It’s officially turtle season in Ningaloo: here's how to experience it

Witness one of nature’s sweetest spectacles without leaving a trace.

Every year from late October to March, something magical happens off Western Australia’s coast. In the shallows of Ningaloo Reef, hundreds of sea turtles gather to mate in the warm waters. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle – and one that you can experience firsthand.

What happens during turtle season?

There’s a reason why locals and tourists head to Ningaloo Reef at this time of year, one of Australia’s top UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Each spring and summer, it becomes a stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary cycles of life. Hundreds of sea turtles are arriving ahead of a five-month reproductive journey – from mating to nesting and finally, hatching.

Turtles at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia — Hundreds of turtles migrate to Ningaloo Reef each year. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The warmer temperatures, combined with the environmental conditions at Ningaloo, perfectly align with the turtles’ breeding and birthing period. It begins around mid-October, when adult turtles migrate to breeding areas and males court females. Copulation then takes place in the water.

Afterwards, the female returns to shore to catch her breath and nest – digging a chamber in the sand using her flippers. She can lay up to 100 eggs here, which then incubate in the warm sand. The hatchlings emerge from their shells around 60 days later, using the brightest horizon (often the moonlit sea) and the sound of waves to find their way to the ocean.

Turtle hatchling at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia — Baby hatchlings wriggle their way to the sea. (Image: Getty/Elsa Lassalle)

The best part? You can witness all three stages of this cycle – a truly unforgettable sight that few get to tick off the bucket list. Nature and wildlife lovers can watch as turtles mate, nest and hatch at Ningaloo Reef – as long as it’s done the right way.

How to experience turtle season responsibly

Turtle reproduction is an incredible process, but it often involves risks for both mother and baby. And while many of these challenges are simply part of nature’s design, others can stem from human activity. Being a mindful visitor goes a long way and can help protect these gentle creatures.

The most responsible way to experience turtle season is by booking a guided tour, which is also a great way to see Ningaloo Reef itself. These excursions are led by well-trained experts who know how to protect the turtles and minimise disturbances while ensuring guests have the best opportunity to catch a glimpse.

Local company Exmouth Adventure Co runs a four-hour Summer Sunset Turtle Watching Tour from $145 per person. As the sun sets, you’ll enjoy a quick snack while learning about the turtle watching ‘Code of Conduct’ developed by WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions . Then, you’ll head down to the beach with your guide to quietly observe nesting females using your newfound knowledge.

Kayaking along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia — Join a kayaking tour with Exmouth Adventure Co to spot turtles safely. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

To make it a full weekend escape, book a stay at Sal Salis, the luxurious and eco-conscious beachfront camp on the shores of Ningaloo Reef. Here, guests can join guided night walks or kayaking adventures to spot turtles from a safe distance. If you miss the season, visit Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre to meet injured turtles and support their rehabilitation.

Sal Salis at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia — Stay at Sal Salis, where turtles can hatch mere metres away. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

There are a few more important things to remember before booking your turtle-spotting trip. Keeping a respectful distance is crucial at all times. During mating, females may pair with multiple males. Once ashore, they need time to rest and catch their breath before nesting. If startled by humans, they may retreat to the water too soon, which can be fatal.

When hatching season arrives, distance remains key. Hatchlings can easily become disoriented and head the wrong way if distracted. If you’re observing at night, avoid using artificial light such as torches or lamps; baby turtles rely on the moon’s natural glow to find their way to the ocean. Touching the turtles at any time is strictly prohibited.

By following a few simple rules, listening to your guide and remaining patient, you could be rewarded with one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of your life.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

It’s officially turtle season in Ningaloo – here’s how to experience it