best whale shark tours exmouth

5 BEST Whale Shark Tours Exmouth, WA (2024 Guide)

Looking for the best whale shark tours Exmouth, Western Australia?!

This is your ultimate guide for the best ones to join this year!

Not only will you get up close and swim with whale sharks Exmouth, but you will also explore some of the most beautiful coral reefs imaginable!

Exmouth is home to one of Australia’s best whale shark sighting locations, so it’s safe to say a whale shark tour in Exmouth is not to be missed!

BEST WHALE SHARK TOUR IN EXMOUTH

In a rush? Let me make it short – Exmouth’s best whale shark tour is the 3-Island Shark Dive in Ningaloo !

Plus, they have almost 500 positive reviews online!

In this full guide, I’ll go through the best whale shark tours in Exmouth, as well as other important information like the Exmouth whale shark season, the inclusions, and more.

Table of Contents

WHALE SHARKS EXMOUTH – OVERVIEW

Before diving into the best whale shark tours Ningaloo in Exmouth, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions.

IS IT WORTH TAKING A WHALE SHARK TOUR IN EXMOUTH?

Absolutely! After all, where else in Australia can you swim with the biggest fish in the sea and have an adventure of a lifetime?

Apart from seeing the sharks, tours generally last the whole day and include a buffet lunch and an afternoon tea – what a cool experience to make new friends!

HOW LONG DO WHALE SHARK TOURS IN EXMOUTH LAST?

Whale shark swims in Exmouth generally last the whole day, for 6 to 8 hours, including lunch and afternoon tea.

IS EXMOUTH OR CORAL BAY BETTER FOR SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS?

Should I swim with whale sharks in Exmouth or Coral Bay?

Exmouth is overall better than Coral Bay as you have more chances to spot and swim with them.

From March to September, you can join a tour and have a chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

Plus, the whale shark tours in Exmouth are suitable for all levels of swimmers and snorkelers.

5 BEST WHALE SHARK TOURS EXMOUTH

Now that we’ve uncovered some of the most frequently asked questions, let’s jump into our main topic – the best Ningaloo Reef whale shark tours in Exmouth!

As you know by now, Exmouth is one of the best spots in the world to see whale sharks, and lucky for you, there are plenty of tours to choose from.

To help you make the most of your adventure, I’ve rounded up the 6 best Exmouth whale shark tours and why you should consider them.

Let’s dive in! (pun intended 😉 )

1. 3-ISLAND SHARK DIVE IN THE NINGALOO REEF

🕛 Duration: 8 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Tour

Topping this list is this best Ningaloo whale shark tour, where you’ll swim alongside these creatures on this exhilarating experience in Exmouth.

On this full-day adventure, you’ll get the chance to observe the incredible whale sharks close up as the guide takes you to the best spots.

You will also have a chance to snorkel over the stunning coral reef, where you can spot turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and, of course, the iconic whale sharks!

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is made even better with a professional underwater photographer capturing your moments with the giant creatures.

With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Exmouth, lunch, snack platters, and a glass of bubbles included in your package, what more could you ask for?

I highly suggest booking ahead of time, as this tour sells out super fast in the Exmouth whale shark season!

This experience was absolutely incredible! Worth every single penny! The crew was great, the ship was lovely, and of course the whale sharks!! It was truly unforgettable and I am so happy I was able to experience it. Jonathan, Viator

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks
• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• Transportation around 3 islands
• Celebratory glass of Champagne
• Professional photographer (in and out of the water)

2. 7-HOUR WHALE SHARK DIVE WITH LUNCH & GEAR

🕛 Duration: 7 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Tour

Calling all the ocean enthusiasts! On this whale sharks tour in Exmouth, you’ll embark on the ultimate marine escapade: swimming alongside the majestic whale shark, the world’s largest fish!

If you’ve ever dreamt of frolicking with these gentle giants, the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, Australia, is the place to be.

With cushy seating and plenty of shade, the “Ningaloo Blue” vessel makes every ocean lover’s dream come true. For sighting those elusive sea creatures, there’s even an observation deck!

Depending on the time of year you venture into these waters, you may not just spot whale sharks but also manta rays and turtles.

What makes this tour truly unique though, is the amazing crew, always ready to help with a smile and they surely know how to keep you entertained!

The best part? You won’t have to worry about a thing, as the tour includes roundup hotel transport from Exmouth, which means less time worrying about logistics.

In conclusion, if you’re on the hunt for the best whale shark tour Exmouth, look no further than this 7-hour extravaganza!

A great day out with plenty of sightings/ swims with whale sharks and even a close encounter with a humpback whale and calf! Particularly lucky to have had smooth seas and little wind. All making it a fantastic day. Edward, Viator

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Exmouth
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Lunch, coffee, tea
• Professional photographer on boar d
• Experienced tour guides around the Ningaloo Reef

3. NINGALOO REEF DOUBLE SCUBA DIVING EXPERIENCE

🕛 Duration: 8 hours | Group Tour

Get ready for another best whale shark tour Exmouth that will leave you speechless!

While diving in the incredibly beautiful Ningaloo Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in itself, swimming alongside the Exmouth whale sharks takes the adventure to a whole new level!

This epic whale shark tour starts with a quick snorkel to introduce you to the corals, diverse fish, and other fascinating marine life.

After that, the main attraction: the experienced crew will guide you to the perfect spot in the reef where you can take the plunge into the deep blue and swim with the whale sharks in Exmouth.

During your astonishing swim with the giants, the staff will be on the lookout for other visitors, such as humpback whales, manta rays, and other fish species that make Ningaloo Marine Park their home.

In a nutshell, this Exmouth whale shark tour is nothing short of the most thrilling, awe-inspiring, and magical adventure that you will ever experience in Australia.

• High-quality snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Professional crew onboard

4. DELUXE SWIMMING TOUR WITH WHALE SHARKS EXMOUTH

Next on our list is this whale shark swim Exmouth trip that will give you the adrenaline rush of your life!

