catamaran whale shark tour exmouth

Swim with Whale Sharks in Exmouth

Small Group Max of 10 guests (swimming or non-swimming)

Season March – July

Complimentary Transportation   To and from Exmouth township

Full Day Tour 8.30 a.m. – 2.00 p.m excluding transfer time

Gear Wetsuits and snorkel gear provided

Photos Complimentary professional digital photography on deck and underwater

Delicious Lunch Catered to all dietary requirements, including snacks

Celebration A glass of bubbles at day’s end to toast your adventures

Imagine a close encounter with the world’s largest living sharks…

Our Swim with Whale Sharks tour offers you the unrivalled opportunity to glide alongside these awe-inspiring creatures, witnessing their elegance in the shimmering blue waters of Ningaloo Reef.

It’s difficult to describe what swimming with whale sharks is like until you’ve done it. It’s truly something you have to see to believe. Our experienced crew will guide you through this unforgettable experience, ensuring your comfort and safety as you snorkel beside these magnificent sea giants. 

With a maximum of 10 guests aboard Wave Rider, our luxury vessel, our Swim with the Whale Sharks tour, is a bespoke and intimate experience, offering greater flexibility and more time in the water.

From a pre-swim informational session led by our marine scientist guide to a celebratory toast at the end of the day, we’ve curated every detail to enhance your encounter with these marine titans. 

Whether or not you want to bring your camera, our professional photographer will be on hand to capture incredible moments in and out of the water. 

Want an even more intimate experience? Our Private Swim with Whale Shark tour allows you to book our vessel and crew all to yourself. 

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeller or embarking on your first marine adventure, this tour is perfect for a range of ages and abilities. You don’t need to be a SCUBA diver to enjoy this experience—the whale sharks swim close to the surface. 

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and make your dream of swimming with whale sharks come true. Let the mysteries of the deep unfold before your eyes in an unforgettable journey of discovery. Book your Swim with Whale Sharks tour today and snorkell into the adventure you’ve been waiting for.

Advance bookings for all tours are essential.

Things to bring

While we take care of most essentials, there are a few creature comforts you should bring along to make your adventure even more amazing. Remember to pack light, it’s a boat adventure day.

Hat and sunglasses

Towel, bathers, and sunscreen

Dry clothing and a warm jacket

Seasickness medication If you are prone to seasickness or unsure

Snorkelling gear If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear

While we like to think we’re the best at what we do, some things, like the weather, sea state, customer ability, wildlife location, etc., are occasionally out of our control. Every once in a while, this itinerary might change.

Because we keep our tours small, we’re pretty flexible. We will always try to take what’s on offer naturally on the Ningaloo Reef and make the most of the day at hand. We’ll always deliver the best tour we can. 

Below is a sample Swim with Whale Sharks tour itinerary.

The day before your tour: Hydrate, avoid alcohol in excess and chill – you’re going to have an action-packed day, so prepare accordingly!

Jump out of bed , splash your face with water, and get a nutritious breakfast. You’re about to have one of the most exciting days of your life!

Live Ningaloo’s complimentary shuttle service will collect you from your accommodation. (Make sure you’ve let us know where you’re staying). For a complete list of where to pick up locations and times, check out our FAQs .

After a 30-minute informative drive with our crew, you’ll arrive at Tantabiddi Boat Ramp on the west side. This is where we keep Wave Rider.

Once we’re all on board and briefed by our skipper, you’ll be kitted out with your outfit for the day—a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit (if you haven’t brought your own).

After you’re squeezed into your wetsuit and looking fabulous, we’ll head to our first snorkel spot for the day (location is weather and sea state dependant). You can expect to see coral, fish and perhaps even stingrays, turtles and more if you’re lucky! This is also an excellent opportunity to test out your equipment for the day and ensure everything fits and there are no leaks!

Hop back on Wave Rider for a warm cup of tea or coffee and a light snack. The day is just beginning!

Our spotter planes are above us, searching for all things megafauna, keeping a special eye on anything interesting. Depending on the seasonality, we could search for whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays . They’ll communicate via radio with our skipper to let us know exactly where to head and what the behaviours of the wildlife are displaying. We will be steaming out to meet them whilst our crew brief you on swimming with the wildlife, what to do, and what not to do. Now is a great time to ensure all your gear is back on and ready to go.

