metres, and is a lagoon inside the main reef. You can complete this in a loop pattern around the inside of the reef. This is a fantastic snorkel; some of the species observed include clams, anemone and anemone fish, reef sharks, a plethora of reef fish species and several coral species including plate coral to porites bombies to large stands of staghorn in pristine condition. 

Kayak 6 The Bungle Bungles - Kayak 6 ranges in depth from three to four metres.  It comprises of several large porites bombies on the inside of a channel, inside the main reef. A variety of fish species may be observed including many schooling fish, and again large patches of staghorn corals can be found on the western edge of the reef. 

These sites may be attempted individually or in any combination. The line on the map is for illustration purposes only. The actual route and duration are dependent on the number of sites visited, based on your own abilities. Once at the site, assess the currents prior to entry − it is recommended to snorkel into the current at the beginning of your snorkel to enable an easy return to the mooring. 

Exmouth Parks and Wildlife Office

08 9947 8000

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Exmouth Adventure Co

Exmouth Adventure Co specialises in small group eco tours based out of Exmouth, Western Australia.

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Be trail ready for Osprey Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Allow three hours return time, including snorkelling.

Length

3.2km, distance varies, depending on how many sites are visited

Trail Start

The trail starts from the small boat launch area in the Osprey Bay campground

Get directions

Trail End

Finish back where you started.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Beware of Currents and Winds at all sites. Check local weather conditions prior to leaving the shore.

All sites require paddling and snorkelling experience. It is your responsibility to ensure your experience is suitable for the site. If in doubt don’t go out.

Irukandji jellyfish can be present at Ningaloo - wearing stinger suits or rash shirts can reduce risk of being stung.

Maintain safe distance from wildlife - Look, Dont Touch!  

Safety

Be safe and plan your paddle.

Paddle with a friend to enhance the enjoyment and safety of your adventure.

Please ensure your craft is seaworthy and has the required safety equipment aboard as these sites are more than 400 metres from shore and there is no mobile phone coverage n this area. The required safety equipment includes life jacket, flares/PLB and a bailer (if not self draining).

The moorings hold a maximum of ten kayaks at any one time. 

Drinking water is not supplied in the National Park - Please bring your own water.  

Facilities

This trail is suitable for those with accessibility needs providing they have assistance. Milyering Discovery Centre located in Cape Range National Park have two foldable beach wheelchairs that can be used to assist access to the beach - To book them, please contact Parks and Wildlife Office in Exmouth  Ph (08) 9947 8000 or Milyering Discovery Centre Ph 08 99492808.  If a ranger is available, it may be possible for the ranger to transport the wheelchair for you. Please note, there are no universally accessible facilities at this site.

At the Osprey Campground there is a day-use area with picnic tables and shelter/shaded area.  Long-drop toilets (including an accessible toilet) are nearby. Parking is limited and it may be necessary to park elsewhere and walk back to the launch area.  This is a very popular campground and sites need to be booked well in advance to secure a booking. Bookings can be made up to 180 days before arrival.

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities

Best time of year

April to November

Fees

Park fees apply

Trail Access

Self drive, 2 days/ 1300km north of Perth near Exmouth and Coral Bay

Prohibited Items

ALL MOORINGS ARE LOCATED IN SANCTUARY ZONES – NO FISHING PERMITTED

NO DOGS OR OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS

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2 trail goers have rated Osprey Sanctuary Zone Kayak Trail, Ningaloo Marine Park as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Fayley Arthur

Reviewed 21 Dec 2023, 12:16pm

Absolutely spectacular sites. Each has a different flavour, but they are both incredible. Being too far to swim out, and not accessible for boats, these sites are in pristine condition. Highlight of my kayak trip up this coast.
Daniel Wieman

Reviewed 24 Oct 2021, 3:48pm

Absolutely stunningly beautiful

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