Adventure travel experiences at Ningaloo

Are you the sort of independent traveller who loves to immerse yourself in a place when you travel? Challenge yourself with new adventure travel experiences, and learn something while you do it? Of course you do.

Ningaloo offers you adventure travel experiences in a sensational land and seascape that we are fiercely protecting. Our natural environment is so important to us in Exmouth, you will find a respect for ecotourism principles, not just at Ningaloo Blue, but from many other tour operators.

Whale Sharks

Between April and July, Ningaloo Reef is a vital feeding ground for a large number of whale sharks. The largest fish in the world, whale sharks are filter-feeders and totally harmless. Guided by Ningaloo Blue’s dive masters (mostly marine biologists themselves), you can snorkel right alongside the majestic whale sharks. You don’t need to be a diver to get close to these awesome creatures as they swim just below the surface, so snorkelling gives you the best view.

Its exhilirating, and emotional. Why are so many people moved to tears when they climb back on board? It’s hard to explain - we suggest you come and immerse yourself in the crystal waters of Ningaloo to experience it for yourself.

On this site you can:

• Get more information about Ningaloo whale sharks
• Find out about our Whale Shark Ecotour
• Book to swim with a whale shark

Manta Rays

If you are excited by the thought of swimming with the whale sharks, you’ll want to find out more about swimming with manta rays too. These graceful giants don’t have a barb (like stingrays), so like the whale sharks they are quite harmless.

What will certainly surprise you is their personality and inquisitiveness . Sometimes it seems the manta rays have come to swim with the humans!

If you are ready for the adventure, why not find out about snorkelling and dive tours or book with us.

Whales and Dolphins

It’s always exciting to see the humpback whales return each year between July and November. The migrating whales often have their calves with them, and seeing them frolick in the turquoise waters of Ningaloo is a heart-warming experience.

While humpback whales are the most frequent visitors to Exmouth (autumn and spring), we also see the southern right whale (and their calves), the minke whale and the world’s largest animal, the mighty blue whale.

Dolphins also frequent Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth, most commonly the charming bottlenose dolphin.

We don’t run special whale watching tours, however if you come with us on a whale shark or manta ray adventure from July onwards, there is a good chance you will get to see the humpback whales as well!

Sea Turtles

Ningaloo Reef plays host to one of the world’s major breeding grounds for sea turtles, which have extensive rookeries at Ningaloo. Four endangered species of turtles are found here - green turtles, loggerhead turtles, flatback and hawksbill turtles.

Seeing turtles in their natural environment is captivating. If you want to push yourself just a bit further and get involved, the Ningaloo Turtle Program is a major conservation project for green turtles. Volunteers are required between December and February each year to monitor turtles nesting on the beach, as well as supporting eductational activities.

Dugongs

It’s a sad fact that Exmouth supports the last significant population of dugongs in the world, with possibly up to 2,000 (and hopefully more) dugongs in the Ningaloo Marine Park. The dugong is vulnerable to extinction worldwide.

When you swim and snorkel in the waters around Exmouth, you have the opportunity to observe the Dugong in its native environment.

While not common, Ningaloo is one of the locations in Australia you may see the Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea), a species deemed to be in need of special protection.

Coral Reefs

Ningaloo Reef is 280km long, and one of the last healthy major coral reefs worldwide. The presence of major species such as whale sharks, manta rays, whales, dugongs, sea turtles and dolphins shouldn’t lead you to ignore the coral reef. The clear waters of Ningaloo host approximately 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral and 600 species of molluscs, a truly astonishing diversity of marine life. Part of the reason for its extraordinary diversity is its location - it is at the junction of temperate and tropical marine zones.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Exmouth is one of the world’s top destinations for snorkelling, scuba diving and underwater photography. The marine environment is teeming with marine life. Thanks to excellent visibility, you can explore (without damaging) not just the coral reef, but also an amazing range of rare marine species. And if you happen to be there precisely 7 days after the March full moon, you can watch the glow of coral spawning.

The Ningaloo Reef is not only diverse, it is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the world - within swimming distance from shore in places, so no bumpy boat rides to get there. The Turquoise Bay drift snorkel is a must. Simply walk south, swim out from the beach, drift gently along the shoreline through an array of underwater life, swim back in - and do it all again.

Ningaloo simply has some of the most impressive dive sites in the world. And you don’t need a long boat trip to get there - Lighthouse Bay is just off the coast and the Muiron Islands less than 10 nautical miles from Exmouth.

Experienced divers will tell you that the Great Barrier Reef isn’t enough - until you’ve dived Ningaloo, you haven’t experienced the best of Australian scuba.

Gorges and Canyons

Ninglaoo is so closely associated with the reef and whale sharks that many visitors are surprised to find that the North West Cape is also home to the rugged ranges and gorges of the Cape Range National Park.

More than just an added attraction, the park is a destination in its own right. Strung along the west side of the cape, it covers over 50,000 hectares, including a 3km walk trail through Mandu Mandu Gorge, a sanctuary zone for bird-lovers and gravel roads through the base of two spectacular canyones - Shothole and Charles Knife.

Independent travellers should keep an eye out for emus, euros and red kangaroos. And there are some excellent 4WD tours that include a boat trip up Yardie Creek in search of the rare black-footed wallaby.

Beaches and Surfing

Swimming and kicking back at powder white beaches such as the world famous Turquoise Bay is one thing. But did you know Exmouth is also a starting point for one of the world’s top 10 surf breaks, and has growing appeal as a destination for more exotic beach sports such as kite surfing?

The best swells occur between July and October, so stay on after the whale sharks have drifted away and catch a break or two.

The best spots within a few kilometres of Exmouth are Dunes (Surfers Beach), the Bombie and Wobiri Access. Local surf charters can also get you out by boat to the Muiron and Montebello Islands.

What our clients have to say

… thank your staff for a fantastic day out. The friendliness and professionalism of all your staff was exceptional .. an unforgettable day out … we got to swim with both manta rays and whale sharks … highly recommend your company without hesitation to anyone visiting in the area.
Alison Royle (+ family)

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