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Whale Sharks Ningaloo

Off Peak Whale Shark & Ningaloo Reef Tour

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Season

Early August - Mid October

Time

8:15am to 4:00pm

Whale Sharks Ningaloo

Explore

Set alongside the rugged red limestone ranges of Cape Range, the sparkling waters of Ningaloo Reef is an underwater coral playground for an array of marine life. Spend an unforgettable day immersed in the beauty of the coral coast. 

Have the chance to swim with gentle whale sharks, watch manta rays backflip and glide underneath you and a technicolour dream of tropical fish surround you (hi Nemo!).

Marvel at the turtles and reef sharks that meander alongside you on the white sandy ocean floor, and watch dolphins leap and play on the surface as you cruise under wonderous blue skies.

Join the passionate team at Three Islands Whale Shark Dive as we take you on a day of adventure and discovery on the Ningaloo Reef.

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What's in store?

Itinerary

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Journey to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point

Your day starts at approximately 8.15 am when our comfortable and air-conditioned courtesy bus picks you up from your Exmouth accommodation for the 36-kilometre trip to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide provides information on local landmarks, history and great facts about the stunning Ningaloo Reef and its inhabitants. The day’s program is also outlined, helping to ensure you feel relaxed, informed and comfortable about the upcoming events.

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Welcome aboard

Time to hop on board your new home for the day, one of our safe and modern vessels. Our friendly crew will get you ready with snorkel equipment and wetsuits, and give an introductory safety briefing.

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The Adventure Begins

Sit back and relax as we cruise through the lagoon before you plunge into the crystal clear waters of the inner Ningaloo Reef. Have the chance to see a turtle swim past, sting rays resting in the sand, and a myriad of colourful fish amongst the Ningaloo coral. If required, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides.

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Marine Life

Following the morning snorkel, the vessel fires into life as we head to the outer reef in the search of Ningaloo’s marine life; dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, humpback whales and, of course, hopefully some whale sharks to swim with!

Our spotter plane will be overhead on the lookout for us.

Enjoy a delicious morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon platters in between the sightings.

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Back to Exmouth

If time permits, we head back to the inner reef to conclude the day with another reef snorkel somewhere else on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

A fruit and cheese platter finishes off the day as we head back to Tantabiddi for the journey back to your accommodation, returning approximately 3.30–4.00pm.

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What can you look forward to?

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
  • All meals and refreshments including morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
  • Morning and afternoon snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef
  • 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
  • Chance to swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, if spotted
  • No hidden upgrade fees
  • No hidden costs. All DPAQ fees & taxes included
  • 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 crew

Pricing

Adults

$400
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Child

6 to 17 years old
$350
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Family

2 Adults & 2 Children
$1380
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In the event of a No-sighting

Due to the nature of these tours, we regret to inform there are no refunds or free repeat tours if none of the more sought after marine life are spotted.

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 bathers
Camera
Dry clothing and a warm jacket
Seasickness medication

If you are prone to seasickness or unsure

Snorkelling gear

If you prefer to use your own snorkelling gear

frequently asked questions

FAQs

What month is best for whale sharks in Ningaloo?

The best month to see whale sharks in Ningaloo depends on what you’re looking for in your experience:

  • Highest chance of seeing the most whale sharks: March to August is the whale shark season in Ningaloo, with sightings almost daily during this period. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
  • Fewer crowds June to August can still be good months for whale sharks, with the added bonus of the chance to see humpback whales migrating through the area. However, the days start to get shorter and the weather can be a bit windier.
  • Unique experience: March to May coincides with the coral spawning on the Ningaloo Reef, which attracts whale sharks in large numbers. This can be a spectacular sight, but it’s important to be aware that visibility can be reduced during this time.

Are there great whites in the Ningaloo Reef?

While great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have been documented in Australian waters, including Ningaloo Marine Park, they are not considered a common sight in the area.

Great whites are known to patrol vast areas of the southern hemisphere, making occasional appearances in various locations, including Western Australia.

Sightings in Ningaloo are rare, though not impossible.

They are more frequently encountered near seal and sea lion colonies, which are not present in Ningaloo to the same extent as in other parts of Australia.

This unique fringing reef boasts warm, tropical waters and abundant plankton, catering primarily to filter feeders like whale sharks. The environment isn’t typically associated with the prey preferences of great whites, who mainly target seals, sea lions, and other large marine mammals.

Great whites tend to favour cooler, temperate waters with rocky coastlines and deeper shelves, conditions less prominent in Ningaloo compared to other parts of Australia.
Therefore, while encounters are possible, they are far less likely in Ningaloo compared to other regions.