First, the tour allows you to meet these gentle giants up close and personal in their natural playground – the Ningaloo Reef.

After spotting and swimming with the whales, you’ll discover more of the area and see other species like manta rays, orcas, dugongs, and even dolphins and turtles.

Like other whale shark tours Exmouth, they take pride in having a highly experienced, professional, and fun crew, which is essential on such a tour.

But wait, there’s more – an underwater photographer will join the tour to take pictures while you swim beside the fish – this is the stuff your Instagram dreams are made of!

Note that food is also included, with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, as well as refreshments during this amazing day, to make it the special adventure you were on the hunt for.

• Parks and Wildlife fees
• Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel
• High-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits
• Experienced photographer taking underwater shots
• Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and refreshments throughout the day

5. SUNSET WHALE-WATCHING CRUISE FROM EXMOUTH

🕛   Duration: 2 hours | Group Tour

If you’re not into swimming deep in the ocean or scuba diving, then these whale shark Exmouth sightings might be the tour you’re after.

On this 2-hour cruise out of Exmouth Marina, you’ll get to observe majestic humpback whales up close.

And while you won’t be swimming, the experienced crew will teach you about these amazing creatures as they roam around in their natural habitat.

Get ready to be blown away by the stunning vistas of Cape Range while sipping on a glass of champagne or beer.

You’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the show on our walk-around deck as you watch whales breach and play in the water below. You may spot humpback whales!

If I were you, I wouldn’t wait to book it; they sell out super fast!

• Multilingual speaking guide on request
• 2-hour sunset whale-watching cruise
• Complimentary nibbles platter and alcoholic drink

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Do whale sharks eat humans.

Not at all! Whale sharks are gentle giants of the sea and rarely even notice humans, let alone eat them.

They feed on small fish and other small animals like krill, and their throats are far too small to allow anything as large as a human in.

Whale sharks have never attacked humans and pose no threat to us. In fact, we are more of a potential danger to them than they are to us.

That being said, just to stay on the safe side, you’ll want to book a best whale shark tour Exmouth for the best experience.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A WHALE SHARK DIVE EXMOUTH?

While the inclusions slightly vary from tour to tour, they’re all pretty much the same, which are the essentials.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, as well as quality snorkeling equipment, meals and snacks throughout the day, and an underwater photographer.

HOW MUCH DO EXMOUTH WHALE SHARK TOURS COST?

The Ningaloo Reef whale shark tours in Exmouth cost approximately $300 per person for diving tours and $50 per person for whale-watching tours.

Apart from the duration (diving tours last the whole day while whale-watching ones only last 2 hours), the main difference is that you’ll go underwater and play with the giants.

WHEN IS THE WHALE SHARK SEASON IN EXMOUTH?

The whale shark season in Exmouth starts in mid-March and runs until the end of September.

Tours usually start operating from March and continue through to the end of June in Coral Bay , and to the end of August in Exmouth.

Only some companies continue to operate until the end of September, so that’s something to take into consideration.

Whale sharks are wild animals in their natural habitat, so there is no guarantee that they will be present at any given time.

However, during the Exmouth whale shark tours season, the guides know exactly where to go to spot them, and they manage to do so almost all the time!

THINGS TO DO IN EXMOUTH

If you’re planning on spending a few days in Exmouth, there are plenty of fantastic things to do other than whale shark tours Exmouth.

I have put together a separate guide on everything there is to do in the region, click on the link below to read.

Must Read: 15 Things To Do In Exmouth, Western Australia

Where to stay in exmouth wa.

There are dozens of accommodation options to choose from in Exmouth WA so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See below for a list of accommodations in Exmouth that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: MANTARAYS RESORT

MID-RANGE: NINGALOO LODGE EXMOUTH

BUDGET: POTSHOT HOTEL RESORT

FOR MORE OPTIONS, SEE MY EXMOUTH ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

What to pack for australia.

When going for Exmouth whale shark tours, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Australia Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Australia!

SUMMARY – BEST WHALE SHARK TOURS EXMOUTH

This was everything you needed to know about the best Exmouth whale shark tours, as well as the whale shark season Exmouth.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you have any questions about anything we’ve discussed in this guide, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Best Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth (plus Essential Swim Tips)

Swimming with the magnificent whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef is an absolute bucket list experience. I was so excited to finally experience this for myself during our trip to Exmouth in May 2021. Read on for all you need to know, including the best time to swim with whale sharks and recommended whale shark tours in Exmouth. 

This article was first published in December 2021, and last updated in December 2023.

Table of Contents

What’s Special about the Exmouth Whale Sharks?

Exmouth is one of the only places you can swim with whale sharks in Australia.

Exmouth is a small town found on the tip of the north west cape in Western Australia, on the doorstep of the Ningaloo Reef, the world’s largest fringing reef.

You can reach Exmouth by car (11 hour drive from Perth) or by plane (2 hour flight from Perth). The drive from Perth to Exmouth has some incredible stops and sights to see along the way, make sure to check out my P erth to Exmouth guide to plan your own adventures.

Whale sharks are the world’s biggest fish. But there is no need to be alarmed by these gentle giants. Whale sharks are filter feeders that survive mostly on plankton. 

Whale Shark Season Exmouth 

The best time to swim with whale sharks in Exmouth is from April to July .

The whale shark swimming season in Exmouth begins around March to coincide with the annual coral spawning.

Tours generally begin to operate from early April in Exmouth and continue into the shoulder months of August and September. Timings may fluctuate from year to year.

Other Whale Tours in Exmouth

If arriving in Exmouth after Whale Shark season, humpback whale tours start in August.

Most tour operators offer Eco tours with possible sightings of humpback whales, manta rays and other wildlife, such as this half day snorkel turtle tour which runs almost all-year round.

What happens if I don’t see a whale shark?

If you don’t happen to see a whale shark, operators have a ‘no sighting’ policy.

This policy allows you to rebook your tour for another day. For this reason, book your whale shark tour for early on during your time in Exmouth.

This allows for the chance to take another tour if you don’t happen to see them on your first go. 