If we are lucky enough to spot and swim with a whale shark, humpback whale or manta ray, this is your time to shine! You’ll have your snorkelling equipment on and be ready to jump in when our skipper and guides deem it safe. Our photographer will also be in the water to assist and capture the day.

After a few hours with the megafauna, squealing in your masks, and weeing in your wetsuits (we all do it), we’ll cruise back inside the lagoon .

We anchor up and get stuck into a delicious lunch . It’s the perfect way to refuel after a once-in-a-lifetime morning.

Weather permitting, you’ll jump in the water for your second snorkel of the day inside the lagoon. Cruise and take it slow while you soak up this unforgettable experience.

We will pop a bottle of sparkling , toast to the day, and cruise back to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp.

Live Ningaloo’s complimentary shuttle service will take you back into Exmouth Township and drop you at your accommodation. Can someone say “ best day ever ”?

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Didn't See a Whaleshark? Get a repeat tour free!

Deluxe Whaleshark Swim Tour aboard Blue Strike (1 of 2 Boats Available).

Deluxe from boat only observer bluestrike whaleshark tour, whaleshark swim tour aboard mv jazz 2 (1 of 2 boats available)., eco whaleshark tour.

• Outer Reef or Muiron Island Dive and Snorkel Tour
• Ningaloo Reef Double Dive Tour
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Whale Shark Swim

Our spectacular ningaloo reef whale shark swims operate daily from march to early august..

We Offer our Guarantee from 1st March until the 1st of August.

During this time, we offer guests above the age of six the opportunity to undertake the whale shark experience of a lifetime – the chance to get up close and personal with the world’s largest fish.

Our whale shark swims give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the crystal waters of Ningaloo Reef and swim alongside these gentle giants as they cruise the waters of Western Australia’s north west cape, their annual meeting ground for up to six months.

A Whale Shark Swim at Ningaloo Reef is a giant tick off your travel experience and dream destination bucket list!

What you can expect from our Whale Shark Swim Tours

Whale shark swims are our specialty! Spend a day with our fully-qualified team and experience the Exmouth Dive & Whale Shark difference . You can expect a fantastic day on – and in – the water, where the comfort and enjoyment of our guests and the whale sharks is our top priority.

Our light aircrafts are in the air longer than any other whale shark swim company along the North West Cape, and our boats are always first on the water. Our ‘early bird’ approach means we’re able to spot whale sharks and humpback whales from above and head directly to their location before any other tour company. With no time or money wasted in the search for these majestic leviathans, you’re guaranteed more time swimming with the whale sharks. In fact, we’re so confident your experience will exceed your expectations, we back it with our unique Whale Shark Good Swim Guarantee .

When you book with the world’s leading whale shark dive team, you can expect professional service from start to finish.

• You’ll enjoy ample swim time with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, where you’re guaranteed to spot many other species of marine life and coral.
• All tours on our fully-equipped, customised vessels include a full range of refreshments, beverages, and a tasty lunch as well as morning and afternoon tea.
• Our tour leaders are fully qualified Dive Masters, with years of experience in marine safety, scuba, and snorkeling. They’re passionate about sharing their knowledge of whale sharks, Ningaloo, and the Exmouth region, and are happy to answer all your questions.
• We take the safety and wellbeing of our guests – and the whale sharks – very seriously. Our Divemasters are fully trained in in-water rescue operations, and we carry more staff on deck than any other local tour operator. You can be confident we are prepared for swift response, in the unlikely event it is required.
• Each deluxe swim guest receives a premium video and photos of their whale shark encounter recorded by a professional videographer to keep as a memento of their amazing day.
• Everything you need for the day is fully provided. You’ll be using quality gear and equipment that fully complies with safety standards and industry regulations.

Outstanding service – Value for money – No gimmicks Just fun on the reef with whale sharks!

We’re proud to donate a portion of every whale shark and humpback whale swim to Parks & Wildlife to assist in their research initiatives.

Your Guide to Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef

Every year, whale sharks, the world’s largest known fish, make their way to the peaceful waters off the coast of Exmouth in their quest for food.

Ningaloo Reef’s remarkable eco-system attracts hundreds of whale sharks with its abundance of naturally-occurring food that starts with the annual spawning of coral in March, and continues with the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters from the continental shelf that lies beneath Ningaloo. With plankton drifting closer to the surface, whale sharks gather en masse at Ningaloo to take advantage of easy, abundant feeding.

