Exmouth (Sandy Bay)
Also known as: Sandy Bay, Ningaloo
Crystal-clear turquoise water, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range backdrop
Wind & season
Wind, water and season at this WA, Exmouth / Ningaloo Coast, Australia spot - what to expect and when to come.
Sea breeze blows predominantly afternoons from mid-August through March (warm season)
SSW to SW summer sea breeze, best afternoons; due-south is offshore; SE, ESE, E and NE are offshore and must be avoided (not a SE trade-wind spot)
Consistent afternoon sea breeze in season
Spring to autumn, roughly Sep to Mar, driven by afternoon SW sea breeze
Reef-protected bay; tide affects reef exposure (est)
Remote, intense sun, cyclone risk in summer wet season
The water
Mixed (flat bay, reef waves offshore)
Shallow flat protected bay with sandy bottom; deeper as wind builds
Warm ~20-26 C, warmest Dec-Jun
Boardshorts or shorty; thin suit in cooler months
Skill & group fit
Beginner (light wind) to advanced freeride/slalom
2 (easy)
Shallow flat bay suits mixed levels; offshore fringing-reef breaks for experts only
Great for beginners in light wind; remote, vehicle required
Getting there & schools
Beach launch at Sandy Bay, ~70 km S of Exmouth in Cape Range NP; sandy foreshore
Self-drive ~70 km S of Exmouth via Cape Range NP roads
Exmouth Surf Centre (IKO lessons/hire), Exmouth Kite Surfing Adventures
Ningaloo Lighthouse Holiday Park nearby; minimal at bay; full amenities in Exmouth town
Ningaloo Reef snorkelling, whale sharks, Cape Range NP, diving, fishing
Uncrowded, remote, relaxed
Permits & safety
Southern end sits inside Cape Range National Park, park entry fees apply
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Side-off winds and beach wind shadows, remote with no amenities, busy beach, Ningaloo marine life; launch upwind at western end for cleaner wind
Exmouth Health Service (Lyon St); serious cases flown to Perth
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand wind-sport spot report. Coordinates are approximate.