Ningaloo Whale Shark Ecotour
We operate Whale Shark Ecotours between April and July each year.
Ningaloo Blue Whale Shark Tour Brochure
Ningaloo Blue Whale Shark Ecotour
Swimming with a whale shark is a very special experience. Once our spotter plane finds a whale shark, we head out there and get you in the water.
We have experienced dive masters (most of them are qualified marine biologists) looking after you, although you don’t need to dive at all - the whale sharks swim very close to the surface, so snorkelling gets you the best view.
The dive masters lead you out to the correct place, and we wait for the whale sharks to approach and cruise nonchalantly past. They only swim very slowly, so you have plenty of time to get a magnificent view and some of your most awesome holiday photos.
And it isn’t only whale sharks you’ll see. Our spotter plane gives us a great chance of spotting humpback whales when they travel through from June to October. We also come across dugongs, turtles and breathtaking manta rays.
Closer to the reef we will see reef sharks (not dangerous), rays and a huge variety of fish.
Safety is our number one priority, and we have a Safety Zodiac in attendance for all trips. In addition to whale shark snorkelling activity, you will have at least two snorkel swims on the Ningaloo Reef. If you are one of our rare trips where we don’t see a whale shark, you will be presented with a certificate enabling you a free trip on a later date.
We have included everything you need for your tour - and that means accommodation transfers, all government changes and fees and gear for snorkelling (if you have your own, you are welcome to bring it, of course). Oh, and food and drinks - we will provide you with morning tea, a delicious buffet lunch (with vegetarian options), and fruit platters. We offer coffee, tea and cold refreshments. You will also receive a Gift Pack, with a nice certificate stating the date you first swam with a Whale Shark and a commemorative figurine.
We make a video of each trip - you can ask for copy if you like (we do charge a small additional fee if you do want your own copy).
Itinerary for Whale Shark Ecotour
Pick Up: Please note that all pick up times are approximate. If we are late please stay at the pick up point.
- 7.30 am Pot Shot Resort, Ningaloo Lodge, Exmouth Cape Tourist Village (Aspen), Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort and private accommodation
- 7.45 am Sea Breeze Resort
- 7.55 am Lighthouse Caravan Park
- 8.15 am Yardie Homestead Caravan Park
- 8.15 am Tantabiddi Boat Ramp
- 7.30 am Ningaloo Reef Retreat – South Mandu Carpark
Please bring: hat, towel, jumper, sunglasses and also if you are prone to sea sickness please bring your own tablets as we are unable to provide you with them by law.
Guide to a typical day
- 08.30 am Board Venture III – get your equipment fitted correctly (or you can bring your own)
- 09.00 am Snorkel on Ningaloo Reef
- 10.00 am Spotter plane begins to search for Whale Sharks
- 10.30/11 am Delicious morning tea – fruit bun, dip/biscuit platter, chips etc
Snorkel with the Whale Sharks as soon as the spotter plane finds them. - 1.00 pm Delicious buffet lunch – smorgasbord of cold meats, tuna and chicken, various salads – vegetarians catered for daily
- 2/2.30 pm Snorkel on Ningaloo Reef (if time allows) or with Manta Rays (seasonal)
- 3 pm Chilled fruit punch and fruit platter.
- 3.30pm Depart boat
- 4.30 pm Arrive back in Exmouth and be delivered to your accommodation.
Please note that all times are just a guide. As our tour is nature based times can vary, and food may change accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Whale Shark Eco Tour
Q. Are there any age restrictions on a Whale Shark Eco tour?
A. No there are not. Our vessel is specifically designed for Whale Shark Eco tours. Our marlin board (the platform you use to get on and off the boat) sits flush (level) with the water; this makes our boat extremely easy for all ages to get on and off. Some other boats have raised marlin boards which means you need to have the strength to pull yourself out of the water.
Q. Are Whale Sharks dangerous?
A. No they are not. They are a totally harmless filter feeding fish – this means they can not eat humans!
Q. What size Whale Sharks do you swim with?
A. Whale Sharks around 5 – 8 m are the most common on the Ningaloo Reef. However they can grow up to 18m!
Q. How much time do you spend in the water with the Whale Sharks?
A. The time in the water varies from tour to tour. We can only swim with any one Whale Shark for a maximum of 60 minutes. We generally spend 5 – 10 minutes per swim in the water besides the Whale Shark – rest for about 5 minutes then repeat the process.
Q. How do you find the Whale Sharks?
A. We locate the Whale Sharks using a spotter plane. We share a spotter plane with other companies, this basically means that we can have the plane in the air for longer and have up to 3 spotter planes looking for Whale Sharks at any one time! Not only does this mean a better success rate, we also have a better chance of locating multiple whale sharks.
Q. What if I don’t see a Whale Shark?
A. This is an uncommon occurrence. There were only 8 days out of the whole 2005 season we didn’t see a Whale Shark! See No sighting policy
Q. Are Exmouth and Coral Bay both the Ningaloo Reef?
A. Yes, Exmouth and Coral Bay are both situated on the Ningaloo Reef, however are on opposite ends of the reef. There is an approximate 1 ½ hr drive between Coral Bay and Exmouth.
Q. What is your policy on children swimming with Whale Sharks?
A. A child is classified from 2 – 14 years of age.
Children are more than welcome on our tours, we have our boat designed so kids can go swimming with the Whale Sharks too! All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Unfortunately we do not supply wetsuits for smaller children, we advise them bringing their own rash vests for sun protection.
Return to our Whale Shark page.