Exmouth
Each year from March to August, whale sharks—the world’s largest fish—gather off Exmouth, drawn by Ningaloo Reef’s thriving ecosystem. Their arrival begins with the annual coral spawning in March, followed by nutrient-rich upwellings that bring plankton to the surface, creating a perfect feeding ground.
Growing up to 15 meters long, these gentle giants are harmless, slow-moving, and curious, often swimming alongside snorkelers. While whale sharks visit other locations, Ningaloo offers one of the longest seasons to see them in large numbers, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
This exclusive tour is designed for experienced snorkellers seeking the ultimate wildlife encounter. The focus is on swimming with one of the “Big Three” mega fauna—Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks, or other large marine species—depending on the day’s conditions and animal behaviour.
From June to October, guests may have the rare opportunity to enter the water with relaxed Humpback Whales under strict guidelines, in small groups of up to seven swimmers plus a guide and videographer. Non-swimming participants can enjoy extraordinary close-up views from the vessel, observing these majestic animals from as near as 75 metres—closer than any other whale-watching tour in Australia.
Each day on the water is unique, offering an authentic and unpredictable adventure guided by expert crews dedicated to providing the best possible encounters.
Although the Whale shark swim is not a diving tour, there are options for scuba diving on Ningaloo Reef.
Looking to dive whilst in Exmouth? Check out the diving trips in the Pricing Section under – Ningaloo Reef Double Dive Tour
All DPaW fees included, a proportion of your ticket price goes towards Whaleshark Research.
Good ‘Whaleshark Swim’ Guarantees that in the unlikely event no whale shark is sighted on your Whale Shark Adventure with us or you just didn’t get a good swim. The operator offers a free repeat tour on standby, yours to take in the next 3 years. (conditions apply).
Dive into the stunning underwater world of Ningaloo Reef with a tour that visits two unique dive sites, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of this region. From turtles and sea snakes to manta rays, wobbegongs, soft corals, and moray eels, the reef is teeming with marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for whitetip reef sharks, nudibranchs, colourful reef fish, and many more fascinating critters!
Each day, we carefully select the best dive sites based on conditions, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience.
Your tour includes:
Perfect for those short on time or simply looking to try diving, our Discover SCUBA Diving Experience offers a taste of the underwater world without committing to the full PADI Open Water Course.
During this experience, you’ll learn basic dive theory with your instructor, get introduced to dive equipment, and enjoy two boat dives at two different dive sites. These are the same incredible spots that our certified divers visit, so you’ll be exploring the best of what Ningaloo Reef has to offer. Dive in and discover the magic beneath the surface!
8:30 AM – Meeting at Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks, and heading to Ningaloo Reef for an exciting day of diving.
Enjoy two incredible dives at different sites showcasing the vibrant marine life of Ningaloo Reef, including turtles, sharks, and colourful corals. Between dives, relax with light snacks and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
4:30 PM – Return to Exmouth, concluding your unforgettable day diving the stunning Ningaloo Reef.
Total duration: Approx. 8 hours.
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