The recent report on the increase in whale sharks at Ningaloo has brought a spotlight onto our beautiful piece of Australia and the unique ecotourism experience we offer.
Since publishing our post on the report, we’ve seen articles in all the major papers over here, and several scientific and environmental publications. The story was quickly picked up in the US, where reports have increased interest in the whale shark experience.
If you’ve experienced a whale shark tour with us and would like to share your experience with Americans who subscribe to the Discovery Channel’s News Blog, go to this link and submit a comment.
We know that ecotourism has contributed to the turnaround in whale shark numbers by raising awareness. So the more people who hear about and snorkel with these amazing creatures under the guidance of eco-accredited tour guides, the more likely they are to be respected and protected - not just here in Ningaloo, but around the world.
Conservationist and marine biologist Brad Norman has pointed to some good news about whale sharks in a new report revealing the results of a 12-year study.
There have been so many reports lately of the global population of whale sharks declining - and this still remains the case - but the great news for Ningaloo is that our whale sharks are thriving. As Brad puts it: “The study suggests that the management practices at Ningaloo are working for the whale shark.” Conservation is paying off.
All of this means you can come to Ningaloo and swim with the whale sharks with the confidence of knowing these stunning creatures are being protected - and that Brad is committed to making the knowledge gained at Ningaloo available to other parts of the world embarking on whale conservation projects.
Brad’s work with Ecocean has won him several awards, and the site is worth a browse for anyone interested in whale sharks.
You can also contribute your photos to Ecocean’s identification library - you never know, your whale shark may be one that no one else has yet photographed.
I often read and hear comparisons between the Great Barrier Reef and our own Ningaloo Reef. Some say the GBR can’t be beaten, others that Ningaloo is far superior.
So which offers the best experience?
Honestly - they are both fantastic, and both ‘musts’ for any adventure traveller, whether you’re a seasoned diver or inquisitive snorkeller.
But they are different, and if you have to choose, then the choice is purely personal.
Divers who have dived the GBR won’t rest until they’ve also dived Ningaloo which is considered the “next thing” - and many are frankly blown away by the experience. I have even heard some admit in hushed tones that actually, Ningaloo is right up there with the Great Barrier - I think the tones are hushed because they don’t want to be seen to insult a national icon.
Personally I love Ningaloo because it’s relatively undamaged by the trample of tourist fins. Hordes of overseas visitors have caused a lot of damage to the Great Barrier Reef, and here in Western Australia we hope to learn from this by focusing on ecotourism. We’re very protective of our beautiful reef and strict about educating everyone who ventures into the ocean about looking but not touching.
The reef is also very close to the shore, which means you can wade out to it with your snorkel when the mood takes you - no need to take a long boat trip. This appeals to a lot of independent travellers, who also love the relative uncrowdedness of the region.
Then there’s the light and colours, which are again quite different from the GBR. I’ll leave you with the words one writer chose to describe the Ningaloo shoreline in a recently published article:
“The sheltered shallow waters between the reef and the beach are crystal clear, and the white sand beneath shines through the bright blue, giving the beaches an incandescent quality.”