Imagine swimming in the crystal clear waters of Ningaloo Reef, surrounded by coral formations, turquoise water and marine life. Exmouth on Australia’s Coral Coast is the ultimate adventure – swimming with whale sharks, manta rays and other marine life in their natural habitat. For the experience of a lifetime, the reef is home to the biggest fish in the world and a kaleidoscope of fish and coral. With the stunning backdrop of Cape Range National Park and the biodiversity of Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth is a destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and everyone in between.
Ningaloo Reef: A Marine Paradise
Ningaloo Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its clear waters and fringing reef. Unlike other reefs that require long boat trips to get to, Ningaloo’s fringing reefs are right on the shore so that you can access the marine life easily. Famous for its moments and experiences, Ningaloo is home to whale sharks, manta rays, tropical fish and even humpback whales. Every encounter is a special one, whether you’re spotting majestic creatures or looking at the reef from above.
Ultimate Spot to Swim with Whale Sharks
Exmouth is famous for swimming with whale sharks, where you can get up close to the biggest fish in the ocean. These gentle giants are filter feeders and are safe for human interaction, so Exmouth is one of the only places on Earth where you can have this experience. From March to August, the blue and turquoise waters around Ningaloo fill with whale sharks during their migration, making this the perfect season for an adventure. Beyond whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, and hundreds of species of fish fill the water with life and colour, so it’s an experience for everyone.
More at Ningaloo:
- Reef and Coral: Reefs with soft corals, hard corals and hundreds of species of coral to add to the underwater colours.
- Manta Spottings: On some tours, you can see manta rays gliding through the blue water.
- Humpback Whales: Seasonal humpback whale swims.
Ningaloo Marine Park: An Adventure Seekers Must See
Ningaloo Marine Park has an abundance of marine life, coral and whale sharks. Friendly staff and guides will give you an insight into the ancient landscapes and marine ecosystems of the area. For multi-day trips, Autopia and Wildlife tour operators offer packages Perth to Exmouth tours that include swimming with whale sharks and Turquoise Bay and other hotspots around Ningaloo Coast. Our experienced guides will make sure your day of adventure is safe and immersive; we have everything covered: snorkelling gear, life jackets and equipment hire so you can turn up and go.
Marine Life:
- Whale Sharks: These gentle giants are the largest fish in the sea, and they are not to be missed. Watching them swim through the clear water is a sight to behold.
- Fish and Soft Corals: Ningaloo is famous for its colour and biodiversity. Colourful corals and fish are everywhere and endless.
- Land and Sea Creatures: As well as fish you will see land creatures like kangaroos and emus in Cape Range National Park and exotic sea creatures in the water.
Book Your Exmouth Shark Swim
Exmouth is the perfect base for your marine adventure, with comfortable and convenient facilities. Whether you want to stay in Deluxe Villas or caravan sites, Exmouth has something for everyone. Options like Exmouth Escape Resort or Ningaloo Beach Resort offer the best of luxury and convenience with buffet lunches, outdoor areas to relax, and house guest discounts to nearby attractions. Camping guests will find everything they need at Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, including parking, and a boat wash-down area.
For food Exmouth has plenty of options to suit everyone, from quick bites to fine dining. Many Exmouth tours also include lunch or lunch on board so you can sit back with a glass of champagne and take in the wildlife around you.
What to Bring for Whale Shark Swimming
To make sure your day is comfortable and successful bring the essentials like a life jacket (often provided by the tour operator), reef safe sunscreen and a camera to capture the moment. For extra comfort bring a batteries poolside charger for underwater photography or even a bar fridge for drinks.
When booking with a good operator you will have great crew and knowledgeable guides who will provide all the snorkelling gear and information on the fish and coral species you will see.
Pro Tip: Book early as whale shark and Humpback Whale Swims are popular. Exmouth Dive and other operators will pack your day with an up close and personal experience and a crew on board for the whole day.
What Else is Around Exmouth?
Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay are more of Exmouth’s secrets. Turquoise Bay has white sand and blue water, perfect for snorkeling, beachcombing and spotting tropical fish. Coral Bay with its proximity to Outer Reef and Ningaloo Reef Lagoon has incredible visibility for snorkelers and divers. These places have crystal clear water, walking trails and landscapes that are otherworldly and full of ancient land creatures like kangaroos and emus.
For an educational and cultural experience, Exmouth has an art gallery with works by West Australian Aboriginal artists, which is a perfect introduction to the area. From Blue Strike art installations to guided tours of breeding grounds in Cape Range, there’s an Australian Experience for everyone.
Local Top Picks:
- Cape Range National Park: Dramatic cliffs, gorges and coastal views, a must see for hikers, photographers and nature lovers.
- Nambung National Park: A bit further south, this park has a different landscape, with the famous Pinnacles Desert and a unique array of limestone formations.
- Kalbarri National Park: More of Western Australia’s coast’s treasures.
Final thoughts
Swimming with sharks in Exmouth is an experience not to be missed. The Ningaloo Coast and Ningaloo Marine Park are some of Australia’s top marine destinations, with everything from swimming with whale sharks to quiet fringing reefs. With crystal-clear water, marine life and professional guides, Exmouth has the ultimate adventure for anyone who wants to connect with nature’s giants. Pack your bags, jump in and get ready for a swim you’ll never forget!
FAQ
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks and other marine life in Ningaloo Reef?
Yes, swimming with whale sharks is safe when you go with a licensed tour operator who takes safety seriously. Whale sharks are filter feeders, so they are not a threat to humans. The crew will look after you and your comfort throughout the swim.
What other marine animals will I see in Exmouth waters?
Along with whale sharks you may see manta rays, humpback whales, dwarf minke whales, tropical fish and reef sharks. The marine life is so diverse every dive is different and exciting.
Do I need to have experience to go on a shark swim tour?
No, you don’t need to have experience. Many swim whale shark tours are for snorkelers and first-time divers. Operators will provide guidance, safety briefings and snorkelling equipment so you can enjoy the whole experience.
When is the best time to visit for whale shark sightings?
The whale shark season is from March to August so this is the best time to see them in the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon and Coral Bay. Humpback whales can also be seen during this time so it’s a real treat.
What accommodations and facilities are available for visitors to Exmouth?
Exmouth has Deluxe Villas and Twin Share rooms at Exmouth Escape Resort and camping sites at Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. Facilities include guest laundry, parking, outdoor areas and close to local attractions. Many resorts also have packages for future trips and discounts on local tours.