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1800 138 501
Experience the breathtaking awe of swimming alongside some of the ocean’s most powerful and conscious creatures. With only 14 people on board, your chance of an up-close encounter is maximised, and every interaction is guided by our expert crew and spotter plane.
This is an adventure for active, thrill-seeking explorers ready to meet the whales on their terms. As Simon, our lead guide says: ‘I’ve been doing this for years and I still get a rush when I’m looking them in the eye. They’re acutely aware of you, and you can feel the exchange of energy! It’s truly incredible.’
Early August – Mid September:
Your humpback whale experience begins at 9:15 am, when our air-conditioned courtesy bus collects you from your Exmouth accommodation. As we travel the 36 kilometres towards our departure point, our crew share local insights into Exmouth, the Ningaloo Coast and the striking Cape Range National Park.
It’s a relaxed start to the day and a great chance to get familiar with the team. We’ll walk you through the plan for the day, including how our experienced crew and dedicated spotter plane work together to maximise humpback whale encounters, so you feel confident and ready for your time on the water.
Mid-September – Mid-October:
From mid-September, your tour begins at approximately 9:40 am with a short transfer to the Exmouth Marina. Please note that once we begin operating from the marina, we no longer pick up from Yardie Homestead.
Step onto our 17-metre vessel, your comfortable base for a full day dedicated entirely to humpback whale encounters. Here, you’ll meet our highly qualified crew, among the most experienced on the Ningaloo Reef, with a specialised focus on humpback whale behaviour, safety and ethical in-water interactions.
As you settle in, we’ll fit you with quality wetsuits and snorkel gear, followed by a clear, friendly safety briefing. We’ve designed it all to make you feel prepared, supported and ready for an unforgettable day on the water.
Kick back as we cruise through the turquoise Ningaloo Reef lagoon (from Tantabidi) or along the North West Cape (from Exmouth Marina) on our way to the morning snorkel site. This region is a prime location for finding migrating humpback whales, and the entire journey is planned with their movements and behaviour in mind.
As we travel, enjoy a guided look at some of Exmouth’s most iconic landmarks — the famed Navy Pier, the Mildura Wreck, the historic Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and the sweeping curve of Lighthouse Bay, framed by the rugged Cape Range. It’s a stunning lead-in to your day on the water and a chance to soak up the landscape that these whales call home during their annual migration.
Our morning snorkel is your chance to settle into the water, get comfortable with your gear and warm up for the humpback whale experience ahead. This calm site offers vibrant coral gardens and the possibility of spotting turtles, rays, reef sharks, octopus and an incredible variety of reef fish. A beautiful introduction to Ningaloo’s marine life.
If you’re new to snorkelling or simply want a little extra support, our guides are right there to assist
Because this is a humpback whale tour, our entire operation – vessel, crew and aircraft – is solely focused on finding the best possible whale encounters.
Once a whale has been sighted, we’ll observe their movements and behaviour from the vessel. If our highly experienced crew determine conditions are safe and the whales are receptive, swimmers will be invited to enter the water for a possible in-water interaction. Humpback whales are naturally curious, and the encounter is always led by them. They may glide past, circle back for a closer look, or continue on their journey.
As with all wildlife experiences, every day on the Ningaloo is different. Safety, for you and for the whales is always our top priority. While our team do everything within our ethical guidelines to facilitate a humpback whale interaction, this cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, refunds, guarantees or repeat tours are not available.
Enjoy a gourmet morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon refreshments prepared onboard, all while you soak in the turquoise waters and the excitement of the day.
As we make our way back towards the mainland, we’ll wrap up your humpback whale adventure with a relaxed celebration on board. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or a local Exmouth craft beer, paired with fresh WA fruit and a cheese platter.
We’ll then return to the boat ramp or marina for your transfer back to your accommodation, arriving at approximately 5:00-5:30pm. It’s the perfect end to a truly memorable day on the Ningaloo.
The big things. While others may offer part of the experience, we bring every element together to deliver a dedicated, premium humpback whale tour with exceptional value. For full details, please see our Terms and Conditions.
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.
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.
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
No. This is a physically intensive tour designed for active adults and adventurous teenagers. Swimming quietly in tight formations is required to safely approach the whales
Tours are strictly limited to 14 guests per day, split into only two groups for the water, ensuring maximum attention and a higher chance of an intimate interaction with the whales.
While the tour is optimised for sightings, whale interactions depend on the whales themselves. Every encounter is guided for safety and respect. Sometimes the whales choose to approach, and sometimes they don’t.
The season runs from early August to mid-October. Calm, sheltered waters provide the best opportunities for mothers and calves, and our spotter plane helps locate whales for the most successful interactions.
