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Swim With Whale Sharks Exmouth

An Unforgettable Experience Swimming with Whale Sharks

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Swimming with Whale Sharks

Itinerary

tantabiddi wa

Journey to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp

tantabiddi wa

Your day begins with a courtesy pick-up from your Exmouth accommodation around 7:45am, where our team will take you to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp. Along the way, enjoy an informative commentary on local highlights, including Cape Range National Park.

exmouth swim with whale sharks

Welcome Aboard

exmouth swim with whale sharks

Time to get to the boat ramp and climb onboard the 17-metre “Draw Card”, or “Seafari” one of our modern and well-equipped vessels. Once onboard, wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted, the crew are introduced, and a vessel safety brief is given.

exmouth whale shark swim

Snorkelling Adventure on Ningaloo Reef

exmouth whale shark swim

A short cruise through the lagoon and the marine adventure begins! Kickstart your day with a snorkel on the vibrant inner Ningaloo Reef. Here we have the chance to see turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, octopus, and a myriad of colourful fish amongst the coral. There are over 500 species of fish and 250 species of coral here on the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Marine Park!

(If required, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides. Floatation aids are also available. While you are in the water, we always have our safety tender close by too.)

exmouth swimming with whale sharks

Whale Shark Encounter

exmouth swimming with whale sharks

By the time your morning snorkel has finished, our dedicated spotter plane has gone up to locate our first whale shark for the day as we head to the outer reef.

Our aim is to get you as much in-water time with the whale sharks as we can! The goal is for you to have multiple swims throughout the day with these beautiful gentle giants.

There will be 1-2 groups on the day, with a maximum of 10 per group plus your photographer and in-water guide. Each group will take turns swimming with the whale sharks allowing everyone a good view and good rest in between swims!

whale shark swim exmouth

Relax and Refuel

whale shark swim exmouth

Indulge in a delicious morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. If time permits, we’ll finish with a final reef snorkel before celebrating the day’s adventure with a complimentary beer or champagne on the journey home.

swim with whale shark exmouth

Bonus

swim with whale shark exmouth

You may also have the opportunity to swim with manta rays if spotted (more commonly from late May) and see humpback whales from the boat (from June).

Back to Exmouth

All good things must come to an end. We’ll head back the way we came, where you can catch your final glimpses of the stunning Ningaloo and its surrounds from the boat, before you arrive back at your Exmouth accommodation between 4-5:00pm.

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Your Whale Shark Swim Inclusions

Inclusions

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
  • 20 swimming passengers maximum. In-water groups of 10 at a time
  • No hidden costs. All DBCA fees & taxes included
  • Morning snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef and in the afternoon (time permitting)
  • Dedicated spotter plane to locate the star attraction
  • Safety tender always in attendance while you swim
  • 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
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WITH THE BEST NO-SIGHTING POLICY

pricing

Adult Snorkeller

$550
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Child Snorkeller

up to 17 years old
$500
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Family

2 Adults & 2 Children snorkelling
$2000
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Observer Only

Adults & Children (no option to upgrade)
$250
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No-sighting guarantee

We always aim to give you a great swim with the wildlife, but sometimes nature has other plans! 

If we can’t provide that experience, our No-Sighting Guarantee offers you either a free repeat tour, a $100 refund per person, or a voucher valid for 2 years, so you don’t miss out on meeting these amazing creatures.

Whale shark interaction tour
Season

Early March - Late July

Time

7:45am to 4:30pm

Explore

For a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the ocean’s gentle giants, our Whale Shark Tour is an unbeatable choice. Our team goes above and beyond to create a seamless and safe experience, from providing top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits to offering personalised guidance in the water. A spotter plane ensures you get the best chance to swim right alongside these magnificent creatures, and there’s even the possibility of spotting manta rays and humpback whales along the way.

But it’s not just about what you see in the water. The day is designed to be a memorable, all-inclusive experience — think a buffet lunch, refreshing drinks, and plenty of snacks, all enjoyed on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef. Plus, the onboard photographer captures all the best moments, so you leave with incredible photos without lifting a finger. 

Connect with the incredible marine life of Ningaloo in a way that’s well-organised, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Book now!

things you will need

be ready

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!

Hat and sunglasses
Towel and swimwear
Camera
Dry clothing and warm jacket
Seasickness Medication

With this one, prevention is key! Chat to a chemist before your tour to discuss your options

Snorkelling Gear

If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear

frequently asked questions

FAQs

What makes swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth unique?

Exmouth sits right on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, one of the largest fringing reefs on the planet. It’s a hotspot for incredible marine life, from majestic whale sharks to playful manta rays and sea turtles. What sets this experience apart is the pristine environment and the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. We follow strict regulations to protect both the wildlife and the reef, offering an experience that’s as eco-conscious as it is awe-inspiring.

What wildlife might I see besides whale sharks?

While whale sharks are the main attraction, Ningaloo Reef offers so much more. You might also encounter graceful manta rays, breaching humpback whales, playful dolphins, curious reef sharks, and sea turtles gliding through the water. With vibrant corals and hundreds of fish species, the reef is a marine paradise, making every snorkel an unforgettable underwater safari.

Are there rules while swimming with whale sharks?

Absolutely, and they’re in place to keep both you and the whale sharks safe.

  • Maintain a minimum distance of 3 metres from the whale shark’s side and 4 metres from the tail.
  • Avoid swimming directly in front of the whale shark.
  • Touching or harassing whale sharks is strictly prohibited.
  • Avoid using flash photography or bright lights.
  • Avoid photography aids like extended selfie sticks. 

How does the company ensure an eco-friendly experience?

Three Islands Whale Shark Dive takes its responsibility seriously when it comes to conservation. Partnering with initiatives like Carbon Neutral, we’ve planted over 5,000 trees in Western Australia to offset our carbon footprint. Our tours are designed not just for incredible encounters but also to educate guests about the importance of protecting marine life and preserving Ningaloo Reef’s delicate ecosystems.

What’s included in the whale shark tour?

This is a fully inclusive experience — we’ve got everything covered. You’ll get high-quality snorkel gear and wetsuits, access to a spotter plane for finding whale sharks, a buffet lunch, snacks, drinks, and even professional photos of your day.

Is this whale shark dive tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The tour is designed for everyone, including beginners. The crew provides snorkel lessons and flotation aids like pool noodles to make sure you feel comfortable and safe in the water.

If you’re not super confident, don’t stress! Our crew are kind, patient, and will happily assist you in the water. Plus, our safety tender is hovering to help out if things do become too much.