Exmouth Whale Shark Tour Experience

Tips for booking an exmouth whale shark tour.

The whale shark tours need to be booked a few weeks in advance .

The whale shark tours in Exmouth are a full day experience. You will generally be picked up from your accommodation around 7 or 8am, and return at 4/5pm.

The tour operator picks you up and drives you to the boat ramp located on the other side of the peninsula.

There are a lot of tour groups operating at the same time, so it will be quite busy. From here, you will get on a small boat to be taken out to the tour vessel.

What’s Provided on the Whale Shark Tour 

The tour operators provide everything you need for the swim, including wet suits, snorkels and fins. Make sure you take a towel and a jumper, it can get chilly in the wind in between swims. 

On the boat, you are given a safety briefing to ensure you know how to safely swim with the whale sharks. There are strict regulations that must be abided by. This includes how close you can swim, and how long groups spend with a single whale shark.

After the safety briefing, your tour head out to a calm spot for a practice swim with the snorkelling gear. Then, you will head out to the outer reef for the main event – swimming with the whale sharks!

The tour operators have a helicopter in the air looking for the whale sharks from above, to share the location via radio to the captain of your boat below.

Heading further along the coast on your WA road trip? Check out my guide on the top free things to do in Broome, or complete guide to adventuring in Karijini National Park .

What to Expect on the Day

Groups of only 10 people (plus the tour guides) are allowed in the water at one time, and you will be told to wait until the whale shark approaches by your guide.

Your guide tells you when to put your head into the water to look as the whale shark swims past.

Once the whale shark passes, now you need to start swimming ! The whale sharks swim faster than you might expect, and it can be hard work to keep up with it.

It is an absolutely surreal experience to swim alongside these majestic creatures, and something you need to experience for yourself to fully appreciate. 

During my swim with the whale sharks in the middle of May, we were lucky to swim with two different whale sharks. We had at least five swims with these whale sharks in total.

We spent a lot of time in the water swimming alongside the whale sharks thanks to our tour operator Live Ningaloo . Read on below for why I think Live Ningaloo offers the best whale shark tour in Exmouth.  

Best Whale Shark Tours Exmouth

Here’s a quick summary of my recommendations for the best company to swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo. Keep reading below for details on each and the reasons for each of my recommendations.

Best Premium Tours

If you want the most time in the water swimming with the whale sharks, Live Ningaloo is the best whale shark tour in Exmouth and my pick for a premium experience.

Live Ningaloo are the only tour operator to have only 10 people on a tour – most operators will have 20 people on board. As there are only 10 people allowed in the water with the whale shark at any one time, the tours with 20 people are split into two groups and take turns in the water.

Choosing to take a tour with Live Ningaloo will mean you will maximise your time in the water with the whale sharks which was the most important factor for us.

Another tour operator that came highly recommended from my Instagram community was Ningaloo Discovery . The unique aspect about Ningaloo Discovery is you have a choice of boat or sailing catamaran for the tour.

Both Ningaloo Discovery and Live Ningaloo provide transfers, equipment, meals and refreshments on board and their own spotter planes to get you the best chance of swimming with whale sharks.

Best of all, both companies have their own underwater professional photographer, with all photos from your tour provided to you for free as part of your package!

Not all tour operators provide photos free of charge, so make sure to check this beforehand. 

On our Live Ningaloo tour, the owner of the company was our captain and his wife took our bookings. We felt super safe in their hands and could tell how much they respected the environment in which the operated in. They gave their utmost care to not only their human customers, but the whale sharks and other marine life too. 

We ended the day celebrating with a glass of sparkling wine, sipping it while sharing stories of the day with other travellers and our tour guides. 

Best Affordable Tour

This whale shark tour is one of the best value for money tours.

With up to 20 guests on board, you’ll take turns swimming in groups of 10. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is included, as well as a celebratory beer or sparkling wine to finish up your day.

Courtesy transfers are included, and free photos from the onboard photographer, making this the best affordable whale shark swim in Exmouth.

This option is best for families, as kids can rest in between the alternating group swims.

Cost of Ningaloo Reef Whale Shark Tours

It isn’t cheap to swim with the whale sharks in Western Australia, but it is worth every dollar .

After all, this is a bucket list activity! Due to the smaller group size, Live Ningaloo does have a slightly higher tour price of A$750 per person (2023 peak season pricing). Ningaloo Discovery offer catamaran tours for $545 per person.

For a more affordable option, this tour is $460 per adult and still includes free photos and courtesy pick up.

Other tour operators pricing starts around $400, but have less inclusions (like photographer) than the ones I’ve recommended above.

Swimming with Whale Shark Tips

Here are my tips to have the best possible experience when swimming with the whale sharks 

Book your tour in advance and for your first day in Exmouth 

As mentioned above, try and book your whale shark tour for your first full day in Exmouth. That way, if you don’t see them on your tour you have the opportunity to do the tour again, pending availability. 

Bring sea sickness tablets

Even on a calm day it is possible to feel sea sickness, particularly if you are prone like me. I took sea sickness tablets on the bus on the way to the boat ramp which I was glad for later. 

Leave the GoPro at home

Whilst some people on my tour with Live Ningaloo did bring the GoPros, I personally think you could leave it at home for the swim.

Firstly, because swimming with the whale sharks is quite an intense experience, and there is a lot going on in the water. To get the most out of the experience and be as present as possible, you can focus more on the whale sharks than taking photos and looking after the GoPro in the water.

Secondly, because you have a professional photographer with you the whole day, they are more likely to take better shots anyway!

The photographer on our Live Ningaloo tour made sure to take photos of each person with the whale shark (another benefit of the smaller group size), as well as lots of photos of the whale shark itself and other marine life we saw on the day. 

Be physically prepared

I had been warned beforehand that the whale sharks swim quickly, and they were right! Once your tour guide says to start swimming, you have to start swimming and you can’t stop!

These gentle giants glide through the water, and if you don’t swim non-stop you will quickly fall behind and lose sight of the whale shark. 

