Question 1

How far offshore is the sailfish water from Tantabiddi?

Accepted Answer

Closer than anywhere else on the WA coast that you can launch a trailer boat. The continental shelf line in 100m of water sits a 20–30 minute run outside the gap depending on swell and traffic, and sailfish are reliably caught on that drop-off between September and January. Marlin sit a bit further out and are usually a bigger-boat proposition.

Question 2

Where exactly is the Tantabiddi sanctuary zone?

Accepted Answer

The sanctuary zone sits adjacent to the ramp covering a defined section of lagoon and reef — it is a no-take green zone with no recreational or commercial fishing permitted. The recreation zone on the other side of the boundary is where you fish. Use the Marine Parks WA app or the DBCA zoning map before every drift; boundaries are clearly mapped and enforcement is camera-supported.

Question 3

Is Tantabiddi a better choice than the Exmouth Marina ramp?

Accepted Answer

For the western-side fishery, yes — Tantabiddi is the closest launch to the lagoon, the gap and the outer reef. The Exmouth Marina ramp is the right call for the Exmouth Gulf side, the Muirons and the eastern shoals. Most multi-day Exmouth trips use both depending on the wind.

Question 4

Can I spearfish at Tantabiddi?

Accepted Answer

Spearfishing is allowed in the recreation zone but with restrictions — no spearfishing between Tantabiddi Well and Winderabandi Point, no compressed air (SCUBA or hookah), and no spearing of wrasse, tuskfish, baldchin groper, coral trout, estuary cod or coronation trout. Sanctuary zones are entirely closed to spearfishing. Check the DPIRD spearfishing brochure for Ningaloo before a trip.

Tantabiddi (Boat Ramp / Lagoon Gap / Outer Reef Drop-off)