Swimming with Whale Sharks in Exmouth: A Bucket-List Experience

For those who love travelling and those who love to dwell on marine activities, swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth is one activity that should occupy a good position in anyone’s wish list of activities. Located beside the Coral Coast in Western Australia, Exmouth gives tourists a once-in-a-lifetime option of swimming with the largest fish yet the most gentle shark in existence — the whale shark. The alien harmless Hostel whale sharks add to the beauty of the biodiversity located in the Ningaloo Reef, which is a World Heritage Site and has some mesmerizing aquatic action in store for you.

The Magic of Ningaloo Reef

Of the world’s most stunning and undisturbed coral reef systems, The Ningaloo Reef is rated as one of the top. Located on the Western Australian coastline, this reef stretches over 260 kilometers and has in it different sorts of marine life, from dolphins and tropical fishes to mantas rays and Humpback whales. Outer Barrier Reef is remarkable because very few places exist anywhere in the world where you can take a dip with the world’s largest fish — whale sharks, and Ningaloo is one such place.

The abundance of coral and the seasonal mass corals spawning from March to May create favourable environments in which these large animals can comfortably feed, hence the migration into the area during whale shark season. Every month between March and August of the year is a high season for marine activities in the Ningaloo Marine Park, and it is no surprise that warm waters are conducive to the mating of not only whaler sharks but also other still and fast-moving animals, including dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles.

Why Exmouth is the Best Place in the World for Whale Shark Seing

Exmouth is a town on the northwestern side of Australia that is an entry point for the Ningaloo Reef. It sits in one of the locations in the world where a person can swim with a whale shark. Tourists come to this remote town wanting to have one of the most wondrous experiences. The combination of blue waters, a lot of seas and a reef around provide Exmouth with the best conditions for this unusual recreation.

The period of whale shark season in Exmouth runs from March to August, with peak season occurring between April and June most times. This coincides with the time of the year when coral spawning takes place, and hence nutrients are brought into the waters and whales, sharks, plus other species are fed. The whale sharks are spotted using planes as scout spots, but the experienced tour companies who have been in this business for several decades ensure that travellers have a good and friendly whale shark interactive experience.

Getting Friendly With the Whale Sharks

The action is underway for you in the early hours of the day, which involves travelling to the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, which is located close to the Cape Range National Park. Each clients is given a thorough safety briefing, then they take their clients out snorkelling on a charter boat in the outer reef of the lagoon. The waters of the Ningaloo Reef Exmouth are so clear that they are often referred to as aquarium clear waters, and visibility towards marine life is quite perfect.

Spotter planes circle around searching for slow-moving whale sharks once you are out at sea. Once the whale shark is spotted, it is time to get into the deeper water in the outer reef for the whale shark to swim. Water is where these creatures can swim through the waves, and harmony with friends in the water is an exciting event that most people would consider one of the greatest adventures of a person’s lifetime.

Most tour companies tend to practice as they preach, taking care not to put the patrons and the animals at risk during the whale shark encounter. It is for this reason that only a limited number of swimmers are allowed to enter the water at any given time, adding to the closeness of the activity. Increased safety for everyone involved as there are professional dive masters to supervise and manpower limitations to safety enforcement make all times fun and respectful.

What Else Can You See?

While the whale sharks are the main attraction, the Ningaloo Reef also has so much more to offer. It is a marine paradise full of diverse life. During the course of your whale shark experience, you will, in all probability, have the chance to view manta rays, reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dolphins. The reef is also gorgeous, with bright coral structures and large types of fish in excess.

If you are fortunate enough, you may also get to observe the movement of humpback whales which takes place sometime between June and October. This really adds up to the already great marine astonishing sights that is Ningaloo Reef. Several tour agencies also offer extra activities for scuba diving and snorkeling sessions where Coral Bay is known for its picturesque and simple snorkeling sites.

Every underwater photographer knows that Ningaloo Reef is truly an underwater paradise. Underwater photographers can shoot whale sharks, manta rays and other breathtaking creatures of the ocean with wonderful corals and spacious blue waters as their canvas. It does not matter whether one is a pro photographer or just going for a snorkelling session, one can find many instagrammable moments within the reef.

Beyond Whale Sharks

Although Exmouth’s cow whale shark swim is the primary focus of the duration of one’s stay in the region, there’s a lot more to be seen and done in the region. Cortez, a short drive south of Exmouth, is yet another beautiful destination where one can snorkel and have a range of places to choose to stay, from campsites to five-star resorts. A small fishing town like this is perfect after a tiring day of swimming with whale sharks and cuddling with their tired waters whilst gazing upon the Coral Coast.

Cape Range National Park, located just a few minute‘s drive from Exmouth, is a place that is great for those who love land-present adventures. In this limestone range, there are some of Western Australia’s most amazing features, such as gorges, canyons, and even some wildlife, such as kangaroos and emus. You can enjoy spectacular views of the outer reef as well as the beautiful turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park from the Cape Range, which makes it quite a great place for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit

If you want to experience diving with whale sharks while in Exmouth, the ideal time to be there is whale shark season, stretching from March to August Virgin Islands via yachts. Most whale sharks are concentrated and spotted during peak season, stretching from April up to June when the annual coral spawning occurs, making it very conducive for the whale sharks to be fed. If you are lucky enough to visit during the shoulder season in March, there are slim chances of whale shark sightings as, most likely, none will be there.

Booking your Exmouth Whale Shark Tours early is important, especially during peak season. Many tour operators have two-product offers, which immerse one or both activities, Whale Shark Swim as well as dolphin and whale watching tours, maximizing time spent in the magnificent ocean kingdom.

 

FAQ

Is the whale shark swim suitable for beginners considering the safety of participants?

Absolutely. The tour operators offer all necessary snorkelling equipment and also have a detailed safety briefing before you get into the water. Dive masters attend all throughout the whole experience to make it safe, allowing even beginners to partake comfortably.

What else is there to be explored apart from whale sharks?

In addition to whale sharks, you will normally meet mantas, humpback whales, tropical fish and even dolphins. There is an abundance of marine wildlife at Ningaloo Reef and it is a place ideal for snorkeling and exploring underwater.

When is the best time for a whale shark experience?

Best time for whale shark encounter in Exmouth is from March to August, with best exposure chances around April to June period of coral spawns.

How do tour operators search for whale sharks?

Tour operators employ the services of additional spotter planes to aid in the search for whale sharks. The planes fly above the outer reef and when whale sharks are sighted, they direct boats towards the sharks.

Are facilities for accommodation available in Exmouth or Coral Bay?

Yes, there are a variety of accommodation options in Exmouth and Coral Bay going from affordable motels to up market establishments. Booking is as much encouraged especially in peak season months.