Give us a call
1800 138 501
Give us a call
1800 138 501
Give us a call
1800 138 501Early August - Mid October
9:30am to 5:00pm
Ningaloo Reef sees one of the largest populations of migrating Humpback Whales and is one of only a handful of places you can (legally) swim with them in the world. These majestic creatures cruise past the West Australian coast each year, providing the perfect opportunity to observe them up close on board our customised vessel. With our spotter planes overhead, snorkel alongside them in turquoise water and hear their mesmerising songs. The ultimate wildlife encounter.
Humpback whales breach playfully off Exmouth during their annual migration (early August – mid October), with mothers and their calves enchanting swimmers with their soothing singing on their journey to and from Antarctica. Travelling from their winter feeding grounds to their summer breeding grounds on North West Shelf, it is estimated that 40,000 whales pass through the Ningaloo Reef’s glistening waters each year. The calm waters provide refuge and a resting stop for mothers and their newborn calves on their long journey back to Antarctica.
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Your day starts at 9:15 am when our comfortable air-conditioned courtesy bus picks you up from your Exmouth accommodation. Settle in for the 36-kilometre journey to our departure point and listen as we take you through Exmouth’s fascinating history, including the surrounding Cape Range National Park.
We’ll also go through the day’s program, so you’re informed and ready to go.
Your day starts at approximately 9.40 am with a short transfer to the Exmouth Marina. Please note we do not pick up from Yardie Homestead once tours start departing from the Marina in Exmouth town.
Once aboard the 17-metre vessel, your comfortable home base for the day, you will be introduced to the highly qualified crew who have many years of marine experience and operate the vessel with precision to ensure your safety. Quality wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted and a vessel safety brief is given.
Cruise through the turquoise Ningaloo Reef lagoon (from Tandibidi) or along the North West Cape (from Exmouth Marina) to your morning snorkel site close to the tip of the Cape, which is where we’ll find the majestic humpback whales.
During the morning cruise, take in the iconic Navy Pier (one of the world’s best jetty dive sites), Mildura Wreck, historic Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and the picturesque Lighthouse Bay, framed by the rugged Cape Range.
At your introductory morning snorkel site you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your snorkel equipment and have the chance to swim with turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, octopi, and a myriad of colourful fish amongst the coral.
For those needing some extra assistance or not beginner snorkelers, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides. Floatation aids are also available.
Following your morning snorkel, our dedicated spotter plane will be overhead locating our first humpback whale for the day. Once a whale (or group) is located, we will observe them for a while and, if our experienced staff determine it is safe to do so, swimmers will be allowed to enter the water to try for an in-water interaction. Humpback Whales are known to be quite curious creatures, so the interaction is all up to them! They may approach you for a closer look, or they may just pass by.
As we can all appreciate with Mother Nature, every day is different and every tour unique. Our Humpback Whale Interaction Tours will be conducted with safety as our first priority, for the whales and for you! While we will do everything we can to ensure a Humpback Whale Interaction, we cannot guarantee that you will get to swim with these truly amazing mammals. Unfortunately, there are no repeat tours, refunds or guarantees that will be available.
A delicious local morning tea, gourmet buffet lunch and afternoon tea are supplied during the day with hot and cold refreshments as we go.
Conclude a once in a lifetime experience with a celebratory sparkling wine or local craft Exmouth beer and local WA fruit and cheese platter. Return to the boat ramp/marina for your transfer back to your accommodation (arriving at approximately 5-5.30pm).
The BIG things. Some might do one or a handful, but we are the ONLY company that does it ALL. As a genuinely bespoke tour, we want to deliver the best value you can find. Please see here for full Terms and Conditions.
Courtesy transfer to and from the tour
Highly qualified skipper & crew
An onboard photographer & free photos of your day
Morning tea, delicious buffet lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments throughout the day. We can cater to dietary requirements.
Extra in-water support if required e.g. buoyancy aids, noodles, snorkel tuition, hand to hold
14 swimming passengers maximum. In-water groups of 7 at a time
A chance to swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays during the day, if spotted
No hidden costs. All DPAW fees & taxes included
Morning snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef
Dedicated spotter plane to locate the star attraction
Snorkel gear & wetsuits for adults & children. Prescription masks also available
Well-maintained 17-metre vessel, with large spacious decks, cushioned seating, marlin board & in-water ladders
A complimentary glass of champagne or beer for the cruise home
Carbon Neutral - we are partnered with Carbon Neutral and have planted over 5000 trees in WA since joining the program
While we will do everything we can to ensure a Humpback Whale Interaction, we cannot guarantee that you will get to swim with these truly amazing mammals. Unfortunately, there are no free repeat tours, refunds or guarantees that will be available. In the event we are unsuccessful with an in-water interaction, we can offer a second trip at 50% off.
For most things, we’ve got you covered. But there are a few things you should make sure you bring along to ensure the best possible experience!
If you are prone to seasickness or unsure
If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear
