Jurien Bay Marine Park: Snorkeling and Diving Near the Pinnacles

Jurien Bay Marine Park on Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a nature lover’s paradise and underwater enthusiast’s dream. Whether you snorkel, scuba dive, or enjoy the coastal views, there’s something for everyone.

Located near Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park and Wedge Island, Jurien Bay Marine Park has the most beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches in Western Australia. You’ll see a kaleidoscope of marine life, including Australian sea lions, western rock lobsters and dolphin fish. These are just a few of the many species that call the park’s reef system home.

A Snorkeler and Diver’s Playground

The coastline within Jurien Bay Marine Park is a snorkeler and diver’s dream. The marine park is famous for its underwater attractions – coral reefs, limestone formations and shipwrecks – and it’s a fun adventure for all explorers.

One of the best things about visiting the park is swimming with sea lions. These beautiful creatures are friendly and curious and are a favourite of snorkelers. The best way to see them is to join one of the local Pinnacle tours or Turquoise Safaris, which offers snorkelling trips to Boullanger Island, where you can have an interactive wildlife experience.

For divers the park offers great diving with visibility often over 20 metres. The water is clear enough to see coral gardens, rocky outcrops and the unique limestone spires of the Pinnacles Desert. Dive deeper and you may see schools of Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna or the park’s resident western rock lobsters – all adding to the excitement of diving in this incredible experience.

The Pinnacles Desert

Just a short drive from Jurien Bay is Nambung National Park and the famous Pinnacles Desert. These otherworldly limestone spires rise dramatically from the yellow desert sands and attract thousands of visitors each year. Many people come for the land based exploration but the underwater world near the Pinnacles is just as amazing. Dive around these formations and you’ll find hidden caves and coral bommies teeming with marine life.

If you want to do it all, combine your Pinnacles Tour with a stop at Hangover Bay or Dynamite Bay for some coastal camping or recreational fishing. These bays are a great place to unwind after a day of underwater exploration and are some of the best fishing spots on the Coral Coast. Don’t forget your fishing gear, as these waters are full of fish and are favourites among fishermen.

Marine Life and Natural Wonders of Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay Marine Park is full of amazing creatures and natural wonders. Snorkelers will see a multitude of marine life, coral reefs, fish and the odd dolphin fish. Island Point and Boulanger Island are the best places to snorkel as the lagoons are shallow and the water is calm.

For divers, the reef system is a must to explore. The coral reefs and reef balls are home to a vast array of marine life, from small reef fish to larger pelagic species. On deeper dives, you may find western rock lobsters hiding in rocky crevices or a school of Spanish mackerel swimming through the reefs.

Beyond the marine life the park has some amazing land based scenery. During wildflower season visitors can see the wildflowers blooming along the coast and add a splash of colour to the Southern Coral Coast. The contrast of the turquoise water and the wildflowers makes Jurien Bay a photographer’s paradise.

More Than Just a Marine Park

While Jurien Bay Marine Park is the main attraction, there’s plenty more to see and do in the area. Just north of town is Green Head, a lovely coastal town where you can spend a day exploring. The town has Sandy Cape Recreational Park where you can camp or take a dip in the calm waters of North Head. If you prefer more land based activities the nearby Turquoise Way Trail is a scenic bike and hike route.

If you’re visiting with family, Dobbyn Park in Jurien Bay is a great spot to have a picnic, let the kids play at the skate park or sit back with a hot drink. The park is also close to the town’s youth precinct, so it’s a great spot for families.

For history buffs a trip to Lesueur National Park is an opportunity to explore one of Western Australia’s most botanically diverse areas. The park has hundreds of plant species, including rare orchids and banksias so it’s a must visit during wildflower season. The Indian Ocean Drive makes it easy to get to both Nambung National Park and Lesueur so it’s the perfect route for a day trip.

A Fisherman’s Paradise

If you love fishing, Jurien Bay is a fisherman’s dream. Whether you’re into rock lobster fishing or catching dolphin fish and yellowfin tuna, the waters around Jurien Bay have you covered. You can even join a fishing charter like Lion Charters and catch the day’s catch.

Scuba divers will find plenty of thrills beneath the surface. From artificial reefs to coral gardens, Jurien Bay has it all. For more information on the marine life of the area, the Bay Underwater Interpretive Snorkel and Dive Trail is a must-do.

Visit Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is only an hour and a half from Indian Ocean Drive, making it the perfect day trip or weekend escape from Perth. The drive takes you past some of Western Australia’s most beautiful scenery, including white sand beaches and mangroves. Along the way, you’ll find alternative accommodation options, including RAC Cervantes Holiday Park and holiday homes in the area.

Before you go, check the weather for best visibility for diving and snorkelling. Even in late winter the water is calm so it’s good all year round. If you’re getting away in winter, Jurien Bay has plenty of sunny days and easy going activities to do.

For the thrill seekers, don’t miss Skydive Jurien Bay for the ultimate rush or take a scenic flight over the Pinnacles for a bird’s eye view. Whatever your interest, Jurien Bay and the surrounding area is the ultimate trip with adventure, camping and coastal exploration.

FAQ

What marine life can I see in Jurien Bay?

You’ll see a wide range of marine species including Australian sea lions, dolphin fish, yellowfin tuna and western rock lobsters. The coral reefs are home to coral formations, schools of smaller fish and rays.

When should I visit Jurien Bay Marine Park?

September to May is the best time to visit when the water is warm and visibility is good. This is wildflower season and the conditions are perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Are there guided tours in Jurien Bay?

Yes, there are several tour operators including Autopia Tours and Wildlife Tours that offer snorkelling, diving and fishing Pinnacles tours from Perth. These tours are a great way to see the park and its marine life.

What else can I do near Jurien Bay?

In addition to snorkelling and diving, you can recreational fish, camp at Sandy Cape Recreational Park or visit nearby Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour, Lesueur National Park and Green Head.

Can I swim with the Australian sea lions?

Yes, swimming with the sea lions in Jurien Bay is safe and fun. They are curious and friendly.