Take in different angles of the whale sharks

Make sure to swim alongside the whale shark at different angles to fully appreciate these beautiful creatures.

Whilst swimming alongside the whale shark was amazing, my favourite spot was behind the tail so you could fully appreciate the size and grace of the whale shark. Their large tails swaying from side to side was a mesmerising sight to behold! 

Final Thoughts – Best Whale Shark Tour Exmouth 

Swimming with Whale Sharks is an absolute bucket list item, and both my husband and I agree it was the most amazing experience. Whilst it isn’t a cheap activity, it is worth every dollar for an experience that you will truly never forget. 

I had a fantastic experience with Live Ningaloo, and would definitely recommend them to visitors to Exmouth. Whilst they were more expensive than other tours, it was worth every penny to have a smaller group size which meant you maximized the time in the water swimming with the whale sharks. After all, that’s what you came here for right!

Check out my other guides to make the most of your time in Exmouth, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Continue Reading:

• Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Guide
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Exmouth
• Complete Guide to Karijini National Park
• All You Need to Know About Kalbarri National Park
• The BEST Things to Do in Kalbarri

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🌟 Attractions & Tours: GetYourGuide is my preferred platform as they make it super easy to compare different tours, book experiences and get the best prices for tours across the world. I've downloaded their mobile app to have all my bookings in one place to easily pull up details when I've got multiple tours booked.

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8 thoughts on “Best Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth (plus Essential Swim Tips)”

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Wow what a fantastic blog you have Tess! Thank you for this amazing insight into the experience you had, it’s so valuable. We are planning a family trip for July 2023 (flying in from Adelaide) and would love to do this with our two daughters, I’m just wondering if you think this would be ok for a 10 year old to do (the older one is 14)? She is a confident swimmer, but as you can imagine $2k for a one day family activity is quite the investment! We are hiring a motorhome and driving from Perth to Exmouth (love your other blogs about this trip), and will have 20 days in total, can’t wait.

Hey Nicole, Sounds like an amazing family trip you have planned! On some of the bigger tour boats we saw kids of all ages – I’m pretty sure they provide pool noodles to help younger ones out. I think it’s worth checking with your tour provider and they can give you their expert advice. It is an investment but it truly is a bucket list activity that your family won’t forget! Thanks for your comments on the blog, and I’m glad the guides have been useful 🙂 Safe travels and happy exploring!

That sounds perfect, yes will definitely give them a call thank you.

• Pingback: Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary (2022) - Tessomewhere

Wondering if a non swimming passenger be charged the same ?

Hi Robert, I believe most of the companies that take groups of 20 have a reduced fee for non-swimmers – check out Ningaloo Discovery. I don’t think the company I went with (Live Ningaloo) offer this as they have a smaller group size. Happy adventuring! Tess

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The Experience of a Lifetime - Swimming With Whalesharks on Pristine Ningaloo Reef

Exmouth, Western Australia, is the gateway to Australia’s iconic Ningaloo Reef – a pristine aquatic wonderland that is home to an abundance of marine life including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, Humpback whales and of course the iconic whale sharks.

Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks are original pioneers of providing diving tours and whale shark tours to Ningaloo Reef. We have the experience, knowledge and reputation that will ensure that your day will forever be remembered as a true ‘Experience of a lifetime’ .

If you can swim and snorkel, you too can safely experience the excitement and wonder of swimming with the world’s largest fish. If you can’t snorkel we can teach you how.

Our Whaleshark tours operate daily from late March thru August. We offer a full range of diving tours and experiences for all levels of skill and interest. Contact us and ensure that your Ningaloo experience is the best you can imagine and more!

No diver qualifications or previous experience required! You just need to be able to Snorkel

Why choose us?

• Professional divemasters for total safety.
• Qualified Marine Biologists.
• Multilingual crew.
• The Best Deluxe Good Swim Guarantee – Come again for Free!
• Video and photos of your day included.
• Supporting Parks & Wildlife Marine Research.
• Smallest carbon footprint of all local operators.
• Dedicated Whaleshark or Humpback Whale Tours – No gimmicks.
• First on the water to maximise your experience.

"Trip Advisor July 2018 - Fantastic day! This was on my bucket list and it was a perfect day. They picked us up from the caravan park at 7:45am. Didn’t need anything except bathers, towel, hat and sunscreen. "

"Facebook March 2021 - Did my Open Water course here and loved it. Sean was a great instructor, friendly and professional, patiently taking us through a lot of material and skills, while still making it fun and enjoyable."

Izzie Parry

"Facebook April 2021 - We had the most amazing day out in the water with Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo. We couldn't keep up with all the whale shark activity, it was beyond our expectations!"

Sarah Quinn

Whale Shark Tour

"Facebook August 2020 - I can't thank the crew enough for such an incredible day! Straight from the get go enthusiastic, vibrant, personable staff- stunning reef snorkelling- turtle/dolphin/manta/whale watching."

Tori Margaux Sturgeon

"Trip Advisor April 2021 - Couldn’t have been more pleased with the whale shark swimming experience! Did 5 swims with the whale sharks plus a few snorkels. Amazing crew who genuinely cared about the wildlife and our experience. "

"Facebook August 2020 - It was an amazing experience . We booked at the last minute . And wow what a wonderful day ."

Sally Miller

"Trip Advisor August 2018 - Today was fabulous. Picked up on time, the boat was very comfy and roomy. The skipper Shane did a great job taking us to the whale sharks and the crew looked after us very well."

Katherine B

"April 2021 "was one of the best animal interactions, my family and I have ever experienced.We were very lucky to see a blue whale, swim up close to manta ray gliding on its back and 6 different size whale sharks""

Darren Bozanich

"Facebook August 2021 - Two outstanding days of diving. I bring more physical challenges than most, and the crew handled those issues with grace and courtesy."

Open Water Dive

"Trip Advisor July 2020 - The boat is very spacious and well organised. The staff are very knowledgeable and courteous."

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Shop 3 Kennedy Street, Exmouth Western Australia

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Whale Shark & Humpback Whale Eco Tours

T 08 9949 1764 Email:  [email protected]

Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, Winstons Backpackers, 1112 Murat Road, Exmouth 6707.