While whale sharks can grow to an impressive 15 meters in length, and have a mouth almost 1.5 meters wide, they pose no danger to humans. They are calm, slow moving, naturally curious fish that are undisturbed by snorkellers swimming in close proximity.

Whale sharks prefer warm and temperate seas, and while they can be found in several other locations around the world for a month or two, there is no place quite like Ningaloo Reef to meet naturally-feeding whale sharks in such a large congregation across such an extended season. You’ll be awestruck by their size and beauty.

View our Whale Shark Swim tours

Join us onboard on the Whaleshark tour , for Observing whalesharks only from the boat. Observing these incredible creatures that give our guests an amazing interaction when the wild life are displaying their different behaviours.

Duration: 7 Hours (approx.)

Price: $299.00

Spend the day swimming with Whalesharks on the Ningaloo Reef with our fantastic crew onboard one of our spacious and stable vessels. Our Whaleshark Swims are an experience that will make you the envy of your friends!

Duration: 8 Hours (approx.)

Price: $499.00

Spend the day swimming with Whalesharks on the Ningaloo Reef with our fantastic crew on board our big boats. Whaleshark Swims are an experience that will make you the envy of your friends! Video package including souvenir whaleshark USB.

Price: $550.00

Late Season Special ... EcoTour, Snorkel amongst the corals& Fish on the Ningaloo Reef.. With 2 hours of plane spotting, we Look to swim with a whalesharks, Humpback Whales or Manta , but no guarantee's. FREE Pictures & Video of your day

Price: $365.00

Shop 3 Kennedy Street, Exmouth Western Australia

2 Pelias Street, Exmouth Western Australia

• Phone: 08 9949 1201
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Journey to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point

Your day starts at approximately 7.45am when the Three Islands’ air conditioned courtesy bus picks you up from your Exmouth accommodation for the 36 kilometre journey to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point. During the drive to Tantabiddi, an informative and factual commentary on local points of interest is given, including the Cape Range National Park. The day’s program is also outlined, helping to ensure you feel relaxed, informed and comfortable about the upcoming day’s events.

Welcome Aboard

Time to get to the boat ramp and climb onboard the 17-metre “Draw Card”, or “Seafari” one of our modern and well-equipped vessels. Once onboard, wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted, the crew are introduced, and a vessel safety brief is given.

The adventure begins

A short cruise through the lagoon and the marine adventure begins with an introductory snorkel on the beautiful inner Ningaloo Reef. Here we have the chance to see turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, octopus, and a myriad of colourful fish amongst the coral. There are over 500 species of fish and 250 species of coral here on the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Marine Park!

If required, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides. Floatation aids are also available. While you are in the water, we always have our safety tender close by too.

First Whale Shark

By the time your morning snorkel has finished, our dedicated spotter plane has gone up to locate our first whale shark for the day as we head to the outer reef.

Our aim is to get you as much in-water time with the whale sharks as we can! The goal is for you to have multiple swims throughout the day with these beautiful gentle giants.

There will be 1-2 groups on the day, with a maximum of 10 per group plus your photographer and in-water guide. Each group will take turns swimming with the whale sharks allowing everyone a good view and good rest in between swims!

Food and Frolic

Enjoy a scrumptious morning tea, delicious buffet lunch, and afternoon tea throughout the day, paired with delicious local beverages.

Time permitting, we’ll finish the day with another reef snorkel on Ningaloo before heading home with a celebratory beer or champagne to finish up a lovely day on the water.

You may also have the opportunity to swim with manta rays if spotted (more commonly from late May) and see humpback whales from the boat (from June).

Back to Exmouth

All good things must come to an end. We’ll head back the way we came, where you can catch your final glimpses of the stunning Ningaloo and its surrounds from the boat, before you arrive back at your Exmouth accommodation between 4-5:00pm.

The BIG things. Some might do one or a handful, but we are the ONLY company that does it ALL. As a genuinely bespoke tour, we want to deliver the best value you can find. Please see here for full Terms and Conditions .

Adult Snorkeller

Child snorkeller, flexi observer, observer only, no-sighting guarantee.

