Can Kids Go On Whale Shark Tours? What Families Need to Know

Swimming with whale sharks is one thing, but watching your child do it? That’s the kind of wonder you will never forget. 

If you’re dreaming of an epic family adventure that’s equal parts exciting, educational and completely safe, look no further than Ningaloo Reef! 

Here at Three Islands, we often get asked one big question by parents planning a trip to Exmouth: ‘Can kids go on whale shark tours?’ The answer is a big, resounding yes! And this blog will tell you exactly why.

So if you’re ready to turn ‘maybe one day’ into ‘best day ever,’ here’s everything you need to know.

Are whale shark tours kid-friendly?

If you’re planning to bring the kids along for a once-in-a-lifetime swim with whale sharks, we’ve got some fantastic news—they’re more than welcome!

We’ve carefully designed our tours to be safe, exciting and welcoming for the whole family. Small groups and an experienced crew that knows how to support young swimmers, we make sure every child feels comfortable, cared for and ready to share in the magic.

What makes our tours great for families?

It all starts with the setting. Ningaloo Reef is one of the most family-friendly places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Its shallow waters hug the coastline, so there’s no need for long, bumpy boat rides far offshore. 

And the conditions are typically gentle and clear, which is perfect for helping kids feel at ease from the moment they jump in. Then there are the whale sharks themselves! Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants are slow-moving filter feeders that cruise peacefully near the surface. 

That means no sudden movements or frantic kicking to keep up. Just a spectacular encounter that kids can truly enjoy. Plus, we keep our group sizes small, giving our crew the chance to offer you more individual support. Simply put, we’re here to make it a safe, memorable day!

A quick note for families considering a humpback whale tour

Before we continue sharing the magic of our family-friendly whale shark swim tours, it’s important to make one quick distinction. If you're considering one of our humpback whale tours instead, please note that these adventures are a little different. 

Humpbacks are faster, more unpredictable swimmers who often dive deep. Which means a higher level of swimming ability is needed. For this reason, we require participants to be 13 years or older and confident in open water to join our humpback experiences.

And now, back to the gentle giants of Ningaloo…

Safety measures parents will love

By now, you’ve seen how the waters, gentle wildlife and small groups make Ningaloo a dream setting for kids. But what really gives parents peace of mind is the way we deliver that experience.

From watchful guides to purpose-built support vessels, here’s how we make sure your little snorkeller feels safe, supported, and excited from start to finish:

1. Dedicated spotter plane & safety tenders

A dedicated spotter plane helps us keep everything calm and controlled. It flies overhead, communicating live whale shark locations to our skipper, so we can gently position the boat ahead of time.

And while you’re in the water, two safety tenders, Nigel and Neville, are always nearby. These support boats trail the group with a trained skipper ready to assist instantly if a young swimmer needs a quick rest or a ride back to the main vessel.

2. Professional, kid-savvy guides

Every guide on our crew is a qualified snorkel supervisor with current first‑aid certification. And a serious knack for turning nerves into excitement. 

Need a mask gently adjusted? Curious why whale sharks have spots? Our team loves coaxing shy swimmers into the water and turning their questions into mini marine‑biology lessons!

3. Flotation & custom gear

Children (and adults!) can use noodles, life vests or foam rings, making buoyancy a non‑issue. Wetsuits in child sizes keep little bodies warm and add another layer of float.

4. On-water ratio

We make sure only 10 swimmers enter at a time. One guide leads, another shepherds from behind, and a third hovers on the tender. That’s hands‑on supervision you won’t find from standard tour operators.

A kids-eye view of the day

So, you know the kids are in safe hands. But what does the experience of swimming with the biggest fish in the sea actually look like for them? Let’s take a look at how the day unfolds through young eyes:

• Hotel pick-up & meet-the-crew: Kids are greeted by name and given colourful reef activity sheets to ignite their curiosity from the get-go!
• Lagoon snorkel & gear practice: A shallow snorkel spot lets them test masks, fins, and floatation gear with help from friendly guides. Absolutely no pressure, just fun-loving play.
• Whale shark swim: Adults enter first while kids can watch from the tender. When comfortable and ready, they’re gently guided in for a front-row view of these magnificent creatures!
• Reef snorkel round two: A second snorkel lets young explorers spot turtles, clownfish and more. A truly amazing experience for building confidence.
• Floating classroom fun: Onboard, we have marine biologist sessions with microscopes and colourful marine life ID cards, turning reef facts into a curious world of hands-on discovery.
• Hot chocolate & hero certificates: Back on board, kids enjoy a warm drink and receive their ‘I Swam with a Whale Shark’ certificate—a proud moment to take home and share with friends.

Make it a day your family will never forget

If you’re not already bouncing with excitement, just imagine your kids’ faces as they see a whale shark glide past for the first time… It’s a story they’ll cherish and tell for years!

At Three Islands Whale Shark Dive, we’ve created an experience that’s as magical for little ones as it is reassuring for parents. With small groups, expert guides and a warm, family-run crew who remember names, we take care of the details so you can soak up each moment.

Add over 20 years of our award-winning service, and you’ve got the perfect mix of fun, safety and wow factor!

So, don’t let this dream stay dinner-table chatter any longer! If you’re ready to give your family a day they’ll never forget, book your whale shark tour with Three Islands today. Your adventure starts here!