Premium Small Group Whale Shark Experience - Exmouth 2026 Season

This special departure is designed for an intimate group of just 10 Swimmers - half the usual number giving you twice the time, space and freedom in the water with the Whalesharks and marine life on Ningaloo Reef. 

Swim with Whale Sharks on the Ningaloo Reef

An unforgettable marine adventure with Ningaloo Whaleshark’n’Dive

Ningaloo Whaleshark’n’Dive is a family-owned whale shark tour operator based in beautiful Exmouth, Western Australia.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime as you snorkel alongside the ocean’s gentle giants on the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef. Whale sharks visit the reef in large numbers from March through to the end of July, making it one of the most reliable places on Earth to swim with these magnificent creatures. Even during the shoulder season, sightings are still possible, with some whale sharks lingering around the reef year-round. In fact, in 2024, we were still swimming with them until mid-October—a testament to how this special place continues to surprise and deliver.

So, why choose Ningaloo?

Unlike other destinations, the Ningaloo Reef offers ethical, eco-friendly, and low-impact encounters in the whale sharks’ natural habitat—without the need for baiting or feeding. Located just a few kilometers offshore, the reef allows for easy access to pristine waters with exceptional visibility, giving you the chance to truly connect with nature in a safe, respectful, and awe-inspiring way.

Our experienced and passionate crew onboard Heron, our custom whale shark vessel, will ensure your time in the water is relaxed, safe, and unforgettable.

Come see why Ningaloo is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks—and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Our Whale Shark Adventure Swim Tours includes:

• Complimentary return transfers from your accommodation ( Hotel and Caravan Park in Exmouth town, including Yardie Homestead, please note we don't pickup from Airbnb, select the closest meeting point)
• Experienced, passionate guides – all qualified dive professionals
• Onboard Marine Specialist to enrich your experience
• All snorkelling gear provided: mask, snorkel, fins, stinger suits, wetsuits, noodles, and life vests (if needed)
• Dedicated whale shark spotter planes for the best possible sightings
• Safety dinghy support in the water at all times
• Buffet-style catering: morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea – featuring local Exmouth wild prawns (Special dietary requirements can be catered for – please let us know in advance!)
• Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, and chilled filtered water
• Professional Photographer – COMPLIMENTARY professional photos of your day
• All government fees are included, a portion of your ticket price goes towards whale shark research/conservation 

Book now and join us for an unforgettable adventure on the Ningaloo Reef!

Whale Shark Tour Capacity

Our usual tours can take upto 20 swimmers and 3 observers, as per DBCA regulations.

Please note: children are to be supervised by a parent or a guardian at all times.

Observer

Observer participants can participate in the Ningaloo Reef morning and afternoon snorkel only. DBCA Rules DO NOT allow observer to swap out, or swim with Whaleshark even if swimmers drop out.  If you wish to swim with the whale sharks on your tour day, please book a SWIM ticket. Upgrades may be available onboard, subject to availability. *Observer positions are not available on our premium small group tour. 

Please note: Our tours are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice due to weather, sea conditions, minimum passenger requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances.

We strongly recommend that you plan your itinerary with flexibility and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes. For guidance on the most suitable policy, please consult your travel agent.

Whale Shark Swim Guarantee 

Didn't see a whale shark? No worries — our Good Swim Guarantee has you covered!

If you don’t see a whale shark on your tour, you’ll receive a FREE repeat tour, valid for up to three years.

Applies to all Whale Shark Swim Tours from 15th of March to 15th July. After this date, standard Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour Terms & Conditions apply.

For full details, please refer to our booking terms and conditions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

To ensure your safety and enjoyment during the whale shark swimming experience, please review the following details carefully. This activity involves swimming and snorkeling in open ocean conditions and may require a moderate to high level of physical fitness.

What to Expect on the Tour:

1. Boarding and Disembarking the Boat
You will board a small tender (zodiac) from the Tantabiddi small jetty and then transfer onto the main vessel. This may involve stepping across unstable or slippery surfaces with significant height differences between platforms.

2. Entering Deep, Open Water
You will enter the water from the back of a moving boat, called the marlin board. The vessel will not be anchored—and often in choppy seas. This can be challenging, especially for non-confident swimmers, as you will be required to jump directly into deep ocean water. 

3. Swimming with the Whale Shark
Participants must swim and snorkel in potentially rough conditions to keep up with the whale shark. This requires physical effort beyond everyday activity levels and may be strenuous, particularly for individuals with heart, lung, or mobility concerns. 

4. Safety tender
Our support tender will be in the water following swimmers at all times. If a participant becomes too tired to continue swimming, the tender will approach and assist by towing them while continuing to follow the group. Once the swim ends, the swimmer will be safely returned to the guide for reboarding the main vessel.

5. Re-boarding the Boat
After your swim, you’ll need to climb back onto the boat via the marlin board without the aid of a ladder. This requires some kicking and pushing yourself up. This is physically demanding and may be the most difficult part of the experience, especially when fatigued. The ladder has been removed for safety reasons, as it could only be used in very calm water.

6. Duration 
Each swim swim length and duration is different and hard to predict. Timing is essential to maximize your chances of seeing the whale shark. Delays in entering the water may result in missing the opportunity altogether, as whale sharks move constantly.

7. Multiple Swims
The swim will be repeated several times per groups. We always aim to give you as much encounters as possible.

8. Swimming Aids
While life jackets and pool noodles are available, their use can limit your ability to swim with the whale shark effectively. Being confident and comfortable swimming without continuous assistance will make this experience easier.

9. Open Ocean Conditions
Please be aware that this is a wild marine experience. The ocean can be unpredictable and may present hazards such as rough water, wind chop and swell.

Medical Questionnaire

Please answer the following questions honestly.

If you answer "Yes" to any question, a medical clearance from your doctor will be required before participating in the tour. The medical certificate must state: "Fit for strenuous snorkelling activity in open water."

1. Do you have any lung, breathing, heart, or blood conditions that affect your physical or mental performance?
☐ No  ☐ Yes

2. Have you had any heart surgery, cardiac arrest, or heart attack in the past?
☐ No  ☐ Yes

3. Have you experienced loss of consciousness, migraines, seizures, stroke, significant head injuries, or persistent neurological conditions?
☐ No  ☐ Yes

4. Do you have back problems, hernias, ulcers, diabetes, or any other conditions that may limit your ability to climb stairs or ladders?
☐ No  ☐ Yes

5. Are you currently taking any strong prescription medications?
☐ No  ☐ Yes

Your health and safety are our top priorities. Please consult with your physician if you are unsure about your ability to participate. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.