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Swim with the biggest fish in the sea

At kings ningaloo reef tours our tours on the ningaloo reef will be exciting, relaxing and above all memorable. we take that extra step in making sure your day is exactly that and guarantee our tours to be second to none. we have the largest and most comfortable vessel offering optimum safety standards and reliability..

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Whale Shark Swim

Tour available from april – july, humpback whale tours, tour available from august – september, watch our showreel, it's an experience you will never forget.

Dive in with kings ningaloo reef tours

At kings ningaloo reef tours.

We believe your experience swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area should be relaxing, memorable and above all, enjoyable. We take that extra step in making sure your day is exactly that, and guarantee our tours to be second to none, always. Kings caters for swimmers of all abilities , from your kids to your grandparents, our friendly and experienced crew are always on hand to assist and enhance your snorkelling adventure.

Join Us for a once in a life time experience

From April to July, we invite you to join us on the Ningaloo Reef for a once in a lifetime experience ‘Swim with Whale sharks in Exmouth’, one of the most majestic creatures in the vast Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. From May to September, you’ll also get the chance to snorkel with the ballerinas of the seas, Manta Rays. From June til September/October the Humpback Whales will make their migration along our coastline and for those on our Whale shark Humpback Whale Eco Tours from the 1 st August – September the opportunity to swim with them is available with Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours.

Our Vessel, The Magellan

Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours boast a 20-metre vessel, The Magellan, which is considered to be one of the biggest and best charter boats operating on the Ningaloo Reef via Exmouth. The Magellan is comfortable with a spacious shaded deck, low marlin board with stairs for entering and exiting the water, and environmentally friendly facilities.

Not to mention that the skipper and owner have the best knowledge and years of experience to get you to the right spot for your chance to swim with whale sharks and other marine life in Exmouth. Come aboard the Magellan for one of our tours, for an experience never to be forgotten.

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Jill - Australia

Have just arrived back from a day with kings ningaloo reef tours and want to say what an awesome time we had. being an almost snorkelling virgin the crew gave very clear instructions and made sure i was comfortable with every step and we all were able to swim with the whale sharks on the second last day of their season. without their support this may not have happened for me. i would highly recommend this tour., peggy - australia, this was an amazing trip the crew were wonderful, friendly, efficient, professional and made our day extraordinary. i was very impressed by the efficiency of the operation, everything was super organised and easy to follow. their extra touches are the icing on the cake. swimming with two different whale sharks was an experience of a lifetime. thank you for an awesome day., ricardo - germany, very well organized trip. top crew, very helpful and attentive. everything included, care, breakfast, lunch, material in very good condition. several snorkeling units so everyone could see the election shark. we also saw turtles, whales and dolphins. the snorkeling on the reef with the current was also great. professional photos for free, which were sent the next day. we were with 4 children on board. these were also well looked after. funny crew. time was not an issue, the main thing we could enjoy the day., sandrine - france, to recommend, a unique experience, a team at the top, thank you in particular to alana for his help without whom the experience would not have been so great (even the less good swimmers can enjoy :-)) we had the chance to see ray manta, whale and whale shark the day was great, the little ones more the meal and the snacks (swim it digs), and the photos that are sent by email and which keeps nice memories without hesitation choose this company for the good mood and the professionalism of the crew thank you for this day of august 14..

EXMOUTH WEATHER

Ningaloo Blue Dive

The ultimate wildlife encounter | 08 9949 1119, ningaloo blue dive.

GUARANTEED: THE BEST WHALE SHARK SWIM IN THE WORLD!

Swimming with Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales at Ningaloo Reef is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join Ningaloo Blue and embark on the ultimate wildlife adventure.

Ningaloo Blue is a privately-owned charter operation based in Exmouth, WA. Exmouth is renowned for the Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world that can be accessed from shore, as well as its annual visits from incredible Whale Sharks!

At Ningaloo Blue, we surpass all other companies in Exmouth by maintaining exceptional standards on our tours. Our team takes pride in their friendliness professionalism and experience. Our skipper has 22 years of experience on Ningaloo Reef, guaranteeing a wealth of wildlife knowledge. We always have a qualified Dive Master on board, along with additional deck staff who offer personalised assistance to nervous snorkelers and a spotter plane for quick sighting of the majestic Whale Sharks.

For added safety while swimming with Whale Sharks, we have a Safety Tender (inflatable boat) in the water to provide extra assistance, especially for those who have limited swimming/snorkelling ability. The one of very few operators that offers this!

Our primary goal is to ensure that every participant enjoys an unforgettable day with us. With over 20 years of experience conducting Whale Shark and Humpback Whale Tours, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service for our customers.

From your initial contact with us until the end of your tour, we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. We have implemented user-friendly booking systems and provide professional educational tours that include guided snorkelling sessions, delicious meals and snacks, exceptional customer service, extra safety measures, and top-notch quality tours on Ningaloo Reef.

The Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where regular sightings of Whale Sharks occur between March- August each year. We are fortunate enough to showcase these incredible creatures to visitors from around the globe who visit the Ningaloo Region. As an additional token of appreciation for choosing us, we present our customers with a certificate for their first whale shark swim—a lasting reminder of their life-changing experience at Ningaloo.

Marlin Board:

Our specially designed Marlin Board is located at water level for easy access in and out of the water.

Safety Tender:

Your safety is our utmost priority, and we ensure your well-being throughout the tour.

We have a Safety Tender (inflatable boat) in the water with additional crew members who provide assistance whenever needed and always within meters of the swimmers at all times.

Our certified team swims with the snorkelers and another watches over everyone from the tender while swimming with whale sharks. They are there to offer extra safety and guidance, ready to assist anyone who may require help.

Why Choose Us?

Our skipper has 22 years of experience on Ningaloo Reef, guaranteeing a wealth of wildlife knowledge.

We have a professional independent videographer & photographer with 10 years of experience in wildlife photography.

