Nhuga Malinmayi — Shark Nursery

Did you know that when you visit the Ningaloo Reef you can see dozens of sharks without even stepping foot in the ocean? Coral bay is home to an incredible shark nursery— Nhuga Malinmayi. In the spring and summer months you can observe courtship behaviour, pregnant females and juvenile sharks sheltering in a shallow lagoon just a short 20 minute walk northwest of the main bay. 

The walk itself is very picturesque— soft dunes bristled with saltbush and wildflowers meet little rock pools at the waters edge. The diverse depths provide a beautiful contrast of sapphire, turquoise and baby blues. Wearing shoes is a good idea as some of the rocks along the way can be sharp or slippery.  

The best time to visit the shark nursery is after high tide, however varying numbers of sharks have been regularly sighted outside of these peak periods. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t see any sharks in the shallow lagoon closest to the shark nursery sign. If you continue along the beach towards Skeleton Bay, where the water is a little deeper, you will start to notice shadows in the water. Visibility is obviously improved when it is less windy. If unsure of the conditions when you arrive in Coral Bay, just pop into the visitors centre to learn more.

Sharks have been recorded aggregating in this area as early as 1925— nearly 100 years ago! The sheltered waters provide protection for juveniles until they are strong enough to roam the ocean, and eventually they return to complete the cycle. The most common species spotted here are black tip sharks, white tip sharks, grey reef sharks, and lemon sharks. 

Other wildlife such as blue spotted lagoon rays, juvenile leopard rays, Spanish dancer nudibranchs and even the critically endangered sawfish have been seen in this area. Birdlife includes crested terns, cormorants, pelicans, as well as hunting kestrels and osprey. 

When visiting the shark nursery it is your responsibility to minimise your impact, and act respectfully. You can observe the sharks clearly from shore, without entering the water and interfering. This is a safe space for juvenile sharks, remember that a forced interaction with humans early in life can have a negative impact later on. Please protect our fragile dunes and vegetation by staying on the beach, and leave your pets at home. This way, we can conserve this marvel of nature for generations to come.