3Islands Whale Shark Dive Ningaloo

Whale Shark Adventure

Mid March to mid August

Join the award winning team at Three Islands Whale Shark Dive as we take you on a snorkelling experience like no other, swimming alongside a whale shark on a day of adventure and discovery on Ningaloo Reef. From the moment you are welcomed aboard the 17 metre “Draw Card” you’ll feel the warm and friendly environment which, coupled with personal service, sets the company apart from others. 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. Guests are 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.

Your day:

Your day starts at approximately 7.15am 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.

From the boat ramp you are transferred to the 17 metre “Draw Card” on board Ningaloo Ecology Cruise’s glass bottom boat. Once on board, wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted, the crew are introduced and a vessel safety brief is given.

A short cruise through the lagoon and the marine adventure begins with an introductory snorkel on the beautiful inner Ningaloo Reef. If required, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides. Have the chance to see a turtle swim past, a ray resting in the sand and a myriad of colourful fish amongst the coral.

Following the morning snorkel, a whale shark interaction briefing is given over morning tea where the code of conduct is explained by one of your guides.

At the conclusion of the brief the vessel fires into life and you can feel the anticipation build as we head to the outer reef waiting for the spotter plane to notify us that a whale shark has been found.

The radio crackles and the adventure is about to begin, the deck starts to buzz as the crew and passengers get ready. A mix of sheer excitement with a hint of apprehension is visible on even the most experienced swimmers’ faces.

“What am I about to do? I’m jumping in the ocean with the world’s biggest fish!?”

As the skipper lines up the boat, what awaits our first group of swimmers? Faces down, you see it emerging from the distance with it massive mouth wide open, as it gets closer and swims past, apprehension becomes amazement and the excitement builds as you swim along with your own big spotty fish! Groups are rotated through the water to snorkel alongside; always with the company safety zodiac following behind if anyone requires assistance.

Guests often let out a cheer while waiting to be picked up, ready to do it again and again. Our photographer is always there capturing images and moments that will long be remembered for the complimentary CD.

During all the excitement, a delicious lunch is served buffet style, catered by award winning Chelsea Jade Catering. If time permits, we head back to the inner reef to conclude the day with a reef snorkel. You may have the opportunity to swim with manta rays if spotted (from late May) and see humpback whales from the boat (from late June).

A fruit and cheese platter finishes off the day then back to the moorings and beach for the journey back to your accommodation. 

Your tour includes: 

• Courtesy transfers to and from your Exmouth accommodation in our air conditioned bus
• Transfer to main vessel on board Ningaloo Ecology Cruises glass bottom boat with Alek Nowak*
• A warm welcome on boarding the vessel with a relaxed friending atmosphere
• Exmouth's only multi-award winning whale shark tour. Five years running in the finals of the WA Tourism Awards, 3 Silver Medals and 1 Bronze
• Qualified, friendly guides with many years of experience in Marine Tourism
• Quality snorkel gear and wetsuits for adults and children. Prescription masks available.
• Morning tea, delicious buffet lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments. Salads prepared fresh daily by award winning, local business, Chelsea Jade Catering
• FREE CD of Photos from the day and a Best Of Ningaloo DVD (1 CD/DVD per booking group)
• Extra in-water support if required e.g. life jacket, buoyancy vest, noodles, snorkel tuition
• Exclusive use of Spotter Plane to find whale sharks
• Safety boat ALWAYS in attendance while you swim A reef snorkel to start the day and finish if time permits
• No sighting policy – FREE REPEAT TOUR – (With 2 vessels, this means we have more opportunity to get you back out sooner if we have a no sighting. Repeats will be made available to you on the next available day which could be the following day.)
• Informative whale shark briefing by knowledgeable staff
• 2 x well maintained, stable vessels with large spacious flat shaded decks, cushioned seating, marlin board and in-water ladders
• Safety and snorkel site briefings, roll calls

          *Weather permitting

No Sighting Policy  

In the rare event that a whale shark is not sighted on your tour, one free repeat tour is offered to snorkelers on the next available day. A non-transferable repeat tour voucher, valid for the current and following 2 seasons, can be issued to those passengers unable to repeat the tour. As we are dealing with unpredictable wild animals we regret there can be no refunds for no sightings. Repeat tour not vaild for obervers.