On the rare occasion we do have a no sighting our policy gives snorkellers the 3 following options;

Free repeat tour on the next available day

$100 refund per person

Or a transferable, repeat voucher valid for 2 years

Early March - Late July

7:45am to 4:30pm

Swimming with the gentle giants of the sea, the iconic whale shark, is the experience of a lifetime – an awe-inspiring wildlife interaction that will live with you forever. Join the award-winning team at Three Islands Whale Shark Dive as we take you on a snorkelling experience like no other, in the pristine marine wonderland of the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.

These amazing creatures cruise through the Ningaloo during whale shark season, from early March to the end of July – and there’s no better experience than seeing these gentle filter feeders in their natural environment. Depending on when you come, you might also see turtles, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and dolphins!

The dedicated Three Islands guiding staff are absolutely passionate about their work and love to share their intimate knowledge of whale sharks and the marine environment with guests. You’re safe in the hands of our experienced crew, who have many years of marine experience and operate the vessel with precision to ensure your safety.

For most things, we’ve got you covered. But there are a few things you should make sure you bring along to ensure the best possible experience!

Hat and sunglasses

Towel and bathers

Dry clothing and warm jacket

Seasickness Medication

If you are prone to seasickness or unsure

Snorkelling Gear

If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear

What makes swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth unique?

Exmouth is located on the edge of the Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage Site and one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. This pristine reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and of course, whale sharks.

In addition, the whale shark tourism industry in Exmouth is heavily regulated, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the sharks.We are committed to sustainable practices and educating our guests about the importance of conservation.

What wildlife besides whale sharks might I see on the tour?

Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef boast a vibrant tapestry of marine life, so you’re in for a treat beyond just whale sharks! Here’s a glimpse of some of the incredible wildlife you might encounter on your tour:

• Mantas: These graceful giants glide effortlessly through the water, their wingspans reaching up to 7 metres. They filter plankton through their filter plates, which is a sight to behold.
• Humpback whales: During their annual migration (July-November), these majestic creatures breach and sing, creating awe-inspiring moments. Keep an ear out for their haunting melodies underwater!
• Dolphins: Playful and acrobatic, dolphins are a delight to watch as they frolic in the waves. Several species call Ningaloo Reef home, including Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins.
• Reef sharks: These smaller, reef-dwelling sharks are essential for maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. You might encounter grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and whitetip reef sharks, all known for their curious nature and docile behaviour.
• Turtles: Green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles frequent Ningaloo Reef for feeding and nesting. Witnessing these ancient mariners glide gracefully through the coral is a humbling experience.
• Fish: The vibrant tapestry of fish species at Ningaloo Reef is staggering. From the colourful clownfish sheltering among anemones to the sleek batfish gliding through the water, every dive or snorkel unveils a new wonder.
• Rays: Stingrays, eagle rays, and even elusive manta rays can be spotted gliding across the sandy bottom or gracefully soaring through the water column. Observe them from a safe distance and appreciate their unique adaptations.
• Corals: While not technically “”wildlife,”” the stunning coral formations themselves are a living spectacle. Their diverse shapes, textures, and vibrant colours provide the foundation for this thriving ecosystem.

Are there any special features or equipment provided on the swim tours?

Your whale shark adventure is all-inclusive, from convenient pick-up to drop-off. Savour delicious meals, explore with top-notch snorkel gear, and capture memories with free photos. Our dedicated team utilises a spotter plane and a safety support boat for an unforgettable and worry-free experience.

Are there specific rules or codes of conduct while swimming with whale sharks?

There are specific rules and codes of conduct in place to ensure the safety of both humans and whale sharks during interactions at Exmouth. Here are some key points to remember:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 3 metres from the side and body and 4 metres from the tail of the whale shark. This allows them space to move freely and avoids disrupting their behaviour.
• Avoid swimming directly in front of the whale shark, as this can be perceived as threatening.
• Touching or harassing whale sharks is strictly prohibited. Their skin is sensitive, and touching can cause stress and damage.
• Avoid using flash photography or bright lights, as this can disorient the whale sharks.

How does the company ensure an eco-friendly experience?

Three Islands Whale Shark Dive is committed to the protection and conservation of the environment and ranks environmental considerations equally with commercial and operational factors in managing its operations. Read about our full Environmental Protection Policy.

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• Why Book Your Whale Shark Tour With Us?

