Whale Shark Tour Packing List: Essentials for Your Exmouth Adventure

You’ve booked the tour, your excitement’s bubbling, and the countdown is on! But before you head into the deep blue, a little preparation goes a long way. 

When you're planning a day that includes drifting over vibrant coral gardens, gliding next to the world’s biggest fish, and soaking in that golden Western Australian sunshine, the last thing you want is to show up underprepared.

So let’s get you set! From what to wear and pack to smart extras you might not have considered, here’s your complete breakdown of what to bring on a whale shark tour.

What to bring on a whale shark tour?

A whale shark tour isn’t your typical day at the beach. You’ll be spending hours out on the open ocean—swimming, snorkelling, relaxing on deck, soaking up sunshine and taking in all the stunning marine life Ningaloo Reef has to offer.

With so much adventure packed into one day, being prepared makes all the difference. So here’s a list of the essentials to bring along to make sure you’re adventure-ready:

1. Swimwear you can move in

The day starts early, and once you're picked up, things move quickly. So it’s best to have your swimwear on underneath your clothes before you even leave your accommodation. 

Go for something snug and supportive that stays put while you’re swimming, snorkelling and climbing in and out of the water. After all, when you're focused on spotting whale sharks, the last thing you want is to be adjusting your swimmers.

2. Reef-safe sunscreen (apply beforehand)

Before you even step on the boat, make sure you’ve already applied a generous layer of reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll be out in direct sunlight for hours, and the ocean surface reflects those rays right back at you. 

Choose a mineral-based formula without oxybenzone or octinoxate. These chemicals damage coral and marine life, and the crew may even ask to check your sunscreen before you hop in. It's a small choice that helps protect Ningaloo’s incredible ecosystem.

3. Hat, sunnies & protective clothing

The Ningaloo sun is strong and relentless, especially when you're spending most of the day outside. Pack a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, and opt for polarised sunglasses to cut the glare off the water (trust us, your eyes will thank you). 

Bringing a light, long-sleeve shirt or rashie also gives you extra coverage when you’re not swimming. This is a great way to keep your skin cool and protected without needing to constantly reapply sunscreen.

4. A towel (preferably quick-dry)

Between swims, you’ll want something cosy to wrap around yourself. A compact microfibre towel is ideal, as it’s lightweight, quick-drying and easy to pack. Although you won’t be lying on the beach, having a towel handy makes it more comfortable to relax on deck or warm up after your snorkel sessions.

5. Reusable water bottle

With hours of sunshine, swimming and excitement, it’s easy to forget to hydrate if you’re not paying attention. Bring a filled, reusable water bottle (preferably stainless steel to keep your water cool) and sip often throughout the day. 

Three Islands offers water refills on board, so you can stay refreshed without reaching for single-use plastics.

6. Light jacket or windbreaker

Even in sunny Exmouth, the breeze can pick up quickly, particularly if your tour runs in the cooler months from April to September.

Even with the thrill of swimming with whale sharks still buzzing through you, being wet on a breezy deck can leave you feeling surprisingly chilly. But a light spray jacket or windbreaker will keep you warm and comfortable between dips.

7. Seasickness tablets (just in case)

You might not think of yourself as someone who gets seasick, but out on the open ocean, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A quick tablet before boarding can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and an uncomfortable one.

Whale shark tour checklist

Now that you know what to bring on a whale shark tour and why, here’s a handy checklist to help you pack it all with ease. Tick these off and you’ll be all set for a fun day of sun-soaked adventures:

• Swimwear (worn under clothes)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Polarised sunglasses
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Light windbreaker
• Reusable water bottle
• Quick-dry towel
• Seasickness tablets
• Underwater camera (optional)
• Spare clothes for after
• Small dry bag or backpack for your stuff
• Booking confirmation and ID

What NOT to bring

You’ve got the essentials sorted, so now let’s talk about what not to pack. Some items are best left behind, either because they’re not allowed on board or they’ll just get in the way. Here’s what to skip to keep things simple, safe and eco-friendly:

• Expensive jewellery: You won’t need it, and saltwater doesn’t mix well with precious metals or stones.
• Hard-shell suitcases or bulky bags: Space on the boat is limited. A small backpack or dry bag is all you need.
• Alcohol or glass bottles: For safety and licensing reasons, leave these at home. Don’t worry—water and refreshments are all provided!
• Drones: As incredible as the view is, drones aren’t permitted on the tour for privacy and safety reasons.

How to make the most of your whale shark tour

Packing right sets you up for success. But knowing what to expect and how to engage will take your experience to a whole new level! We’ve put together a few fantastic tips to help you enjoy every moment of whale shark season in Ningaloo:

• Listen to your guides: They’re experts on whale shark behaviour and safety. Following their instructions ensures you and the animals stay safe and have the best encounter possible.
• Move calmly in the water: Whale sharks are gentle giants, but sudden movements or loud noises can startle them. Swim smoothly and keep a respectful distance to observe their graceful presence.
• Protect the reef and wildlife: Avoid touching the whale sharks or coral, and use only reef-safe sunscreen. Every small action helps preserve this unique ecosystem.
• Stay patient: Wildlife encounters can’t be rushed. Sometimes the sharks come close, sometimes they keep their distance. Either way, the journey through Ningaloo’s pristine waters will leave you with lasting memories.

Your Ningaloo adventure starts here

Ningaloo’s waters are crystal-clear, the reef is teeming with life, and the crew at Three Islands has every detail sorted. But turning up with the right gear means you can truly relax, explore, and make the most of every moment.

Not booked yet? Make it official with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive, Exmouth’s award-winning tour operator known for small groups, passionate guides and unforgettable in-water encounters.

Don’t just picture it—lock in your spot and get ready to swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants on a Ningaloo adventure like no other!