Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim
About your Whale Shark Swim
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo reef! The Coral Coast of Western Australia is a haven for unique wildlife, national parks, and vibrant reefs waiting to be explored. Ningaloo Discovery offers unforgettable boat and sailing cruises, specialising in whale shark snorkel and interaction tours.
From March to July, Ningaloo Reef becomes one of the world’s best places to swim with whale sharks. With crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility, snorkelers can glide alongside these gentle giants as they cruise just below the surface. All necessary equipment, including snorkel gear and flotation aids, is provided, along with expert guides passionate about marine life.
Western Australia’s pristine beaches, breathtaking coastline, and diverse coral reef make Exmouth a must-visit destination. As the only place in Australia where you can join a whale shark tour, Ningaloo Discovery offers the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable marine adventure!
Highlights
- Swimming with whale sharks (in season) or Ningaloo’s most charismatic marine life
- Experienced, friendly, professional crew to support you in the water and on board
- Spotter planes to ensure the most sightings possible
Trips Available
For your whale shark swim adventure, you can choose between a sailing catamaran and a powerboat for the same experience. If you happen to be in Exmouth and it’s not the peak season for whale shark sightings (March to July), there are still tours available with the other incredible marine life that Exmouth has to offer, as well as a chance to still potentially see whale sharks in the shoulder season (August to October)!
Booking Conditions
Upon booking, please insure that you provide the address of where you are staying whilst in Exmouth, any dietary requirements, your swimming/ snorkelling ability, and any medical conditions.
What to bring
- Your excitement and positivity!
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Towel
- Warm clothes for after snorkelling
- Sea sickness medication if you feel like you may need it
Inclusions
- Full day tour (approx. 7hrs)
- Complimentary bus transfers from your accommodation in Exmouth to the boat ramp and return.
- Experienced, professional award winning crew on board and supporting you in the water as much as you need. Interesting informative spiels about the area and the marine life will keep you entertained too.
- Spotter aircraft to ensure best possible opportunity of sighting and swimming with marine life such as Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays!
- Small groups when swimming with marine life to ensure everyone gets a great experience
- Opportunity to swim with Whale Shark and/or Humpback Whale on the day if we locate them.
- Opportunity to swim with Manta Rays if we encounter them!
- Snorkelling on the Ningaloo Reef
- Quality snorkel equipment including mask, snorkel, fins of all sizes
- Wetsuits of all sizes
- Flotation aids and life jackets available on board if required
- Marine specialists onboard to answer all your questions and guide you
- Yummy morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea provided, we can cater to dietary needs
- Sunscreen, water, dry area for your belongings and shade on board
- Celebratory glass of sparkling wine
- A discount on future tours
- All government fees and charges included in the price (2% transaction fee applies to credit card payments)
- Complimentary professional photography package of the day. Thats right, ALL THE PHOTOS FOR FREE!
Full Itinerary
Peak Whale Shark Season Itinerary
7:45 AM – Hotel Pick-Up
An air-conditioned bus will collect you directly from your doorstep, where the friendly crew will welcome you aboard for an unforgettable day. Sit back, relax, and soak in the coastal scenery as guides share fascinating insights about the Ningaloo Reef and the incredible experience ahead.
Morning Snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef
Begin the day with a warm-up snorkel at one of the world’s most breathtaking reefs. Discover vibrant coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and, if lucky, manta rays or dugongs. Guides will be in the water to assist, ensuring all snorkelers feel comfortable, with floating noodles available for extra support.
Whale Shark Spotting Begins
While exploring the reef, a spotter plane takes off to locate the first whale shark of the day. The excitement builds as the skipper steers the boat toward the whale shark’s location.
Whale Shark Swim – The Ultimate Encounter
Once a whale shark is spotted, it’s time to jump into the crystal-clear waters of the Ningaloo. Divided into small groups, snorkelers enter the water alongside experienced guides to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the world’s largest fish, which can range from 4 to 12 meters in length (and sometimes even larger!).
Throughout the encounter, a professional photographer captures every incredible moment, both underwater and on the surface, with complimentary photos included.
Multiple Whale Shark Swims
With the spotter plane continuing its search, expect multiple opportunities to swim alongside these gentle giants throughout the day. Each encounter is as breathtaking as the first!
Gourmet Lunch & Marine Wildlife Search
After an exhilarating morning, enjoy a delicious onboard lunch while the boat cruises in search of other incredible marine wildlife, including manta rays, dugongs, and (seasonally) humpback whales.
For those seeking relaxation, unwind in the famous cargo net and enjoy a refreshing tow through the pristine waters of the Ningaloo Lagoon.
Sunset Sail & Celebration
As the adventure winds down, celebrate an unforgettable day with a glass of sparkling wine and a seasonal fruit platter. Feel the ocean breeze as the sails are set, and soak in the tranquil sounds of the water against the hull during the return journey.
3/4pm Return to Your Accommodation
To wrap up the experience, enjoy a comfortable transfer back to your accommodation, reminiscing about the magic of the day and wondering why you didn’t do it all sooner!
Shoulder Season Itinerary
7:45 AM – Hotel Pick-Up & Boarding
Begin the day with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation and transfer to the Windcheetah sailing catamaran. Upon arrival, meet the friendly crew and get fitted with masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Morning Snorkel in the Sheltered Lagoon
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Reef for a warm-up snorkel at a stunning lagoon site. Explore vibrant coral gardens, colorful fish, and possibly even sea turtles or rays. This is the perfect time to practice snorkeling, adjust gear, and ask any questions before encountering larger marine life.
Marine Wildlife Spotting & Interaction
While enjoying morning tea, a spotter plane begins scanning the reef for marine life. The crew will navigate the boat for up-close wildlife encounters, including humpback whales, whale sharks, and manta rays. If conditions allow, guests will have the opportunity to swim with these incredible creatures for a truly unforgettable experience.
Buffet Lunch & Reef Exploration
Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch while cruising the reef in search of more wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins, dugongs, and other marine wonders that call Ningaloo home.
Afternoon Snorkel on the Reef
Head back inside the turquoise waters of the lagoon for a second snorkel at a specially selected reef site. Discover more of Ningaloo’s diverse marine life in this serene and picturesque setting.
Sunset Sail & Celebration
Unwind with a refreshing afternoon tea and a glass of sparkling wine as the catamaran sails back to shore. Enjoy the stunning ocean views and reflect on the day’s unforgettable encounters.
3/4pm Return to Your Accommodation
Arrive back at your accommodation, full of smiles and incredible memories from an extraordinary day on the Ningaloo Reef!
FAQ
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