Our staff members are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the area and its surroundings. They can educate you about all aspects of your trip.

We aim to offer a world-class experience that showcases the best of World Heritage at its finest.

As an Eco Certified Accredited Tourism Business with Covid Clean practices, we also strive to raise awareness about protecting Ningaloo Reef in a sustainable manner.

——

Ngarnurra nhuna nhugurarrima Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinikurtura ganyarajarri thanardi ngarrari

We acknowledge Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinikurtura People as the original custodians of the land and   

water in which we operate and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

What sets us apart from the rest..

Included in your package:

• Courtesy bus pick up and drop off from your accommodation
• Full day boat trip
• Lunch provided – Gourmet buffet lunch including cold meat, bread, fresh salad platter, fruits & refreshments
• Morning tea provided – tea, coffee and treats
• Snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef
• Professional videographer on board daily to film your adventure
• Free photos of your experience
• A great experience for the whole family
• We have a 4.5 metre Safety Zodiac in the water at all times
• Snorkelling gear provided or BYO
• Prescription masks if required
• Wetsuits provided
• Spotter planes to assist with sightings
• No show policy, if you don’t see a Whale Shark go again for FREE!
• Complimentary gift pack – includes certificate stating the day and date you swam with your first Whale Shark & awesome Ningaloo Blue Dive stickers
• Our guides are certified and experienced
• The Ningaloo Blue skipper has over 18 years experience on the Ningaloo Reef. More experience then anyone else with charters and the Ningaloo wildlife

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Driftwood Centre Shop 2/1 Kennedy St Exmouth WA 6707

FREE Call: 1800 811 338  Phone: +618 9949 1119

Email: [email protected]

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How to choose the best Exmouth whale shark tour from 11 choices

by  Lisa   |   31 May 2021

So you want to swim with a whale shark. But you don't know which company offers the best Exmouth whale shark tour and swim.     

The Ningaloo Reef, located in the northwest of Western Australia, is one of the few places in the world with easy access to whale sharks. There are now 11 companies offering a swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. Two in Coral Bay and nine in Exmouth. Which is surprising considering it’s a tiny town.     

With so many options, how do you choose the best Exmouth whale shark tour? Well, I did all the research for myself in May 2021. And now I pass it to you in the blog below.    

Do whale sharks eat humans?  

Let's get this out of the way first. Is it a shark or a whale and does it attack humans?    

The second whale shark we swam with

They look like a shark, especially its fins and tail. And technically they are a shark because their skeleton is made of cartilage, not bone. But they have whale-like qualities. Firstly, they grow as large as whales. And secondly, they filter feed, just like Humpback Whales. Hence the name given as Whale Shark.    

So no, filter feeders do not attack humans. They only feed on plankton and small fish. But if you go too close, it will surely protect itself with its tail or rollover, as all wild animals would do.    

What time of year is the whale shark season in Exmouth?  

The whale shark season in Exmouth typically runs from end of March to end of August. Sometimes you can still see them in September. However, you must remember that these animals are in the wild and therefore will come and go as they please.     

I got a quick run down from our skipper, who has been working with  Ocean Eco Adventure tours  for four seasons. You’ll see most abundance and activity when the reef is just spawning. She said that May is usually the epic month. But this year (2021), April had the most activity. As mentioned before, you can’t control mother nature or animals.    

The skipper then added that June/July the whale shark numbers start to dwindle. You will still see them but more boats will share a whale shark for a swim. It may mean that you will have less swims with it than otherwise.    

From end of July into August, some days they only see one whale shark for the day. Which will mean all the boat tour companies will have to ‘share’ a swim with it. They will do their upmost to ensure that everyone gets at least one swim with a whale shark.    

How long do you swim with a whale shark?  

DPaW (Department of Parks and Wildlife) is responsible for whale shark management in WA (Western Australia). The tour operators licence states that there is a maximum of 20 passengers per boat. And swimmers should not spend more than 60 minutes in total in the water with the shark. But you don’t do that in one swim. In fact, the number of swims per tour can range from 1 to 6 swims. It all depends upon the whale sharks.    

Firstly, it depends upon how long it takes to find a whale shark. It could be 5 minutes, or 5 hours. They are in the wild and therefore you can’t command them to appear!    

Once you find a shark, you have to hope that they don’t decide to dive down looking for more food. Again, it could take them 5 minutes or 5 hours to resurface. Which means the boat begins searching again for another whale shark swimming along the surface.    

And lastly, if you have four boats sharing a whale shark, that’s 8 groups of 10 swimmers waiting in queue for their turn to swim with the shark. My friends who booked with Ningaloo Discovery on different days had different experiences. Ivan got 3 swims and Mel got 6 swims.    

How it works?

Wading in the water in a line waiting for the whale shark to swim past us.

We jump into the water in groups of 10 and wait in a line. The instructor lets us know when the whale shark is approaching and we put our heads in the water. They swim quite close to the surface as it glides past us. Once the fins pass us, then we can swim along-side it.  On one occasion, I followed some other swimmers by swimming around the shark's tail and following along the other side. Then we had to stop to allow the next ahead of us waiting in  a line for their turn.   

The swim usually lasts for about 10 minutes. Usually until you can’t keep up anymore or if you have to stop to allow the next group in line have their turn. Then you jump back into your boat. You are then transported 50m ahead of the whale shark so you can jump back into the water in time for it to swim by. It’s quite strange how the whale sharks seem to be swimming in a straight line.    

Sometimes you may need to go looking for another whale shark if it dove down or it's looking a bit stressed with all the attention.    

Which whale shark tour is best?  

  In this table, I’ve collated all the info of every tour company into the table below. By cutting down your reading and research time,  you can make your decision much quicker.    

The table lists the main aspects of the whale shark tours that you need to consider and check value for money.  Please note, that all the details are taken from each company's website. Any blank boxes mean it is either not offered or nothing was written on their website.

You can swipe the table left and right to view all the columns, on all device types.

 Note:  all tours include use of snorkel gear, masks and wet suits.  

