Exmouth: Whale Shark Swimming & Ningaloo Reef Snorkel
You're either in the water with a whale shark or you're not, and Ningaloo makes the difference
You're picked up from your hotel and spend a full day on a two-storey vessel snorkelling the Ningaloo Reef and swimming with whale sharks (April–August) or humpback whales (September–November). Gear, lunch, morning tea, and a videographer are included. If you don't see a whale shark, you return free. The boat has a covered lower deck and upper sun area, plus a safety zodiac in the water at all times.
Step-by-step itinerary
Snorkel and swim with marine giants
- Pick up from accommodation
- Board 65-foot Ningaloo Blue vessel
- Enjoy morning tea on board
- Snorkel on Ningaloo Reef
- Swim with Whale Sharks or Humpback Whales
- Enjoy gourmet buffet lunch
- Snorkel again on Ningaloo Reef
- Relax on upper deck and sunbathe
- Return to shore and drop off
What’s included
Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full-day boat trip on a 65-foot two-storey vessel, morning tea and coffee with treats, two snorkel sessions on Ningaloo Reef, a gourmet buffet lunch, all snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit), prescription masks if needed, a safety zodiac in the water throughout, a videographer to film your swim, and a complimentary gift pack with a certificate of your first whale shark encounter. Spotter planes assist with locating marine life.
Times
- Tuesday 07:00
Before you book
Operated by Ningaloo Blue
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Most people watch whale sharks on screens. You'll be in the water with them, maybe three metres away, watching something the size of a school bus move past like it's got nowhere to be. The Ningaloo Reef runs just off the coast of Exmouth, and the whale sharks show up April through August: humpback whales take over September to November. The boat is a 65-foot two-storey vessel with a covered lower deck, an upper sun deck, and a marlin board right at water level so you can slip in without fuss. There's a safety zodiac in the water the whole time, and spotter planes help locate the animals, so you're not just hoping to see something.
Your day starts with hotel pickup, then you're on the water for the full trip. Morning tea and coffee come early, and lunch is a gourmet buffet (cold meats, fresh salads, fruit, bread, drinks) served while you're still out there. You get two separate snorkel sessions on the reef itself, so it's not just one quick dip. Snorkelling gear is provided (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit), and if you need a prescription mask, they'll have it ready. A videographer films the whole thing, so you can buy footage of yourself swimming alongside something that's been around for millions of years. The gift pack at the end includes a certificate with the date you swam with your first whale shark, which sounds small until you're holding it.
The no-show policy matters: if you don't see a whale shark, you go again for free. That's not marketing. That's the operator betting they'll find one. Weather doesn't stop the boat. You just dress for it. Kids can come as long as an adult is with them, and the fitness bar is moderate, not extreme. Bring a hat, sunscreen, towel, and a change of clothes. The boat runs in all conditions, so plan for sun or wind.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually swim with whale sharks or humpbacks rather than watch from the boat: the full-day format, two snorkel sessions, and spotter planes make the sighting likely enough that the operator guarantees a free return if you don't see one.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
When do whale sharks appear off Exmouth?
April through August. Humpback whales are September through November.
Is snorkelling gear included?
Yes. Mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit are provided. Prescription masks available on request.
Does the tour include lunch?
Yes. A gourmet buffet lunch with cold meats, salads, fruit, bread, and refreshments is served on board.
What if we don't see a whale shark?
You can return for free under the no-show policy.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Courtesy bus pickup and drop-off from your accommodation is included.
How long is the full day trip?
It's a full-day boat trip. Specific hours depend on seasonal conditions and sightings.
What's the boat like?
A 65-foot two-storey vessel with a covered lower deck, upper sun deck, and marlin board for easy water access.
Is there a videographer on board?
Yes. A videographer films daily. You can purchase footage of your swim.
What fitness level is required?
Moderate fitness is recommended. Not suitable for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
Exmouth: Whale Shark Swimming & Ningaloo Reef Snorkel
6h–7h · EN · at your hotel
from AU$ 705 per person
≈ US$ 502 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.