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Whale Shark Tours Menu

Whale Sharks can grow up to 12 metres (40 feet) long and weigh more than 20 tonnes

• Our Whale Shark tour
• Tour Overview and Itinerary
• Your own private Whale Shark Spotter Plane!
• Whale Shark Tour Guarantee
• Essential Tour Information
• When to Swim with Whale Sharks on the Ningaloo
• How we keep you and the whale sharks safe
• Is the Whale Shark Tour suitable for me?
• Scuba Dive During your Whale Shark Tour
• What Our Guests Think About This Tour
• Volunteer with us!
• Manta rays too
• Whale shark fast facts

We’re the best Whale Shark Tour Company!

Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim is committed to providing the best whale shark tour we possibly can – each day, every day, every tour.  We achieve this based on our 20 years of industry experience (the longest of any tour company in Exmouth), and seeking to continually improve on what we do and how we do it.

It is a privilege to take our guests out on tour and help make your dream of swimming with a whale shark come true. Our team is committed to doing everything possible to ensure your tour is unforgettable, so please, if we can ever help, just ask!

What makes our whale shark tours the best available?

Our own Spotter Plane makes the difference! 

We are one of the only whale shark tour companies in Exmouth to own and operate our own spotter plane. This means we don’t have to share our plane time between multiple tour boats like almost all other whale shark tours in town do.  

Our plane operates independently from the whale shark tour boat fleet, so you have your own private eyes in the sky to find you a whale shark to swim with.  As a result, on average over the last decade our guests have spent longer swimming with whale sharks than any other tour in town.  How?  You won’t usually have to wait in a line of boats for your turn to swim with a whale shark like guests on most other tours do. 

Our Awards and Certificates 

Outstanding tour guarantees

Our Whale shark Swim Guarantee

If you are one of the unlucky few (<5% of tours) who don’t get to swim with a whale shark during your paid  tour, you can either:

• Go out on our next available tour whilst you are still in town, free of charge, on a standby basis.
• b) Or get all profit we would have made from your tour refunded back to you in full.

We commit to not profiting from a tour if it’s unsuccessful.  Instead we refund all profit back to the whale shark swimmers onboard, only keeping enough to cover the costs to run the tour that day. 

Profit refunds are calculated based on the following:

Ticket price paid by a customer

MINUS: Operating costs for the tour on that day (~$275 /50% in 2024 for fuel, wages, spotter plane, licence fees, catering, and related costs)

EQUALS: Refund amount we pay to the customer for an unsuccessful tour

*Important: cash refunds are NOT payable on repeat tours.

Bad Weather Guarantee – If we have to cancel your tour because of bad weather before heading out, you can either come out again on the next available tour during your stay or receive a full refund less a $50 fee to cover the booking and administration costs of your booking.  

Seasickness Guarantee – If you become too seasick to participate in your group’s whale shark swims, you can come out again on a standby basis for free when the weather improves. (We are the only company to offer this.)

Good Swim Guarantee – We’re so lucky with whale shark encounters on the Ningaloo that we guarantee you and your group at least a 30 second quality in-water interaction with a whale shark during your tour. If you did not get this, you can come out again on standby for free on our next available tour.

Industry-Leading Crew to Guest Ratio

We care more!  Our tours feature the highest crew-to-guest ratio of any whale shark tour boat on the Ningaloo, ensuring unparalleled attention, safety, and care – we have one crew member for every three passengers onboard a tour!

SCUBA Dive the Ningaloo Reef too! 

We are the only Ningaloo whale shark company to offer guests the opportunity to dive on the coral bombies of the Reef’s inner lagoon during your tour..  (Dives only occur during good weather and when spaces are available.) * If you haven’t dived before but have always wanted to, you can try SCUBA diving for yourself with your very own dive instructor! * If you haven’t dived for a while, this is the perfect time to do a Refresher Course so you can go diving again!  * If you’re certified, head out for a shallow bombie dive – its easy, fun and a perfect warmup for more dives whilst you are in town too! 

We give back! 

At Ningaloo Whale Shark Swim, we hold a strong belief in giving back, especially to our local non-profits and organisations whose work benefits us all (including whale shark research) through our 4 Ocean and Community Program. 

Select your favourite Tour Photo for Free!  

Our onboard photographer captures amazing moments during the tour, both in-water and onboard. At the end of each day guests can pick their favourite photo to keep and share, free of charge! Full Photo Packages are also available for $50, purchasable when you book  or onboard.

Ready for an experience of a lifetime? Book now before you get any regrets of having missed swimming with a whale shark upon your visit to Ningaloo!

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