The Tantabiddy Boat Ramp is located on the North West Cape near Exmouth, Western Australia. It serves as a key departure point for whale shark and humpback whale snorkelling tours, with a two-lane concrete ramp and adjacent jetties used for docking and loading passengers onto tour boats.
The ramp provides convenient access to the clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef, making it a popular spot for both recreational and commercial operators. However, the ramp itself is relatively small for the level of traffic it receives, particularly during tour departure and return times, which can lead to congestion.
Boaters should take care at low tide, as the ramp is quite shallow. It’s advisable to stay close to the marked channels and avoid the area to the left of the ramp. Windy conditions can also make launching and retrieving vessels more difficult, so checking tide and weather conditions ahead of time is recommended. A small lake often forms beside the parking area during low tide.
Next to the ramp, there's a large parking area with loads of space, but it can get hectic when the whale shark tours are coming and going. Some users have noted that clearly marked bays would improve the efficiency and usability of the parking area. A wide turning circle is available and works well for rigging and de-rigging boats.
Amenities include clean public toilets and marine zone information pamphlets. However, there is no shade at the ramp, so visitors are advised to bring sun protection and plenty of water!
Feature |
Description |
Number of ramp lanes |
2 (with jetties) |
Fish cleaning facilities |
None |
Carpark spaces |
Wide parking space including car and trailer parking |
Amenities |
Toilets |
Ramp rating |
- Very Good |