by Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an amazing array of marine life and turquoise waters. At 260km long, Ningaloo is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the world, where you can swim off the beach and explore the underwater world. One of the most incredible and unforgettable experiences you can have here is swimming with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea. These gentle giants can grow up to 12m long and visit Ningaloo every year as part of their annual migration so that you can get up close and personal on a Ningaloo Whale shark tour.
Whether you’re swimming with individual whale sharks or wanting to see the incredible array of marine life that calls the reef home, manta rays and humpback whales, preparation is key to making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare for your whale shark encounter in Ningaloo Reef, including tips on choosing the right Ningaloo reef tours, what to pack and what to expect.
When to Visit for Whale Shark Season
The best time to visit Ningaloo Reef for whale shark swims is during their annual migration, coinciding with whale shark season from March to July. Whale sharks are attracted to the reef after the annual coral spawning, a time of plenty for these filter feeders who feed on the abundant plankton. To increase your chances of a successful whale shark encounter, plan your trip for the peak season, April to June, when sightings are most frequent. Many Whale Shark Swim Tour operators also use spotter planes to locate the sharks, so your chances of seeing these gentle giants are even higher.
Tours operate out of Coral Bay and Exmouth, two coastal towns that border Ningaloo Reef and have the best access to the reef for wildlife interaction. Coral Bay is a small, peaceful town where you can snorkel right off the beach, and Exmouth is a great base for longer trips to the outer reef spots like Lighthouse Bay and Tantabiddi Boat Ramp.
Book a Licensed Whale Shark Tour Operator
Booking with a licensed whale shark tour operator is essential for a safe and responsible experience. Operators like Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours, Coral Bay Eco Tours and Ningaloo Discovery offer all-inclusive whale shark tours with expert guides, marine biologists and Dive Masters to help you get the most out of these giants. They use spotter aircraft to track down individual whale sharks, so you get a high interaction rate.
Most operators provide all snorkelling gear, including fins, masks, and wetsuits, so you can snorkel comfortably. They also have strict marine safety protocols with mandatory briefings before any interaction. Your safety is number one, and the crew on board will be with you all day.
These tours also offer other perks, such as luxury vessels with plenty of deck space and shaded areas to relax between snorkels. During the day, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast, a full morning snorkel, a whale shark swim, lunch and then a second snorkel or take in the views of the reef.
Physically Preparing for the Swim
Although whale shark tours cater for all skill levels, being a confident swimmer will make the experience more enjoyable. A basic level of fitness is required to snorkel as you’ll be swimming in open water with giant fish that can move quickly through the water. But if you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry. Most tour operators provide life jackets, pool noodles and other flotation devices to help those who need a bit of extra buoyancy.
The crew are very experienced and can assist if needed. Being mentally prepared is just as important – swimming with creatures as majestic as a whale shark can be overwhelming and may take a moment to get used to.
If you want to get the most out of your time on Ningaloo Reef, practice snorkelling before you come so you can get used to the gear.
Whale Shark Packing List
When you’re heading out for your whale shark encounter, pack wisely so you have a great day on the water. Here’s what to bring:
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Don’t harm the reef. Use environmentally friendly sunscreen that doesn’t have nasty chemicals.
- Snorkelling gear: Most tours will provide gear but if you prefer to bring your own Quality snorkel gear, bring it along.
- Warm jacket: Despite Western Australia’s warm weather, mornings and time out of the water can get chilly, especially on the boat.
- Waterproof camera: Get some amazing photos and videos of your whale shark swimming in the blue.
- Towel and dry clothes: After a day in the water, you’ll appreciate having something dry and warm to change into.
- Hat and sunglasses: When you’re relaxing on the deck between swims.
On top of these basics, bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated especially if you’re spending the whole day in the sun. Some tours will provide snacks and refreshments but you can also bring some light snacks just in case.
What to Expect on a Whale Shark Tour
A typical whale shark tour is 8-10 hours long and starts early in the morning. After a safety briefing, you’ll board your luxury boat and head out to sea. The crew will give you an overview of what to expect, and if you’re lucky, you might see other marine life like manta rays, humpback whales or even playful dolphins along the way.
Once a whale shark is spotted by the spotter plane, the boat will head to the area, and you’ll get into the water in small groups. Following the guidelines is crucial – swimmers must stay at least 3-4 meters from the whale shark’s body and 4 meters from its tail. No touching is allowed, and you must swim alongside them, never in front of them, so you don’t disturb their natural behaviour.
Between swims, you can relax on the deck, have some refreshments and listen to the marine biologist on board, who will give you some interesting facts about whale sharks, coral reefs and the Ningaloo Marine Park ecosystem. Some tours will also take you to other snorkelling spots on the outer reef where you can see colourful fish, amazing corals and maybe even a humpback-whale interaction.
More of Ningaloo’s Marine Life
Ningaloo Reef is home to more than just whale sharks. Manta rays, humpback whales and sea turtles are just a few of the marine life you might see while snorkelling or diving. Coral Bay and the Coral Coast are the hotspots for coral formations and the sheer number of fish species that live on this reef will blow your mind.
Don’t miss out on other parts of Ningaloo, too, like Cape Range National Park, where you can hike and snorkel for a full nature experience. Whether it’s swimming in the calm waters of Exmouth Cape or finding secret snorkel spots along the coast, every bit of Ningaloo is special.
FAQ
When is the best time to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?
March to July is the prime time for whale shark encounters at Ningaloo Reef. The peak season is April to June. Spotter planes help maximise whale shark sightings.
How close can I get to a whale shark?
It would be best if you kept a safe distance of at least 3-4 meters from the whale shark. This is for your safety and the safety of the animal.
What equipment do tour operators provide for whale shark swims?
Most operators provide snorkelling gear, masks, snorkels, fins and flotation devices like pool noodles or life jackets. Check with your operator before you go.
Can I see other marine life besides whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?
Yes! Ningaloo Reef is full of marine life, manta rays, humpback whales, sea turtles and hundreds of species of fish. The reef itself is an underwater world waiting to be discovered.
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
While being a good swimmer is recommended, most operators provide flotation devices to help those who need a little extra support.
