Whale Shark and Ningaloo Reef Eco tour

Whale Shark & Marine Encounters – September & October

While Ningaloo Reef’s peak Whale Shark season runs from March through August, these gentle giants can be sighted year-round, and we often continue swimming with them into mid-October.

Join us for the ultimate Ningaloo experience departing from Exmouth during September and October. This special “shoulder season” tour embraces the excitement of ocean exploration. Guided by our experienced spotter plane, we search for wildlife each day, always with our famous big, spotty Whale Shark at the top of the list.

As nature is wonderfully unpredictable, our focus is on swimming with whichever incredible marine life we encounter. This may include Whale Sharks, turtles, manta rays, humpback whale watching, or simply exploring the breathtaking beauty of Ningaloo Reef itself. While the Whale Shark is the holy grail, we celebrate every opportunity to share the ocean with its extraordinary inhabitants.

We are dedicated to giving you the very best chance to experience Ningaloo’s remarkable marine life. However, the ocean is wild and ever-changing, and every day offers something unique. Although we work hard to create unforgettable encounters, we cannot guarantee interactions with specific animals.

We invite you to embrace the adventure, the surprises, and the privilege of exploring this World Heritage-listed reef in its natural state.

Our Whale Shark Eco Tour 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 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 

Important Information

​*A 15% public holiday surcharge applies to all tours operating on Australian public holidays (swimming spots only). This surcharge reflects increased operational and staff wage costs. Public holiday pricing will be automatically applied at checkout.​

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

Whale Shark Eco Tour Capacity

Our Whale shark license allows for 20 swimmers and 3 observers on board. Please book according to your group size, as per DBCA rules we are unable to exceed this capacity. For larger groups, we recommend booking in advance to ensure everyone secures a spot. 

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.

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.

Please note that our No Sighting Policy does not apply to tours operating after 15 July. As wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed, we do not offer partial refunds, repeat trips, or discounts if a preferred species is not sighted. We appreciate your understanding that all encounters are subject to nature and beyond our control.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Medical & Fitness Questionnaire for Whale Shark Swimming Tour Participation

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, if found
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.