Monkey Mia is famous for its wild dolphin experiences in Western Australia. Located in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, it has clear turquoise waters, lots of marine life and a stunning coastline. But can you snorkel in Monkey Mia? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before you dive in.
Snorkelling – What to Expect
Monkey Mia is not really known for snorkeling but the shallow waters around the area give you an opportunity to see marine life. The bay has fish, sea turtles, manta rays, soft corals and even occasionally dugongs. Since the area is sandier it may not have the same vibrant coral reefs as other snorkeling spots on the eastern coast of Western Australia. A Monkey Mia tour is a great way to get an overview of the area’s marine life and learn about the best places to snorkel. A maritime professional will guide the tour and have lots of experience and knowledge of marine ecosystems and conservation.
If you want a more in-depth experience, book a professional dive tour and get a deeper understanding of the marine life. Experienced skippers and divemasters will navigate the waters and ensure safe and enjoyable wildlife encounters. Snorkel guides will give you a deeper understanding of the underwater ecology and point out species such as manta rays, sea turtles and soft corals.
Best Snorkeling Spots
If you want more diverse snorkeling experiences you may want to head to:
- Francois Peron National Park – Incredible marine life, coral formations and deeper waters. A 4WD adventure here will give you a scenic drive and marine life.
- Denham Foreshore – Great spot for casual snorkelling with pristine waters and marine life, perfect for a fun experience.
- Shark Bay Marine Park – Excellent snorkeling with seagrass meadows, coral patches and lots of wildlife, a great dive site.
- Drift Snorkel Sites – For those who want to experience the marine ecosystem. These sites allow you to float along with the current and see marine conservation up close.
Best Time to Snorkel
The best time to snorkel is during the summer months (November to April) when the water is warmer, and marine life is more active. Mornings are the best time to avoid strong winds and get the best visibility. The beach program and dolphin feeding also happen in the morning, so it’s a great time to do both.
Snorkel Guides and Professional Dive Tours
There are no snorkel tours in Monkey Mia but experienced skippers and professional skippers offer boat cruises and guided tours around Shark Bay. A professional dive guide can give you insight into marine conservation and marine ecosystems so you can understand the intricacy of the area. Some dive sites near Monkey Mia offer blue water, deep water and more. If you want a full experience, book a Monkey Mia tour which often includes guided snorkelling, wildlife talks and talks from local experts. These tours also cover cultural history and marine conservation.
Snorkeling Safety
- Check the weather before you go.
- Wear a rashie or wetsuit for sun protection and warmth.
- Don’t disturb the marine life and keep a safe distance from dolphins and dugongs.
- Be aware of the tides and currents as they can affect visibility and safety.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
Dolphins in Mia – What You Need to Know
Monkey Mia is famous for its dolphins, particularly the common bottlenose dolphin. Many people come for the dolphin feeding experience, which is a unique opportunity to see dolphin behaviour, dolphin communication and even dolphins up close. The beach interaction program gives you insight into the daily lives of these friendly dolphins including the elusive dolphin and female dolphins that frequent the area. A Monkey Mia tour often includes access to the beach interaction program so you can gain a deeper appreciation for these amazing marine mammals.
Dolphins from the boat are common and boat encounters allow you to see dolphin behavior in the blue water. But please be aware of boat noise which can impact dolphin communication and interaction.
Other Activities
Aside from snorkeling Monkey Mia has:
- Beach Program – Learn more about marine conservation and the importance of marine ecosystems.
- Road Trip & Four-Wheel Drive Adventures – Go off-road and explore nearby sand dunes and coastal spots.
- Boat Cruises & Boat Encounters – Spend time in the blue water and learn about dolphin behavior and interaction.
- Cultural History & Wildlife Talks – Get a deeper understanding of the region’s history and wildlife.
- Day Trips & Itineraries – Plan an 8-hour drive to other areas of Shark Bay including national parks. Booking a Monkey Mia tour can help you make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Snorkelling in Monkey Mia is possible but not the main activity in the area. For a richer underwater experience nearby spots like Shark Bay and Francois Peron National Park offer better snorkelling. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler the Shark Bay region has plenty to offer for marine enthusiasts looking for a fun experience and beautiful scenery. A Monkey Mia tour is a great way to see the area’s natural beauty, marine life and cultural history in one trip.
FAQ
Can you see dolphins while snorkelling in Monkey Mia?
Yes, but not guaranteed. Dolphins are more often seen in shallow waters near the shore. Best dolphin interactions happen during the daily feeding times at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Experience.
Is Monkey Mia good for beginner snorkelers?
Yes, the calm waters and shallow waters make it a good spot for beginners but for a more exciting experience nearby spots like Shark Bay Marine Park have better visibility and marine diversity.
Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?
Recommended to bring your own gear but some local accommodations and tour operators may offer rentals.
Are there any guided snorkelling tours in Monkey Mia?
Most tours in Monkey Mia focus on dolphin watching, boat encounters and wildlife talks. For better snorkelling options consider booking a marine tour around Shark Bay where maritime professionals can provide a wealth of knowledge and experience. A Monkey Mia tour may also include snorkelling for those who want a guided experience.
What marine life can I see while snorkelling in Monkey Mia?
Fish visitors, rays, sea turtles, soft corals and sometimes dugongs. For more marine life and coral reefs other Shark Bay locations offer better snorkelling.