Notable differences:  

• Only Live Ningaloo takes a maximum of 10 people. All the rest have a maximum of 20 passengers. However, as explained earlier, you will swim with the whale sharks in groups of 10. So, with a smaller group on board, you may get more swims. Note, you do pay more.  
• All the tours include photos in the price. So, make sure you swim in front of the photographer at least once. However,  Ningaloo Blue Dive  goes one further and includes video footage as well (for an extra $60), or Exmouth Dive and Whale Sharks includes free video.
• Ocean Eco Adventures  are the only company to include breakfast as well as morning tea. Whereas, the other companies start with morning tea.  
• Most tours offer a complimentary celebratory glass of champagne on the way back to the pier. However,  Ocean Eco Adventures ,  Three Islands  and Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks offer a choice of champagne OR beer.
• Only two companies have their own spotter plane –  Ocean Eco Adventures  and  Ningaloo Whale Sharks.  For the rest, up to four boats share one spotter plane.  
• Only 3 companies have on board marine biologists. Useful for those who want to know more about the marine life on Ningaloo Reef.
• Only Ningaloo Whale Shark and Swim offer diving instead of snorkelling on the reef stops. Diving not permitted with whale sharks though.
• All companies offer a No Sighting Policy. But only two companies additionally offer a Good Swim Guarantee. More details further down the page .

I chose Ocean Eco Adventures, as they had their own spotter plane – a microlight plane. It has installed a wider radar system compared to the other spotter plans. As it can scan a wider area, it can find sharks further away from the other boats. Plus, I wanted to be on a boat that wouldn’t be sharing a shark swim.    

Which company gets the most swims?  

  Well, that depends! Each day is different. Let me tell you about my day.  

Our tour began with a snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef. A good way to check your snorkel gear is working well. Plus, the spotter plane starts flying above looking for whale sharks.  

Snorkelling on the outer reef.

After the snorkel, we sailed north first to a spot where the whale sharks were the day before. But nothing this time. However, in the distance, I could see 4 boats hovering around in one area and 3 boats in another area. Each group shares one spotter plane, so they share the whale shark too.  

After 20 minutes, we were ‘still in jail’ . That's the skippers code for ‘haven't found a whale shark yet!'. One of the other boats in the group of 4 offered to let us squeeze in for one swim. We cruised over and jumped in. It felt like we were swimming for about 5 minutes before we had to stop. We had to allow the next group of 10 ahead of us waiting in a line for their turn.  

First group of 10 snorkellers getting ready to slide into the water.

In the meantime, our microlight pilot spotted a whale shark down south. So, we headed out at full speed for 20 minutes. When we were about 500m away when the whale shark decided to dive down. It seems there is more food spawning off the coral in deeper regions. Thankfully our pilot found another one, but a fishing boat got to it first. Finally, we hit bingo. The pilot found another two in the shallow waters.   

It was so close to the reef, in 5m of water, so no chances of diving down and the water was much clearer. We had this whale shark all to ourselves, and were thrilled to get 5 swims in 45 minutes.  No other boats hovering around.  

This is about my fifth swim with the whale shark. Feeling a little tired now!

On the same day, my friend Ivan went with  Ningaloo Discovery . He got 3 swims with 3 different sharks. This was with 4 boats sharing the spotter plane.    

Three days later, my friend Mel also joined Ningaloo Discovery. She got 6 swims with one shark.    So as you can see, each boat has different experiences on each day.

We also compared the food we were given and it seems that I did get a better selection - on Ocean Eco Adventures.

The unwritten code between tour operators  

Experiencing a total of 6 swims felt like we got the most swims in one day. And I do think having our own spotter plane may have helped in that. But I do want to let you know about the unwritten code between the tour operators.   

All the tour companies do help each other as the main aim is to ensure ALL tourists benefit and see a whale shark. Just like in my experience, one boat offered to allow us to squeeze in for one swim only when we still hadn't seen a shark. But when we headed off south, we told another boat they could follow to do a swim after us. Unfortunately, that shark dived down as we arrived and the other boat weren't prepared to travel further south. Thankfully we did.    

No sighting policy  

All whale shark swim tour companies offer the No Sighting Policy during peak times only. This means that if you don’t see a whale shark on your tour, you can re-book once only on the next available day free of charge. If it doesn't fit into your schedule, most companies offer a voucher that is valid for 2 or 3 years.

Only two companies will offer a partial refund, ranging from $100-$140. The rest don't offer a refund at all if you’re unable to rebook for a later date. Therefore, it might be a good idea to book your whale shark swim tour towards the beginning of your holiday. Then you have extra days for a repeat tour if required .    

A couple of the companies offer in addition a 'good swim guarantee'. This means you did see a whale shark but the crew genuinely believe you didn't get a very good look or swim with it. So they will offer you to join the next available tour for free on standby.

Be sure to read all the guarantee conditions on the website. Each company has slightly different rules and peak time dates.

Hotel suggestions

This idyllic coastal town offers a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to comfortable apartments and cabin. The choice is yours!

Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort

The most luxurious hotel in town. A hotel that is also a destination in itself. Rooms have stunning views over Sunrise Beach or the marina. All apartments and villas have a 2-person spa bath.

Exmouth Escape Resort

This resort offers luxurious self contained apartments set amongst lush gardens. A restaurant is available if you don’t feel cooking!  An easy 2km walk into town.

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

For something more low key, this holiday park offers cabins and studio rooms – no need for a caravan! Enjoy the many facilities – 2 pools, beach volleyball, bbq areas, games room, table tennis and sometimes live performance. Easy walking distance to the boutiques, dive shops and numerous café options.

Exmouth vs Coral Bay  

Coral Bay is a smaller coastal village located 155km south of Exmouth. There are two companies that offers whale shark tours,  Coral Bay Eco Tours and Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel . They offer the same prices as the Exmouth tour companies but photos/videos are an extra cost. Note that the whale sharks tend to visit this area earlier in the season, from March to June.     

However, Coral Bay is more known for their manta ray swim tours. This is what I will be doing next time I visit this region.    

