Exmouth on Australia’s Coral Coast is the ultimate marine destination. Swim with whale sharks, loggerhead turtles and tropical fish at Ningaloo Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage site runs along the North West Cape with pristine waters, coral gardens and an incredible array of marine life. Exmouth’s blue waters and white sandy beaches are the perfect base for snorkelers and divers from around the world to see the ocean’s biggest fish, coral formations and some of the Indian Ocean’s most famous wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just looking for an experience to remember, Exmouth has something for you. One of the most famous marine adventure destinations, Ningaloo Reef, is one of the only places on earth where you can swim with whale sharks in their natural environment and see other amazing creatures like dolphins, dugongs and reef sharks. Tours with Sail Ningaloo and Ningaloo Discovery will give you an experience you’ll never forget, and every encounter will be safe and amazing.
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is the main event in Exmouth, with the annual migration of these gentle giants drawing international visitors to Ningaloo Reef from March to August. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean and glide through the water, giving snorkelers a chance to see their massive size and tranquillity. They are harmless filter feeders, and swimming with them is safe and amazing as they show you the beauty and scale of marine life.
To find the whale sharks, operators use spotter planes that monitor the reef and direct the boats to the best viewing areas. Exmouth Dive Centre and Whale sharks Ningaloo are two of the top tour operators for Ningaloo whale shark tours, they offer snorkelling gear and experienced guides who prioritise safety and marine life. For a luxury experience several charters offer a buffet style lunch, chilled champagne and onboard facilities for a day of adventure.
Reef Sharks, Hammerheads and more
Whale sharks aside, Ningaloo Reef is also home to other species of sharks, including reef sharks and hammerheads. Reef sharks are found on the outer reef and are elegant in their movement and often hang around coral bommies. Tours to these sites will give you the opportunity to see these lovely fish up close and a variety of tropical fish and soft corals to make the underwater landscape even more magical.
Advanced divers may see hammerheads in the deeper waters around Ningaloo and for a more exciting shark encounter. Cape Immersion Tours and Coral Bay Tours offer guided interactions that respect the animals natural behaviour and deliver an adventure of a lifetime.
Full Marine Experience
Exmouth isn’t just about shark encounters; the whole marine environment around Ningaloo Marine Park has so much more to offer. From snorkelling over coral gardens and seeing clownfish and turtles to exploring the biodiversity of Cape Range National Park, you’ll be fully immersed in reef life.
- Diving and Snorkeling Sites: The reef has many diving sites, including Turquoise Bay, where snorkelers can see a rainbow of coral and tropical fish. Dive boats take you to various sites, each with its own coral formations, marine life and sometimes even manta rays.
- Loggerhead Turtles and Dolphins: Ningaloo Reef is a turtle sanctuary, and you can see loggerhead turtles swimming through the water or resting on the reef. Dolphins are also common around the reef, often seen at Monkey Mia and other parts of the Coral Coast.
- Humpback Whale Safaris: From July to October, Ningaloo’s turquoise waters are home to humpback whales during their migration. Tours like Ocean Eco Adventures and Autopia Tours offer a Humpback Whale Swim where you can see these magnificent creatures up close and witness the spectacle of their migration.
- Night Dives and Dugong Encounters: For the adventurous, night dives offer a whole new perspective of the reef, with encounters with nocturnal reef sharks, dugongs and other marine life. Night Ningaloo tours give divers a close up view of the reef at night, guided by a team of content specialists who ensure safe and respectful diving interactions.
Plan Your Ultimate Marine Adventure
When heading out on a marine adventure in Exmouth, here are some things to consider:
- Booking Details and Direct Bookings: Many tours require bookings in advance especially during whale shark season and humpback whale migrations. Operators like Ningaloo Reef Glamping, Trek Ningaloo and Cape Immersion Tours offer a range of experiences from interaction tours to full day snorkel tours, each with options to suit different interests and dietary requirements.
- Experienced Crew and Top Gear: Make sure the tour operator provides snorkelling and diving gear. The crew, often with great reviews, is key to a safe and memorable marine experience. With their expertise, you’ll learn about the reef’s ecosystem and have a more informed experience.
- Luxury to Budget: Some tours offer a luxury experience with buffet lunch and glass bottom boats, while others offer basic boats for a simple but immersive experience of Ningaloo’s natural beauty. Exmouth Marina and Town Beach are great places to start your tour, with some operators offering airport transfers and coach transport for extra convenience.
- Day of Adventure Essentials: Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera and comfortable clothing. If you want to capture the experience, flash photography is often not allowed, but some charters offer opportunities to photograph coral gardens and marine life without disturbing the environment.
Conclusion
Exmouth and Ningaloo Reefs have it all, from swimming with the biggest fish in the sea to coral gardens full of colourful fish. From night dives and reef snorkels to luxury boat cruises and interaction tours, Exmouth has something for every marine lover. Leave the Coral Coast, its beaches and its marine wonderland with memories to last a lifetime.
FAQ
What’s the best time for whale shark and humpback whale tours in Exmouth?
Whale shark tours are March to August during the migration season, humpback whale tours peak July to October.
Can non-swimmers participate in marine encounters?
Yes! Non swimmers can join on glass bottom boats or from the deck. Some operators even have stable boats and offer day snorkel tours for all levels.
What to bring for a full day?
Bring a swimsuit, reef safe sunscreen, towel and hat. Most tours provide snorkel gear and even lunch, so check with your operator.
What else can I see besides whale sharks?
Ningaloo Reef has reef sharks, turtles, dolphins and coral gardens. You may see dugongs, manta rays and tropical fish species, so every tour is a winner.
Private charters or luxury?
Yes! Sail Ningaloo and Coral Coast Tours offer private charters with champagne, crew and private boats.