Highlights
- Swim with whale sharks
- Snorkel at Ningaloo Reef
- Available at peak whale shark season from April to July
- Knowledgeable and professional crew
Description
The Whale Shark, commonly found at Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth, Western Australia, is the largest and one of the rarest fish in the world and has been around for about 16 million years. Every year from April to July you can experience the magnificent creatures by snorkelling with the Ningaloo Reef whale sharks in clear blue waters on a Discovery Cruise with Ocean Eco Adventures. The Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark Discovery cruises depart daily from Exmouth, Western Australia during the months of April to July.
The plankton eating Whale Sharks visit the waters of Ningaloo Reef each year around the coral spawning event on the West Coast. The whale sharks found at Ningaloo Reef are generally swimming on the surface and travel at about 3-5kms per hour. During the whale shark season at Ningaloo Reef up to 175 different sharks can be sited, making it one of the most significant gatherings of these incredible animals anywhere in the world.
The Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark Discovery cruise begins with a courtesy bus transfer from your accommodation to where you board the Ocean Eco Adventures vessel, “Latitude 22”. The fast, modern vessel is specifically designed to maximise marine animal viewing and is well equipped with a toilet onboard, making it an ideal vessel to experience the beauty of the Ningaloo Reef.
Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark Discovery tours have an exclusive aircraft spotter to search the reef for whale sharks. This helps to ensure you will get to spend as much time in the water swimming with the Ningaloo whale sharks as possible. Your group will be lead by a snorkel guide whilst and a videographer will capture footage of the whale sharks and other marine life present throughout the day.
During the day you will also have the option to snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef at coral sites abundant with tropical fish life. Your Ocean Eco Adventures crew will also search for turtles, dolphins, dugong, rays, sea birds and other marine life to see throughout the day. One of the highlights of your day will also be the delicious gourmet food featuring fresh Western Australian produce. A complimentary DVD of the tour completes a memorable day.
Trip Includes
- Return transfers from your Exmouth accommodation
- Snorkelling equipment & wetsuit
- Full day Whale Shark Discovery Cruise including snorkelling with whale sharks
- At least one snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef
- All meals - morning tea, gourmet buffet lunch with fresh local seafood & afternoon tea
- Filtered water, cordial, soft drinks, tea & coffee
- Complimentary glass of champagne or beer to celebrate your swim
- Government fees & taxes
- Complimentary photos of your Whale Shark tour
- Private spotter plane used to locate whale sharks
Duration
Departures
- Departs 8am (returns 4.30pm)
- Departs your Exmouth accommodation or meet at Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, Yardie Creek Rd, North West Cape (40 minutes drive from Exmouth)
- Operates daily April to end of July
Other Information
- Prices are per seat
- Non swimmers welcome as an observer
- Infants under 3yrs go free of charge for observing
- Group rates are available upon request, please contact us
- Seats are restricted to 20 swimmers and 3 observers per tour
- Max 10 people in the water with whale sharks at one time
- Must be confident swimmer & have snorkelled before
- Food includes cheese platters, local prawns, smoked salmon, Italian meats, chicken, ham, vegetarian dishes, fruit platters, tea, organic coffee & soft drinks
- Bring with your a camera, sunscreen, hat, warm clothes, swim wear & towel