So which is the best Exmouth whale shark tour?  

All nine Exmouth companies like help each other to ensure that it’s the tourist who wins in the end. It's not about which boat got the most swims for their passengers. The tour companies want you to have an awesome experience swimming with a whale shark. Plus, they don’t want to lose their 10-year licence at renewal time, so customer satisfaction is high on their agenda .    

This is backed by all the reviews I read for each company. No one had a bad word for any of the companies. So, you choose how to make your decision by using the info in the table above. You can base it   

• on the price,   
• who has a dedicated spotter plane,   
• Prefer to have a video rather than photos  
• who serves the most food or   
• who offers a free beer (if you don’t like champagne).    

So in conclusion, it doesn't matter which Exmouth whale shark tour company you go with. Just make sure to book one! You won’t regret it.  

Disclaimer:  all photos taken by Ocean Eco Adventures on my tour.

Start planning your trip now with the following helpful links:

Flights - save money by comparing and booking flights at Skyscanner . Hotels - find hotels on any budget at booking.com Car rental - use Rentalcars  to compare all the car rental companies on the one page Tours - pre book your tours and activities at Viator Travel guides - 10% discount applied immediately on any Lonely Planet guides or books.

AVOID BEING CAUGHT OUT Book your own holiday online using the most trusted travel websites.   Download the "Best Travel Websites Guide" today.

About the author

Lisa is a travel gypsy by heart, having already been to over 70 countries and still counting. Founder of Travel Groove, to share travel tips, tricks and knowledge with other travellers.

This is such a helpful page thanks so much!

You are most welcome. Glad it was of help to you. Enjoy your Exmouth holiday!!

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Ningaloo Whaleshark Swim - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Whale Shark & Humpback Whale Tours

Explore ningaloo discovery’s amazing tour options.

Ningaloo Discovery offers a range of tours departing from Exmouth, Western Australia. “Gateway to the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park”.

Our tours are all inclusive of transfers, equipment, meals/refreshments, complimentary photography package and our own spotter plane to locate marine life.

Click on any of the links below for more information and to make a booking or contact us, please click here or call 0428604794

What would you like to do?

Swim with whale sharks.

Book your Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim on our 60-foot luxury sailing catamaran; Windcheetah or book a Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim on our 60-foot luxury powerboat  Investigator .

Swim with Humpback Whales

Ningaloo islands snorkel adventure.

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Swim with a Whale Shark (Shoulder Season)

It is common to see whale sharks right through to November! From August to October Windcheetah offers the chance to swim with a whale shark outside of the season if they are sighted by our spotter plane on our Ningaloo Reef Whale Shark and Eco Tours.

Why Choose Us?

Our passion and enthusiasm for what we do is recognised by customers and industry professionals alike, earning us multiple Silver and Bronze awards in Adventure Tourism and Eco Tourism in the WA Tourism Awards and Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence for every year running.

Our Whale Shark License was awarded to us. That’s right, we didn’t buy the rights to provide you with this experience, we earned it!

The Ningaloo Discovery family is always growing (our guests choose to return year after year!) because they trust us, and it’s worth every minute!

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The whaleshark was not officially discovered until 1828 by Dr Andrew Smith, off the coast of South Africa

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Home » HumpbackWhale Tours » Tour Overview and Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Choosing the right whales.

Below is a summary of our tour itinerary:

• 7:00-7:40am: Passengers picked up at accommodations around Exmouth by our bus.
• 7:50am: Arrive at Tantabiddi boat ramp to board our vessel, Seazone.
• 8:30am: Depart Tantabiddi to head out into the Ningaloo Reef.
• 9:00am: First snorkel on the amazing corals of the Ningaloo Reef.
• 9:30am: Spotter plane takes off to look for megafauna.
• 9:45am: Morning Tea
• 10:00am: Vessel starts cruising the outer reef looking for megafauna to swim with.
• 12:30-2:00pm: Head back into the inner reef for a delicious lunch.
• 12:30-2:00pm: Snorkel on the spectacular Ningaloo Reef. Divers dive the Ningaloo Reef & Try Dives too if conditions and time allow.
• 2:30pm: Afternoon tea whilst cruising back to Tantabiddi on the lookout for dolphins, turtles or dugongs.
• 3:00-3:30pm: Arrive at Tantabiddi and board the bus for the trip back to Exmouth.

*Times may vary depending on the conditions and activities on individual days

How we choose the right whales to interact with in-water

Our Spotter Pilot and our crew are continually scanning the horizon, looking for distant spouts that signal humpback whale pods. The more pods we spot, the more pods our pilot gets to screen for suitability. 

When we locate a pod, our pilot flies overhead and checks:

• the whales behaviour
• if the pod is in a location suitable to attempt an interaction with, and
• most importantly, that there are no undersized calves in the pod. (Our tours are operated to minimise risk of disturbance to under-sized calves or their mothers at any stage.) 

Our Pilot then lets our Skipper know that the potential pod has successfully passed screening. Our tour boat then heads over to the pod, where the skipper visually assesses the pod to confirm suitability to attempt an interaction with.

Once your Skipper confirms the pod is suitable to attempt an interaction with, they will direct your guide to get your group into the water. Your guide will then lead your group towards the optimal location for interacting with the target whale pod. 

Your guide has an in-water radio and is continually receiving directions from our skipper and our pilot where to head to get your group in the best possible location to successfully interact with these whales.

Hopefully leading you to witness the size and majesty of a humpback whale underwater.  

Our humpback whale tours will always be operated in a way that humpback whales choose whether or not to interact with us. We do not force an interaction on the whales – the only way this will work safely and sustainably is that the interaction has to be the whales’ choice at all times. 

Our staff are all trained to be able to participate in ‘Low Impact Whale Interactions’ – which is something we strongly support.

For more information about ‘Low Impact Whale Interactions’, see ‘ How the Humpback Whale interaction works ’.

Ready for a truly unforgettable experience? 

Book now and ensure you don’t miss the chance to witness a whale interaction during your visit to the Ningaloo!  

Book Online Now

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