Dive Site: Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles

About Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles

The Exmouth Navy Pier, often rated among the top shore dives globally and a premier Australian dive site, is located just 14 kilometers from Exmouth. This 300-meter-long pier remains an active naval facility, utilized by Navy ships for the nearby base, restricting general public access. Consequently, diving here is exclusively managed by licensed operators, enhancing the preservation of its vibrant marine ecosystem. The pier's unique status, coupled with a prohibition on fishing, creates an "oasis in the desert" effect, where marine life congregates for shelter and sustenance, resulting in an exceptionally high biodiversity within a compact area. Diving at the pier is entirely dependent on tidal movements due to significant currents. Dives are meticulously timed for slack water periods, allowing for either single or double dives based on the lunar cycle. The structure itself is a haven for soft corals and sponges, thriving on the nutrient-rich currents. These filter feeders, in turn, attract a colorful array of reef fish, from intricate butterflyfish to schooling fusiliers, making it a spectacular environment for observation. Beneath the shadowy framework, divers encounter large schools of snapper, rabbitfish, and impressive groupers. The site is also home to sea snakes, wobbegong sharks, and frequently, grey nurse sharks, particularly during the southern winter months. Macro enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of nudibranchs, flatworms, scorpionfish, frogfish, moray eels, toadfish, shrimp, and octopuses tucked into every crevice and cranny. This rich tapestry of life, from the minute to the magnificent, makes the Navy Pier a photographer's dream. Visibility can range from 3 to 10 meters, influenced by weather and tidal conditions. However, the sheer density of marine life ensures that even on days with lesser visibility, the underwater spectacle remains captivating. Divers should be prepared for security procedures given its status as a Defence Restricted

Dive site facts: Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles

Depth

14 m

Typical dive

14 m, 50 min

Current

Strong, only dived at slack tide

Visibility

3–10 m

Entry

Long stride from pier

Level

Certified, logged dives within 6 months

Dive type

Pier dive, macro, pelagics

Region / port

Exmouth, Western Australia

Coordinates

-21.812, 114.16

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Exmouth Navy Pier is strictly regulated by tidal movements, as the area experiences very strong currents. Dives are exclusively conducted during slack water, which means dive times vary daily depending on the moon phase. Failure to adhere to slack tide can result in dangerously fast currents capable of carrying a diver out to sea at speeds up to 40 km/hr. Entry typically involves a long stride from the pier, sometimes a 2-meter drop, requiring divers to be ready and in the water quickly. Visibility usually ranges from 3 to 10 meters, fluctuating with weather and tidal conditions. Divers should expect these specific conditions and be prepared for swift entries and exits, always following the guide's instructions for a safe experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Wobbegong shark

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Trevallies

common

Sweetlips

common

Coral trout

occasional

Grouper

common

Angelfish

common

Catfish

occasional

Butterflyfish

common

Olive sea snake

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Grey nurse shark

Southern winter months · occasional

Nudibranch

common

Flatworm

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers for Exmouth Navy Pier gather at the dive operator's office in Exmouth town, where gear is prepared before a 30-minute van ride to the pier. Upon arrival, extensive video briefings are provided, covering site specifics and stringent security procedures, as it's an active naval base. Entry involves a long stride from the pier's platform, with a drop of up to 3 meters, which must be executed quickly and efficiently at slack water. The dive typically lasts around 50 minutes at a depth of 14 meters, exploring the pilings and submerged structures. The route usually follows the pier's length, allowing observation of diverse marine life that congregates around the supports. Safety stops are conducted during the ascent back to the platform, from which divers exit the water.

Underwater photography

The Exmouth Navy Pier is an exceptional site for underwater photography, appealing to both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts due to its immense biodiversity. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the pier structure adorned with soft corals, as well as schooling fish like trevallies and snapper. For macro photography, a dedicated macro lens will reveal the intricate details of nudibranchs, flatworms, and various small critters inhabiting the pier's nooks and crannies. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life, especially given that visibility can range from 3 to 10 meters and light penetration beneath the pier may be limited. Practicing excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and to navigate safely around the delicate ecosystem of the pier pilings without touching them. Always respect the marine life and maintain a safe distance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ningaloo Reef - Lighthouse Bay

  A section of the broader Ningaloo Reef, known for its diverse marine life and typically combined with Navy Pier dives.

• Ningaloo Reef - Turquoise Bay

  Another popular spot within Ningaloo Reef, often visited for snorkeling and drift dives.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Exmouth Navy Pier requires coordination through the sole licensed dive operator, Dive Ningaloo. Divers first meet at the operator's office in Exmouth to finalize arrangements and collect gear. A van then transports divers about 30 minutes to the naval base. Strict security protocols are in place, requiring photo ID for entry, and photography within the base is prohibited. A mandatory surcharge of $50 AUD per person is payable on the day for access to the Defence Restricted Area. Dive trips typically involve either a single or double dive, with scheduling entirely dependent on slack tide availability. This dive is generally integrated into broader itineraries exploring the Ningaloo Reef.

Safety & environment

Diving the Exmouth Navy Pier requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to strong currents and its status as an active naval base. All dives are meticulously timed for slack water periods, and divers must follow guides' instructions for rapid entry and exit. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Perth, approximately 1,250 kilometers away, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Divers must be certified and have recent logged dives to ensure competence in potentially challenging conditions. It is crucial not to dive if feeling unwell or recovering from illness, as this can severely impair judgment and physical performance. Respecting the restricted area rules and refraining from photography within the base premises are mandatory.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles FAQ

Liveaboards diving Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles

These liveaboards may visit Exmouth Navy Pier - Outer Piles on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$406/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day