About the Port
Exmouth sits at the tip of the North West Cape peninsula in Western Australia, a small, laid-back town that serves as the gateway to Ningaloo Reef. Unlike many of the world's great reefs, Ningaloo lies just offshore, making it one of the few places where snorkelers and divers can reach vibrant coral gardens directly from the beach. The waters here are seasonally famous for gatherings of whale sharks, along with manta rays and migrating humpback whales.
Inland, Cape Range National Park offers a striking contrast of arid limestone ranges cut by deep gorges, with walking trails overlooking turquoise water at spots such as Turquoise Bay. As a remote port, Exmouth is typically reached by tender, and shore time is best spent on organized reef or park excursions rather than independent wandering. The result is a rare pairing of desert and marine wilderness in a single, uncrowded destination.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Exmouth.
Snorkel Turquoise Bay
Drift snorkel over vibrant coral just steps from the sand, one of the easiest ways to see Ningaloo's marine life without a boat. Bring reef shoes and expect a short taxi or tour transfer from the tender pier.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Join a licensed boat excursion to snorkel alongside the world's largest fish in open water off Ningaloo Reef. Book ahead, as spots fill fast and this is a signature, seasonal Exmouth experience.
Hike Yardie Creek Gorge
Follow the rim trail above this dramatic limestone gorge in Cape Range National Park for views of turquoise water framed by red cliffs, an easy 1-2 hour walk best done with an organized park tour.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Exmouth
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2026 | Holland America | Noordam | 35 | $14,624 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 145 | $87,269 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 126 | $90,099 | |
| Mar 9, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 37 | $29,834 | |
| Mar 9, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 63 | $40,884 | |
| Mar 9, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 82 | $46,834 | |
| Mar 26, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Quest | 20 | $16,021 | |
| Jun 2, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Navigator | 14 | $10,249 | |
| Nov 24, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 17 | $2,254 | |
| Nov 26, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 15 | $2,457 | |
| Dec 19, 2027 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 14 | $2,456 | |
| Jan 2, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 10 | $1,639 | |
| Jan 16, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 9 | $1,339 | |
| Jan 18, 2028 | Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 32 | $30,099 | |
| Jan 29, 2028 | Princess | Sapphire Princess | 14 | $2,276 | |
| Jan 30, 2028 | Holland America | Zaandam | 90 | $20,659 |