Meet the site
Helga's Tunnels is one of the named Lighthouse Bay sites alongside Blizzard Ridge, The Labyrinth, Gulliver's and Dibley's, and it is the one marketed for tunnel exploration. Australia's Coral Coast lists it with a maximum depth of about 30 m, deeper than the 12–18 m typical of the rest of the bay, which makes it better suited to Advanced divers.
The reef here is cut by tunnels and swim-throughs formed in the limestone, which attract glassfish and sweepers, and give shelter to crayfish, moray eels, wobbegongs and resting whitetip reef sharks. Outside the tunnels the reef supports the same fish-rich environment as the rest of the bay — schooling reef fish, turtles and sea snakes — with pelagic visitors possible along the deeper margins.
Detailed published accounts of the individual tunnels are scarce, so the dive is best done with an operator who knows the layout. Tunnels are short and open-ended rather than true overhead cave, but they still demand good buoyancy and awareness of other divers kicking up sand. Because it is less frequently scheduled than Blizzard Ridge, it is worth asking operators for it on calm days if you have Advanced certification.
Like the rest of Lighthouse Bay, it was affected by the 2025 marine heatwave; check with operators on current coral condition. Expect to spend most of the dive shallower than the maximum; the tunnels themselves are the focus and the deeper sections are optional for those with appropriate certification and gas.
Planning notes: Advanced Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated intermediate. Expect to spend most of the dive around 15 m, with a maximum of about 30 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Best season: April–November (whale sharks March–July, humpbacks July–October, mantas year-round). Traffic: moderate (occasional charters/club dives).
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Helga's Tunnels is recorded as Reef in Ningaloo – Exmouth. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Helga's Tunnels suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Helga's Tunnels through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Glassfish and sweepers in tunnels, crayfish, moray eels, wobbegongs, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, sea snakes, schooling reef fish, occasional pelagics
Location
Reef with tunnels and swim-throughs in Lighthouse Bay off the northern tip of North West Cape; listed as the deepest of the Lighthouse Bay sites.
Facilities nearby
Bundegi boat ramp: toilets, shade, parking; air fills and hire at Exmouth dive shops
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
australiascoralcoast.comexmouthresort.net.auaustraliadive.com.ausummerstar.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.